A delightfully sharp and clever murder mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club.
Private investigator Edwina ‘Ted’ Bristol deals in the cheating husbands and missing chihuahuas of Melbourne, but yearns for the heart-stopping excitement of real crime.
When Ted discovers her sister, Bob, has fallen prey to an internet catfishing scam, she sets out with her beloved miniature schnauzer and shrewd sidekick, Miss Marple, to catch the swindler. Meanwhile, when conducting routine surveillance on a couple suspected of having an affair, she uncovers a plot to embezzle millions.
As Bob’s case takes a series of bizarre twists and turns and the embezzlement investigation escalates into murder, Ted finds her own life in peril. Will she crack her first criminal case before it’s too late?
If you love the madcap adventures of Phryne Fisher, you’re sure to love Ted Bristol, written by Elizabeth Coleman, screenwriter for Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I really enjoyed getting lost in familiar Melbourne streets in Elizabeth Coleman’s, A Routine Infidelity, a tale of Private Investigator Ted, and her trusty sidekick, miniature schnauzer, Miss Marple. There are also chapters from Ted’s sister Bob, and her neighbour, Chantal, tying the story in together. This book was full of twists and turns that kept me excited until the very end. The characters felt well developed and whole, and I loved reading as the three women grew into themselves. This was one I didn’t want to put down! Hayley, VIC, 5 Stars
A cracker of a novel that is an easy read, with a fast pace Edwina (Ted) Bristol runs Edwina Bristol investigations, she is a private investigator whose usual clientele are those trying to expose their cheating spouses. Accompanying Ted, is Miss Marple her beloved miniature schnauzer who keeps a lookout from the back of Ted’s car on stakeouts. While Ted attempts to expose a cheating spouse, she uncovers fraud, which eventually leads to a murder. Right up her ally she finally can revel in her excitement of some real crime. There are several underlying stories, her sister Roberta (Bob) is being catfished, her neighbour Chantal Considine, the spiritual medium, who she considers a phoney…or does she? There is unresolved tension within her family and a couple of love interests for Ted. Each of the stories are intertwined with great wit and the occasional humour. I was hooked after the first chapter, and loved the suggestion of a follow up novel in the last chapter. ” Teresa, VIC, 5 Stars
What a good read this is! Crime, families, love, mysteries – it has the lot. Some great characters (and a couple of really bad guys!). The dialogue is fine and the locations are all accurately described. The plot is clever and quirky and a nice twist at the end. The perfect book for summer holiday reading. Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
I was a bit ambivalent about reading this book as it isn’t usually my style, but by the end of the first chapter I was hooked. I loved the quirkiness of the writing style as well as the characters (the use of names was great). The book made me laugh, cry and stay awake way later than I should have because I couldn’t put it down. I loved the intertwined stories of Teddy, Bob and Chantal and how Ted’s character evolves throughout the story. I cannot wait for the next part of Teddy’s story Melinda, VIC, 5 Stars
I loved this book set in Victoria, in particular, Melbourne. The story headed down familiar suburbs and streets, all of which fit superbly into the plot lines of mystery and murder! Ted, the main character, lives a life of excitement as she and her partner, Miss Marple, the schnauzer, investigate the goings-on of unsuspecting philanderers. The storyline touches on Ted’s inability to let people into her life, which stems from a traumatic event in her formative years. Her fractured relationship with her father is heartbreaking, although when she confesses her truth to her family, Cal’s reaction is heartwarming. Her neighbour, Chantel, dabbles in premonitions and has a sense of what may happen to Ted. Ted is sceptical about it, although comes around to seeing the links. Bob, Ted’s sister gets involved in what she believes to be a relationship with Will, the soldier. She finds out the truth in a terrible manner. The case Ted is involved in with Nazim and Amber unravels into a heart-stopping, thrilling scene that puts Ted’s life in danger. Miss Marple does what she can but it is June O’Shea and Spike Tereiti, a love interest, there to help just in time. What happens next?! Alyssa, VIC, 5 Stars
Terrifically entertaining, Elizabeth Coleman’s A Routine Infidelity is a fun caper involving a murder mystery, a cat-fished sister and a new-age-style neighbour. Think Cluedo, the board game (Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlestick) but with a contemporary setting and a modern and angsty heroine. Edwina ‘Ted’ Bristol is a private investigator who yearns to step out of the business of routine infidelities and into the adrenaline of a satisfying crime. When she stumbles upon a plot to embezzle millions, Ted is galvanised into action. With a deferential nod to the wonderful actors who brought Agatha Christie’s serene yet penetratingly clever murder mysteries to life, (Ted’s miniature schnauzer sidekick is the unflappable yet trusty Miss Marple), Elizabeth Coleman has created a cosy and charming story with a cinematic feel. The cast of characters are all wildly different and vividly realised; blending seamlessly through the storyline they spark interest and intrigue as the red herrings fly. And yet, despite all the fun, there are passages of emotional depth as the relationship between Ted and her family, in particular her father, are explored. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Cecilia, VIC, 5 Stars
This novel had me hooked by page 20. It was a perfect blend of love interest, intrigue and family tension. The carefully measured pace worked perfectly with sections of suspense long enough to create tension but resolved quickly enough to keep the pace flowing. The main characters of the book were very likeable and engaging and the unorthodox use of gender neutral family names added quirkiness and wit. Even the secondary characters were well rounded and compelling. The non-verbal interaction with Miss Marple the miniature schnauzer was delightful. I was excited by the teaser of follow-up novel at the conclusion of the story. I can’t wait to be able to recommend this book to all and sundry next year. A cracker of a novel – Brilliant! Gail, NSW, 5 Stars
I enjoyed reading ‘A Routine Infidelity’ a lot. Loved the main characters. Such strong women. Hope there is a sequel in the future, and will be reading this book again soon soon. Martina, SA, 5 Stars
I was lucky to receive an ARC of ‘A Routine Infidelity’. And what a wonderful novel it was. A fun, lighthearted mystery that moves with pace, it follows Ted’s investigations woven with family mystery. It’s definitely suited to fans of ‘The Thursday Murder Club’. But dare I say, I loved it more. The ending suggests this may be the first in a series…I certainly hope so! Monica, QLD, 5 Stars
(“Ted”) Bristol is a gutsy, pint-sized Melbourne private investigator who, with her miniature schnauzer Miss Marple, usually exposes unfaithful spouses. When she overhears a conversation between a suspect husband and his girlfriend, she realises she’s uncovered a major fraud and finds herself involved in more sinister doings that lead to murder. Ted isn’t afraid of challenges but can be cynical and some of her unresolved personal relationships underlie the plot. The other main characters are all well-drawn. There’s Ted’s gentle and trusting sister, Roberta (“Bob”), who seems to have been exposed to an online catfishing scam, and her neighbour Chantal, a New Age spiritual medium who Ted thinks is just another phoney until events prove otherwise. Vying for romantic attention are Joel, who’d like to be more than just a casual “friend with benefits”, and Ted’s “Swordcraft” combatant mate, the shambolic copper, Spike. This is an easy, fast-paced and hugely entertaining read that has moments of wry humour but also some serious elements. The ending suggests this may be the beginning of a new series and I look forward to more exciting madcap adventures featuring the sassy Ted and her trusty sidekick Miss Marple. Marina, VIC, 5 Stars
I enjoyed this book, it reads a bit like a Miss Fisher’s Mysteries (probably because the author is a screenwriter for the aforementioned show. It reads easily and has many likeable characters in it. Set in Melbourne lots of the places mentioned are easily recognisable. Ted (Edwina) is a PI who projects an aura of toughness, runs her own company. She is dealing with small investigations when she stumbles onto something big, she longs to be able to crack this case but in doing so puts herself in a very dangerous situation. Nicola, VIC, 5 Stars
Edwina “Ted” Bristol is a private investigator in Melbourne. She dreams of claiming whodunit on a major police investigation, but mainly she’s running around checking on lost dogs and suspicions of cheating spouses. Until the day when the suspected affair she’s following leads her down the track of a serious financial fraud. Ted muddles along trying to solve the mystery, deal with long-standing family guilt, and build her business. She does so with a cast of characters including her adored big sister Bob, Auntie June and the next door neighbour Chantel: a woman who we’re not whether we’re supposed to love or hate initially. Through it all, her devoted sidekick Miss Marple provides well-timed commentary in the form of sideeye and imagined snark (all unspoken given Miss Marple is a miniature schnauzer). I have to be honest, I found the early stages of this book quite laboured. I felt that the characters and setting were drawn in minute detail, and oft-repeated lest I forget who’s who. However, somewhere along the way, I realised that I had grown fond of the characters and all their flaws. I found myself cheering for Chantel as she finally stood up for herself; and hoping for a romantic and happy ending for Bob. I find too that I am already looking forward to the next instalment of Ted Bristol Investigates – and I am quite certain that there will be a next instalment. This book is perfect as a light-hearted, female-led, summer read, and will only get better as the characters and their stories are further developed in the books to follow. If you like Miss Fisher or the simple and elegant twists of the original Agatha Christie Miss Marples, then you’ll enjoy A Routine Infidelity. Kylie, SA, 4 Stars
This plot has everything imaginable twisting and turning to the end. We begin when Private Investigator Edwina (Ted) Bristol thinks she has satisfactorily solved the ‘routine infidelity’ but suddenly everything becomes complicated with embezzlement, murder and attempts on her life. During all this she is guilt-ridden by her mother’s death and her inability to hug her father. Almost every female has a male name. Why? There really was no point apart from annoying me. I had to keep reminding myself “Who is Ted, Bob, Jackie, Chuck?” Set in Melbourne, the plot involves online dating and catfishing, unresolved family tensions and guilt, fantasy wargames, returned Vets with PTSD, phoney psychics, doggy daycare, computer whiz-kids and embezzling from employers. Melbourne’s diverse population is represented with characters from Arabic, Japanese, Maori, Chinese, British, Indian and Schnauzer backgrounds. Yes, ‘Miss Marple’ the Schnauzer is Ted’s sidekick. Location names and the “casual” mention of RM Williams’ boots, Cheezels, silo murals and Missy Higgins adds authenticity and familiarity. I enjoyed the book with and its clever interweaving of subplots but I recommend a notebook to keep track of characters’ annoying names and their connection. Published by Pantera Press it is available from 31 January 2023. Eileen, QLD, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading this great contemporary mystery set in Melbourne. With its very likeable female main character (Ted) trying to solve a murder. The story flows well and kept me interested at all times. Loved the plot, the humour, the touch of romance as well as the supporting characters. The ending sounds like there might be another instalment planned for our somewhat quirky heroine. I would highly recommend this book for some light holiday or weekend reading. Karin, VIC, 4 Stars
This is a really lively, fun and entertaining mystery read! This story is set in Melbourne and revolves around Ted, a young woman and her miniature schnauzer, Miss Marple who is trying to get her new private eye business off the ground. Ted investigates husbands who are suspected of cheating by their wives. When she unexpectedly uncovers a major fraud after she overhears a conversation between one of her suspect husbands and his girlfriend, leading to a serious murder, Ted finds herself trying to crack her first criminal case. There are also underlying family issues that need resolving, a cat-fishing scam to solve involving her sister “Bob”, together with a couple of love interests tossed in to make the story more interesting! Ted and her side-kick dog capture the heart and the imagination in this fast paced, easy read, guaranteed to delight fans of Miss Marple and Miss Fisher. Heidi, VIC, 4 Stars
A Routine Infidelity is a novel with a perfect mix of humour and grief. Although the book is fast-paced and witty it does a fantastic job of touching on serious themes of grief and guilt which the main character is forced to work through. Each of the characters is unique and quirky and being able to gain insights from multiple perspectives added more meaning to the overall plot. I loved that apart from the main mystery of the novel there is also smaller mysteries which the reader gets to experience alongside Ted. This book is perfect if you are looking to pick up a funny and light-hearted mystery read! Anna, NSW, 4 Stars
An easy and hugely entertaining read that at times tackles the serious issues of fraud and internet dating with a perfect drop of wry humour. The family conflict and potential love story happening in the background keep you turning the pages. The ending points to this being a series, so I look forward to more exciting adventures featuring the PI Ted and her trusty sidekick Miss Marple. Definitely a book for fans of the Stephanie Plum novels. Peta, QLD, 4 Stars
This book had a plot with plenty of twists and turns made for a pacy read, plus great characterisation with plenty of originality and memorable names. Its Melbourne location – with a regional sojourn – also had a truly local Australian feel. I enjoyed A Routine Infidelity and look forward to reading more of the adventures of Ted, Miss Marple and all the Bristol siblings in a future mystery. Katie, NSW, 4 Stars
Despite the murder this is a warm and quirky feel good novel. As you jaunt across suburbs with Ted and Miss Marple in search of clues to these entwined crimes you become invested in seeing Ted sort out her own complicated story. Tundra, ACT, 4 Stars
As a fan of the crime/mystery/thriller genre, especially those set in Australia, I knew ‘A Routine Infidelity’ would be right up my alley. Ted, fledgling PI, and her furry offsider Miss Marple, mostly investigate infidelity cases but are trying to find something more interesting. When a routine infidelity investigation unfolds into a fraud case, Ted gets her wish but also much more than she bargained for. Along with helping her sister catch a catfisher, run-ins with her clairvoyant neighbour, commitment issues, family tensions and trying to avoid dealing with her past, Ted has a full plate, but what a cracking story. I admire the author’s ability to neatly weave the multiple subplots together without bogging down the story. Some serious subject matter here, but always with a light touch and moments of levity. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and look forward to the next instalment, which is so nicely set up in the closing paragraphs. Bonny, QLD, 4 Stars
A sweet book about a PI (and her dog), getting involved in an unusual case of infidelity that turns to murder. Well written, in an easy to read style, with likeable characters. Mopsy, VIC, 4 Stars
This book was so much better than I expected. It has it all, great characters, mystery, drama, family relationships and tensions, whilst also being fun (definitely had a few giggles). Added bonus is the enjoyment of reading a book set in Melbourne -a city I have lived in. I loved the authors writing style, I demolished this book in 2 days. Thank you Better Reading for the Advance copy Highly recommend. Vikkie, QLD, 4 Stars
Thank you for the opportunity to review A Routine Infidelity by Elizabeth Coleman I found the novel quirky ( not the genre I usually read)….however it was most enjoyable. The characters were well defined and described. Always good when you can picture a character in your mind. I particularly like Ted…..but my favourite was Miss Marple. I liked that the ending left us in wait for the sequel. There also was an underlying seriousness with Bob being involved with online stalking. Not to mention Ted’s issues with her Father……nor the embezzlement scheme. Clever and compelling read. Thank you. Valerie, WA, 4 Stars
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