Philly Barker Mysteries Archives

Book review: Philly Barker and the French Connection by Joanne Tracey

July 10, 20262 min read

Philly Barker and the French Connection by Joanne Tracey is the fourth in the cosy crime series featuring the likeable and pragmatic former cop-turned antique dealer. Here she again pairs up with recently-retired DI Robbie and eclectic colleagues from the Chipwell Barns Antiques. And I’m reminded (other than the murders and crimes) I kinda want Philly’s life*, where she wanders down to the Chipwell Arms most nights to hang with her friends and colleagues.

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Book review: Philly Barker and The Murder at Deverell Grange by Joanne Tracey

February 13, 20253 min read

The weirdest thing that came to mind when reading Philly Barker and The Murder at Deverell Grange by Joanne Tracey was that… “This is a real book and the author is a friend.” I thought the same thing when reading Jo’s first novel in the Clementine Carter series. Though I enjoyed her earlier books, it feels like there’s a new sophistication (maturity / evolution) or something in her writing* that makes me feel like I’m reading something by a very well-known long-time author – who’s able to grab my attention with engaging characters, a complex and beguiling plot and not release me until the very end.

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Book review: Philly Barker Is On The Case by Joanne Tracey

November 11, 20232 min read

Philly Barker Is On The Case by Joanne Tracey is the second in the series featuring antiques dealer (and ex-cop) Philly. We were introduced to her in Philly Barker Investigates, along with her ex-husband Stewart, her quirky friends and colleagues selling their wares at Chipwell Barn Antiques and almost-retired cop DI Robbie Dawkins with whom Philly’s established a friendship, but nothing more… at this stage anyway.

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Book review: Philly Barker Investigates by Joanne Tracey

September 25, 20223 min read

I was weirdly nervous on going into this book. Almost reluctant even. Firstly because Jo Tracey is a friend of mine. We met online and now meet in person fairly regularly and she feels like my most kindred spirit in a writing / creative way. And then there’s the fact that I’ve had a sneak peek at this book already. Which meant this was a re-read and even though it was many months ago, I worried I’d struggle to re-read it so soon.

I needn’t have stressed though because I surprised myself by becoming incredibly absorbed in Philly’s world – reading most of it in a sitting, despite not planning to do so… and only putting it aside as it was getting late and I really needed to rescue my dinner from the oven.

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