Suspicious goings-on at a retirement home lead to an intriguing investigation in Date with Malice, the second cosy crime novel in Julia Chapman''s Dales Detective series. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman''s The Thursday Murder Club and M.C. Beaton.

''A Yorkshire Agatha Raisin'' – Dalesman

It’s dark in the Dales this winter . . .

When Mrs Shepherd arrives at the Dales Detective Agency, quite convinced that someone is trying to kill her, Samson O’Brien dismisses her fears as the ramblings of a confused elderly lady. But, after a series of disturbing incidents at Fellside Court retirement home, he begins to wonder if there is something to her claims after all . . .

With Christmas around the corner, Samson is thrown into a complex investigation – one that will require him to regain the trust of the Dales community. Faced with no choice, he enlists the help of a local: the tempestuous Delilah Metcalfe.

Against the backdrop of a Yorkshire winter, Samson and Delilah must work together once again if they are to uncover the malevolence threatening the elderly residents of Bruncliffe. Could the danger be perilously close to home?

Filled with wit, warmth and a cast of charming characters, continue the crime capers of the Dale Detectives with Date with Mystery.

Praise for The Dales Detective series:

''Enlivened with numerous subplots, the story moves at a cracking pace'' – Daily Mail

''Bags of Yorkshire charm and wit'' – Northern Echo

''A classic whodunnit'' – Cath Staincliffe, author of Blue Murder

''Full of dry wit and clever plotting'' – Countryside

''Chapman delivers on every level'' – Lancashire Evening Post