Murder on Monday    by Ann Purser Order:  USA  Can Prime Crime, 2003 (2003) Paperback     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Lois Meade, of the village of Long Farnden, England, cleans houses to make ends meet; her children always seem to be in need of something. Five days a week, she cleans a different house. It's not a brilliant career, but it helps pay the bills. Lois would also like to volunteer with the local police department (which notion her husband heartily disapproves). When one of the residents of Long Farnden is murdered, Lois is afraid that one or another of her clients is involved and does her own investigating. The local constabulary take note of her and consult her. Lois's daughter Josie is seeing a young man too old for her fourteen years. Life is never easy. But it really gets out of hand as the plot moves forward with good speed. Lois is a tough lady, ready to take on whatever is necessary to protect her family, but still wise enough to be careful. Murder on Monday is the first in a new series by Ann Purser. It's a fast-moving story with lifelike individuals gracing the pages. I like that Lois is allowed to have unreasonable anger and a fainting fit - anyone would do the same under the set of circumstances she faces. The ambiance of the town is also a joy - we all seem to love little English villages. Murder on Monday is a delightful mystery that I was sorry to finish. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews