{"title":"J.M. Hall","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"retired-teacher-mysteries-2-books-collection-set-jm-hall-paperback","title":"The Retired Teacher Mysteries 2 Books Collection Set by J.M. Hall - Fiction - Paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitles in This Set\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA Spoonful of Murder (The Retired Teacher Mysteries, Book 1)\u003cbr\u003e\nA Pen Dipped in Poison (The Retired Teacher Mysteries, Book 2)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCondition: BRAND NEW\u003cbr\u003e\nFormat: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\nISBN: A Spoonful of Murder 9780008509613 \/ A Pen Dipped in Poison 9780008509644\u003cbr\u003e\nPublisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Avon)\u003cbr\u003e\nAge Range: Adult\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nStep into the cosy, tea-and-cake world of Thirsk with this two-book collection from J.M. Hall. Following three unlikely retired schoolteacher sleuths, Liz, Thelma and Pat, these witty, page-turning mysteries blend gentle humour with genuine intrigue. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, this paperback set is an ideal gift for cosy crime lovers, book club members, or anyone who enjoys a warm, character-driven whodunnit with a Yorkshire flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Books\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIn \u003cem\u003eA Spoonful of Murder\u003c\/em\u003e, three retired teachers meet every Thursday for \"coffee o'clock\" at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. When they bump into former colleague Topsy, they're shocked at how much she has changed—and even more shocked when, within the week, she turns up dead. Convinced there's more to her death than meets the eye, the trio start sleuthing, uncovering long-buried secrets along the way. In the follow-up, \u003cem\u003eA Pen Dipped in Poison\u003c\/em\u003e, anonymous letters begin landing on doorsteps across the community, each exposing a carefully guarded secret. As careers collapse, marriages crumble, and suspicion spreads through Thirsk, the friends decide enough is enough, determined to root out the culprit before more damage is done—and wondering whether a murderer could be lurking among their own circle once again. Both novels share the warmth, wit and sharp observation that has made this series a favourite among cosy crime readers, offering gentle pacing, likeable characters and satisfyingly twisty plots throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo complete novels from the beloved Retired Teacher Mysteries series, read in order or as standalones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm, witty writing perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand new paperback copies, ideal for gifting or building a cosy crime library.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet in the charming Yorkshire town of Thirsk, rich with local colour and community detail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat value two-book bundle saving shoppers the hassle of buying titles separately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.M. Hall is the pen name of Jonathan Hall, a Yorkshire-born writer and playwright who spent many years as deputy head of a primary school before turning to fiction full-time. His plays have been staged across the UK and broadcast on BBC Radio 4, including the acclaimed series Trust, starring Julie Hesmondhalgh. Drawing on his decades in primary education, Hall created the endearing trio of retired teachers at the heart of his Retired Teacher Mysteries, beginning with A Spoonful of Murder in 2022. He lives in Shipley, Yorkshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nCosy, funny and full of heart, this two-book set delivers gentle mystery-solving with characters readers can't help but adore. A perfect treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for any cosy crime enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: Cover design shown reflects the current UK paperback edition. UK ISBNs apply.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J.M. Hall","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56273774903678,"sku":"PLD16884","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/4549\/8093\/files\/retired-teacher-mysteries-2-books-jm-hall-paperback-set.webp?v=1784372902"},{"product_id":"a-spoonful-of-murder-jm-hall-retired-teacher-mysteries-paperback","title":"A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall - Fiction - Paperback (The Retired Teacher Mysteries, Book 1)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e BRAND NEW\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9780008509613\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avon (HarperCollins)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA Spoonful of Murder is the delightful debut cosy crime novel from J.M. Hall, launching The Retired Teacher Mysteries series. Three retired schoolteachers turn amateur sleuths after their old colleague dies suddenly, days after an odd reunion at their favourite garden centre café. Warm, witty and steeped in Yorkshire charm, this brand new paperback is perfect for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club and readers who love gentle whodunits with heart, humour and a strong cup of tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Book:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nEvery Thursday, Liz, Thelma and Pat meet for their regular \"coffee o'clock\" catch-up at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. One week they unexpectedly bump into their former colleague Topsy — and by the following Thursday, Topsy is dead. Convinced something isn't right, the three friends set aside their knitting and crosswords to investigate, using decades of experience keeping unruly classrooms in line to outwit the local killer. What follows is a warm, funny and cleverly plotted mystery that balances genuine tension with gentle British humour. Hall's background as a Yorkshire deputy headteacher shines through in the authentic, affectionate portrayal of small-town life, school-gate gossip and long friendships tested by extraordinary circumstances. There's no graphic violence here — just clever misdirection, likeable characters and a properly satisfying puzzle for readers to solve alongside the trio. As the first instalment in The Retired Teacher Mysteries, the novel introduces a cast readers will want to return to, blending cosy-crime staples with genuinely fresh, funny writing — an ideal comfort read and a strong introduction to a series that has since expanded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCosy, humour-filled mystery ideal for fans of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFirst book in the popular Retired Teacher Mysteries series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand new UK paperback edition — perfect gift for crime fiction fans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharming Yorkshire setting with authentic, well-observed characters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight on violence, big on wit, warmth and clever plotting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for readers who love book club-friendly, feel-good crime fiction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.M. Hall is the pen name of Jon Hall, a Yorkshire-born writer who has spent almost his whole life in the county. Before turning to fiction, he had a long career as a deputy headteacher in a northern primary school, an experience that continues to shape his warm, observant writing. He has also written for stage and radio, including the acclaimed BBC radio series \"Trust,\" starring Julie Hesmondhalgh. A Spoonful of Murder was his debut novel and launched a beloved cosy crime series featuring three unforgettable retired teachers turned amateur detectives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Cosy Mystery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA witty, warm-hearted whodunit with unforgettable characters, a charming Yorkshire setting, and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing — the perfect comfort read or thoughtful gift for cosy crime fans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: Cover shown is the current UK edition. ISBN is correct for the UK paperback edition supplied.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J.M. Hall","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56575605506430,"sku":"SNG20545","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0642\/4549\/8093\/files\/a-spoonful-of-murder-jm-hall-paperback-cover.jpg?v=1784413094"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.letsbuybooks.com\/collections\/j-m-hall-1.oembed","provider":"Lets Buy Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}