I’ve been asked to write a ‘Day in the Life’ piece. Yes, me, Caroline Cosgrave! Should I write about myself as I was before the traumatic events, or as I am now? It’s difficult. There I was, reluctant President of the Compton Perceval Women’s Institute, in a same-sex marriage with Beatrice (Bee) Akintola, the local Vicar, and chronically lacking in self-esteem. I even described myself as ‘an ordinary woman, living an ordinary life.’ Well, that didn’t last long did it?
It all started with that first horrible murder. Rosemary wasn’t popular but she didn’t deserve to die like that. Ugh, I’ll never forget those knitting needles… And, that wasn’t the end of it. What about pink-haired Margot? Daft as one of her own hairdressing brushes but totally harmless. And Esau, the Vicarage cat… that poor defenceless animal.
Then, there’s Olga Paradise. Who could have imagined that a glamorous, successful journalist like her would find anything in common with lumpy, frumpy boring old me. She persuaded me to investigate the murders with her and we are now close friends. I hope we’ll have the chance to solve more mysteries together!
Overshadowing all that was the trouble with my marriage. What about Faisal? He might be a devout Muslim Imam, but he turned our lives upside down. People kept telling me what an attractive man he was, but did I listen? Even the Bishop of Medford knew more than I did.
I’ve made so many changes in my life. Where to start?
Before, I’d have been up early to make Bee’s breakfast, which she was very fussy about. She’d start with African cornmeal porridge. Thank goodness I didn’t have to make that from scratch – it came in packets, via mail order. I just had to heat the milk. Then, I’d boil her two eggs – cooked just so. She’d expect me to start again if those eggs weren’t right. Now, I can see that her behaviour was very controlling, but you never recognise a situation when you are in it, do you?
These days, three days a week I am still up early, but to get myself ready for work. Yes, work! I’m training to be an estate agent, and I love it! I’m nearly sixty, and it’s my first proper job. Even having to spruce up my appearance and get some decent clothes has made such a difference. When I was young, I stayed home looking after Mummy and Daddy, and tried, unsuccessfully, to stave off genteel poverty and the dilapidation of our beloved Perceval Hall. All long gone, of course.
Did I say I am still President of the Women’s Institute? Back then, I left most of the work to our Secretary, but now, I take much more trouble. Every one of our members is an individual with their own issues. I make sure to contact anyone who is struggling, maybe with ill-health, either their own or a family member. Others are plain lonely… That’s one thing Bee was right about. It does pay to take an interest in people, to listen to them, even if it takes time. Our WI is thriving. I now go to all events when I can – coffee mornings, Film Club, Book Club, Craft Group, walks, lunches. It’s great to see our group so active, and other WI Presidents are always wanting to know the secrets of our success. I never dare tell them that the lurid publicity surrounding those grisly murders made all the difference!
Look, typical me, I’ve used my word allowance and scarcely said anything. But you get the picture, I’m sure…
DEATH, DECEIT AND CAKE – A Caroline and Olga Mystery, Book 1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: July 2025
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
A light-hearted cosy mystery with thought-provoking twists.
The body of Rosemary Brent, Treasurer of the Compton Perceval Women’s Institute, is discovered in the WI Craft Cupboard, sparking off a chain of events that shatter the rural tranquillity of the village.
Caroline, in a same-sex marriage with local Vicar Bee, joins forces with fellow WI member Olga to investigate. The arrival of Faisal, a charismatic, mysterious Imam from inner-city Birmingham, threatens both the marriage and the investigation. Caroline is caught in a web of deceit and betrayal.
Rosemary had dark secrets, there’s another murder at the WI Coffee Morning, and what happened to the Vicarage cat? Is adulterous Alice brewing lethal potions? Is Ursula really a witch? What does Faisal know? Nasty surprises keep coming, suspense builds, the wrong people are accused and the local police are unhappy. Can things get any worse for the two amateur sleuths?
There’s always the consolation of cake… but is it poisoned?
This hilarious, irresistible page turner is perfect for lovers of Richard Osman and M C Beaton.
Meet the author
Born in Dublin, Stephanie spent thirty years in Birmingham, and after a career in the voluntary sector, now lives in Hastings with husband Nick and overweight tabby cat Digby. She is a mother, grandmother, and step-mother. ‘Death, Deceit and Cake’ is Stephanie’s debut cosy crime novel. She also writes poems, and has published a collection of her poetry, for charity. She won a national Women’s Institute poetry competition for which she was presented with a cup by HM Queen Elizabeth II. She was President of Hastings Ore WI for five years. Stephanie is known to many Hastings locals via her blogging alter-ego, Hastings Battleaxe!