Murder at Waldenmere Lake

by Michelle Salter

Published 21 March 2023
A page-turning cosy historical murder mystery from Michelle Salter

A murder shocks the small town of Walden. And it’s only the beginning…

Hampshire, 1921. Local reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to save her beloved Waldenmere Lake from destruction.

After a bloody and expensive war, the British Army can no longer afford to keep the lake – and a deadly battle for ownership begins.

Sir Henry Ballard of London and South Western Railway has the deepest pockets and plans to build a lakeside hotel where General Cheverton’s historic mansion stands.

When the popular General is found murdered in his home, the town of Walden is in turmoil. Little do the townsfolk know that far worse is to come.

A desperate Iris tries to take on the might of the railway company and find the killer. But it appears someone will stop at nothing to win the fight for Waldenmere…

An addictive cosy murder mystery with everyone's favourite amateur sleuth. Ideal for fans of Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge and Emily Organ.

Readers are enjoying Murder at Waldenmere Lake

'A fabulously well-researched historical cosy mystery... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites' M J Porter

‘A cracking addition to the series … superbly written… lots of drama, intrigue, twists and turnsGingerbookgeek

WOW!! Another fantastic addition to my favorite historical series by Michelle Salter… So many unexpected developments, twists, shocking revelations, my god!!’ thebookdecoder

‘I have fallen head over heels for this series’ Booksbybindu

‘A terrific historical cozy mystery that will keep readers gripped …With plenty of tension, intrigue and suspense, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is an addictive historical cozy mystery … perfect for Anne Perry and Verity Bright fansbookishjottings

Praise for The Iris Woodmore Mysteries:

A real page turner and couldn't put it down. So much so that I stayed up until the early hours to find out what happens’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘What a great book! I loved the characters and the ever deepening plot’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

An incredibly well-written historical mystery … interspersed with fascinating tit-bits of information both about the suffragettes and their sister organisation, the suffrage societies’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Starts well and then gets better! ’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘I recommend this book to anyone who loves a twisty plot line that keeps you guessing’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special … Iris Woodmore … is such a fun, feisty and determined young lady’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Excellent readBrilliant storyline’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘The writer's attention to detail and historical fact was very good … The characters are well drawn and believable’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘The characters are brilliantly written and swept me along’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review


A gripping cosy historical murder mystery from Michelle Salter

A single shot is fired. Was it meant to kill?

London, 1922. When reporter Iris Woodmore returns to England after a scandalous trip abroad, not everyone is pleased to see her.

Her attempts to mend relationships and get her old job back aren’t helped by her growing attraction to the charismatic Reverend Archie Powell.

Only wealthy businesswoman Constance Timpson is pleased her friend has returned. Constance has deadly enemies and needs Iris to defend her from a hostile press – and a mysterious sniper.

When a single shot is fired, Constance doesn’t know if it was intended to scare or kill her. Then, two of Constance’s factory workers go missing, and it’s clear the threat is real.

Iris turns amateur sleuth to investigate the mystery – and discovers the sniper isn’t the only hidden enemy preying on women.

An addictive and cosy murder mystery to delve into! Ideal for fans of Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge and Emily Organ.

'The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter

Readers LOVE The Body at Carnival Bridge

‘WOW! I’m Hooked! … hooked on this series in the best way! This is the most daring and refreshing historical mystery series that I have ever encountered!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘Everything you want in a historical mystery! Historical facts that play into the story, a murder, mystery and many twist and turns that keep you loving every page!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Just loved this! I'm fascinated by the time period and the way the story is written. Definitely a must read...’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘… a fantabulous historical mystery. Engrossing, unique and riveting. Highly recommended!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review


A completely gripping cozy mystery story, perfect for fans of Verity Bright

When a pantomime turns deadly, Iris investigates a cast of killers…

Christmas, 1923. When reporter Iris Woodmore is sent to cover the Prince of Wales’ visit to historic Winchester, she discovers more than just royal gossip.

The leading lady in Winchester Cathedral’s charity pantomime is found dead in mysterious circumstances. And the chief suspect is Cinderella’s handsome prince, played by Percy Baverstock’s younger brother, Freddie.

For the sake of the Baverstocks, Iris must investigate the murder, even though it means confronting an old enemy. And as the line between friend and foe blurs dangerously, she’s ensnared by someone she hoped she’d never see again…

Everyone's favourite amateur sleuth returns for a Christmas mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge and Emily Organ

‘This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'The characters go from strength to strength and the period detail is excellent... I’m already looking forward to the next in the series!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'I loved it and thoroughly enjoyed this 1920's murder mystery ... I could not put it down.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'This story had me gripped and I was drawn in from the beginning ... can’t wait to read more from this author' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Praise for the Iris Woodmore Mysteries:

'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' *M J Porter

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison

'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the Suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright

Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon


Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in the page-turning Iris Woodmore Mysteries from Michelle Salter!

When murder hits close to home, Iris must fight to clear her name…

Spring, 1924. Reporter Iris Woodmore plans to move to London to avoid a shocking hometown scandal. Longtime enemy Archie Powell has been threatening to reveal her darkest secret – and she’s desperate to flee before he does.

But when he’s found murdered after a violent argument with her, there’s no escape. Iris must stay and clear her name even though the truth could ruin her reputation.

With the police closing in, Iris has to find the real killer if she’s to keep her secret. Can she prove her innocence without revealing the identity of the one man who can provide her with an alibi?

A gripping new mystery for fans of Verity Bright, Clara McKenna, and Helena Dixon.

'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison

'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the Suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright

‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon