Til Daph Do Us Part is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Phillipa Nefri Clark. Daphne (Daph) Jones is a mobile celebrant who, along with her husband John and their faithful caravan Bluebell, travels the countryside performing required celebrant duties.
Long time readers of Clark’s works will recognise Daph, who first appeared in The Stationmaster’s Cottage, book one of Clark’s highly successful River’s End series. Daph then made appearances in each of the subsequent River’s End Series books, as well as making a brief appearance in Deadly Past (one of the Charlotte Dean Mysteries).
As many authors will tell you, characters have a habit of taking on a life of their own, and so it was with Daph who insisted that she deserved her own series.
In this first book, Daph and John have headed to Little Bridges for Daph to officiate at the wedding of Lisa Brooker and Steve Tanning. But when she arrives there’s a strange undercurrent in the air. Steve is the third brother in the Tanning family that Lisa is marrying, with both prior grooms dying in strange circumstances not long into their marriages. Steve’s family are refusing to attend the wedding, and Lisa’s family doesn’t seem over-enthused about it.
When Steve is found floating in the swimming pool before the day’s end, Daph finds herself trying to find a murderer.
Waiters changing wet clothing, family members who make it clear that Daph is not welcome, strange goings-on around the caravan at night, and long-time family rivalries. This whodunnit has it all. But when the events start to affect Daph’s future bookings nothing is going to get in her way of solving this mystery and saving her business.
Clark’s latest offering is definitely more cozy mystery and less suspense than her previous works, but it is a fabulous read. With hints and red herrings galore you will be enthralled as you try to work out who did it, and why.
In addition to the wonderful story, I must make mention of the gorgeous book cover by Jade Erica of Steam Power Studios. who has captured the essence of Daph perfectly, a simple yet stunning cover with so much detail the closer you look.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the Daph series. A 5 star read from me.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading Til Daph Do Us Part by Phillipa Nefri Clark. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
Author: Phillipa Nefri Clark
ISBN: 978-0-6488652-2-3 (paperback)
Copy courtesy of Phillipa Nefri Clark
I love to read, for many years my passion has been science fantasy but recently I’ve discovered many fabulous Australian women authors and am devouring all the new genres I am being exposed to.
In addition to reading and reviewing books I enjoy photography, spending time with my husband, daughter, grandson, 2 dogs and a cat and am an aspiring author.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Pillipa Nefri Clark for the chance to read Til Daph Do Us Part.
Daphney Jones, marriage celebrant, traveller, wife and sleuth.
This is a witty, vibrant and lovely novel. It creates vivid imagery and invites the reader to get involved with the case at hand.
I fell in love with Daphne Jones from the moment I learnt about her. Daphine has a strong sense of character, being a marriage celebrant enables her to read people, get a sense of who they are and whittle away at their persona.
Daphne travels with her husband in a caravan performing weddings and exploring. She loves her job, and this is evidently why when she meets Lisa and Steve, she has a bad feeling about them. Daphne knows that the story does not quite add up and when Steve dies, she puts all her energy into solving the crime and getting to the bottom of Lisa and her marriages that end in disaster and grief.
Daphne uncovers a twisted and shocking history between the families and the town they live in, she leaves no rock unturned.
I absolutely love this novel and hope to read more of Phillipa Nefri Clark soon.
I’ve read a lot of thrillers, crime and mystery, and a few cozy mysteries, but not a lot. I was keen to get stuck into Til Daph Do Us Part. I enjoyed it from the start, despite not having read other Daphne books. I would definitely recommend this for those who like lighthearted, cozy mystery books. Good characterisation and a good premise. Thanks to Beauty and Lace for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this book. It’s not normally my style so it was good to get the chance to read something else. Daph is a traveling celebrant and John her husband joins her on these travels. Daph is an interesting character and at times annoying with how she becomes a sleuth and is always there when something happens. It is a very easy read but occasionally got a little tricky when there was reference made to Daphs character in previous books as I have not read them. Once again thanks for the opportunity.