I have been on several of Joy Swift's weekends and thoroughly enjoyed them, so to have the chance to read about how it all started and the many escapades that have happened over the years was a great insight into the background of what can and does happen! A humurous read! Added to which was the bonus of having the opportunity to solve a murder mystery. It was every bit as cunning and eventful as attending a weekend with Joy and her 'crew'! You find yourself totally absorbed in clues that wind and weave their way to you hopefully solving this great who done it! If you fancy yourself as a Marple or Poirot type detective give it a go, you won't be disappointed!
 Mrs K Band, Royston, Herts
|
This is a brilliant book. I bought this book a while a go and read the autobiography part which I thoroughly enjoyed on the train to work in the mornings, but with my busy schedule, I didn't get chance to even look at the mystery in the back. I had a long flight to America ahead of me and wanted something to help pass the time. I find that doing puzzles and sudokus are a great method, so I thought the mystery in the back of this book would be like an extra long puzzle that would last me some of my flight. Indeed it did! I was obsessed! I couldn't put it down, examining clues, solving the mystery. What a fabulous book. I was sworn to secrecy for the whole of the holiday as my boyfriend decided he would read it on the return flight.
I would definitely recommend this book
 N. Creed, Wirral, Merseyside
|
I loved this book. The stories about what happens on the murder weekends, and the exploits of the actors, are hilarious in places and the exploits of one particular actress, Maria, had me reduced to tears of laughter.
The whodunnit itself, Absolute Murder, is challenging and addictive, to the extent that I kept returning to the book when I had put it down to re-examine clues and evidence.
Highly recommended to all budding Poirots and Miss Marple's everywhere.
Dave Smith , London |
This book has three sections--the first tells about how Joy Swift's Murder Weekends came into being, the second a truly hilarious behind-the scenes of unexpected happenings on the weekends. Although I love Joy's weekends (I'm so addicted I fly over from America three times a year just to attend them)and therefore enjoyed the first two sections, my favorite section was the solve-it-yourself mystery at the end. This mystery alone is more than worth the price of the book. Entitled "Love Letters From My Heart", it tells a brilliant story the reader must work out through letters, diary entries, newspaper clippings, victim and suspect descriptions and other clues. It's quite challenging, but an incredible amount of fun to solve. Prof L Lacey, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA |
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Joy of Murder", there are so many hilarious incidents from the Murder Mystery Weekends held over the past 25 years. Anyone having been on one of these fantastic weekends would be able to relate to them, and certainly enjoy reading about the `behind the scenes' goings-on! The Whodunnit in the last part of the book certainly does give it a uniqueness, especially as, even though the solution is provided, there is also a hidden extra mystery for very keen sleuths to solve. All in all, a really enjoyable read, I haven't laughed so much out loud while reading for ages! If you haven't been on one of the weekends, I am sure this would certainly make you want to book one!!! Mrs S Eaton, Kettering, Northants |
This is the autobiography of Joy Swift MBE and her "crazy idea" and the fun and laughter it has brought to many thousands of people over the past 25 years. The book is especially good to read if you have ever been on one of her Murder Weekends and gives an insight into some of the funny situations that Joy has encountered. For keen sleuths, the solvable Murder will make you think and is very reminiscent of being on one of her Weekends. Try to solve the Murder before reading the solution but, for eagle eyed readers, the further hidden mystery within the book may be worthwhile following up (and for that there is no solution within the book - so no cheating possible!).
If you haven't been on one of Joy's Weekends, then the book may whet your appetite and is certainly a cheap way to see if your mind works in the same way that Joy's does!
M. Payne, Windsor, Berks |
I've been a fan of Joy Swift's murder weekends since 1989, so it was fascinating to find out more about Joy and how the whole Murder Weekend phenomenon evolved, and also to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.
And if that isn't enough, the final section of the book provides a complete, solvable whodunnit which is certainly on a par with a murder weekend plot in terms of complexity. If you've ever considered trying a murder weekend, then this book is a great place to start. If you're an armchair TV detective, then pit your wits against the Queen of Sleuthing, and don't forget to look out for the extra hidden secret which is not in the solution.
Mr A Tarpey, Wokingham, Berks |
Proof positive that small acorns do turn into great oaks. An initial idea which over 25 years blossomed into such great things. The book tells of Joy's first steps in the world of murder mysteries, through to the huge success it is today. There are heart felt moments which bring tears to the eyes and numerous out bursts of gut aching laughter which can only be bettered by going on one of her weekends yourself. Joy Swift MBE (for tourism & very well deserved it is too) can not only write suberb plots which many twists & turns & outrageous characters, but she can also write a darn good book too! I for one can't wait for book 2. The solveable plot at the end is great, go on give it a go....trying to work it out be murder! Mrs B Clark, Enfield, Middlesex |
