Review: The Murders At Fleat House by Lucinda Riley

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The Murders at Fleat House is Lucinda Riley’s only foray into mystery fiction – and as a longtime fan of her sweeping historical novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

But this one? It surprised me in all the right ways. Even though her usual genre is not mystery fiction.

Key Takeaways: The Murders At Fleat House by Lucinda Riley

This is the only mystery/crime novel Lucinda Riley ever wrote.
It was written in 2006 but remained unpublished until 2022.
Riley’s son, Harry Whittaker, chose to publish the book exactly as she wrote it, with only light editing.
The story is fast-paced, atmospheric, and rich with English boarding school intrigue.
DI Jazz Hunter is a compelling main character – and one I wish we’d gotten more of.

cover of the book the murders at fleat house by lucinda riley

Background on The Murders at Fleat House

Some might say The Murders at Fleat House was the last book written by Lucinda Riley – but that’s not quite true. It’s actually the last book published by Lucinda Riley.

If you’re familiar with her beloved Seven Sisters series, you’ll know that her sudden passing on June 11, 2021, was heartbreaking news for fans around the world. Not only because we lost an incredible writer far too young, but because the final book in the Seven Sisters series – Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt – had not yet been released. We’d all been waiting seven books deep for the big reveal!

What many readers don’t know is that The Murders at Fleat House was actually written way back in 2006. After her youngest children started school, Lucinda wrote three novels without a publisher. Two of those – The Butterfly Room and The Olive Tree (also known as Helena’s Secret) – were released before her death, with Lucinda herself doing extensive rewrites.

But The Murders at Fleat House was never revised. Sadly, she didn’t get the chance.

When it came time to publish the manuscript, Lucinda’s son, Harry Whittaker, who co-writes the Guardian Angels children’s series, chose to leave the book exactly as she’d written it, with only light editing. So what you’re reading here is Lucinda’s original voice from 2006, untouched.

Incidentally, Harry is also the one who completed Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, thanks to the detailed notes Lucinda left behind. (And yes, if you haven’t read it yet – do.)

As for me, my journey with Lucinda Riley began almost a decade ago with The Midnight Rose. I fell head over heels for her sweeping family sagas, rich settings, and dual timelines full of long-buried secrets. The Murders at Fleat House is something different – but it still feels wonderfully, unmistakably Lucinda.

What It’s About

When a student dies suddenly at the elite Fleat House boarding school in Norfolk, DI Jazz Hunter is pulled back into the force to investigate what first appears to be a tragic accident. But as the layers peel away, secrets begin to surface—ones that suggest something far more sinister is at play.

With a missing boy, unsettling discoveries, and more than a few dark secrets buried in the halls of St. Stephen’s, Jazz finds herself deep in a case where nearly everyone has something to hide.

The Murders at Fleat House

Author: Lucinda Riley

Publication: 2022

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My Review Rating – 4 out of 5 stars.

The Murders at Fleat House is a fast-paced and atmospheric mystery that kept me guessing right up until the final pages. It’s a unique addition to Lucinda Riley’s body of work – and a bittersweet one, knowing it’s the only mystery she ever wrote. While I wish we could’ve seen DI Jazz Hunter in a full detective series, this standalone still delivers plenty of intrigue, heart, and classic Riley depth.

What I Liked About The Murders At Fleat House

The Setting

The Norfolk countryside, the moody marshes, and the hauntingly atmospheric boarding school were all brought to life beautifully. Riley’s ability to transport the reader is just as strong in this mystery as it is in her historical fiction.

The Characters

DI Jazz Hunter is sharp, likable, and complex – someone I could easily see carrying an entire detective series. She had the kind of depth and personal backstory that makes you root for her from page one.

The Pacing

This book is a total page-turner. The twists are clever, and just when you think you’ve figured it out… nope. You’re wrong. I stayed up way too late reading “just one more chapter.”

A Little Real-Life Curiosity

One detail caught my eye: a character with the last name Cavendish. As someone obsessed with British history and great houses, I immediately thought of the famous Cavendish family of Chatsworth House fame. Coincidence? Maybe. But it certainly added an extra layer of intrigue for me.

What I Disliked

Let’s be honest: my biggest complaint is that there’s only one DI Jazz Hunter book. I would have loved to see her star in a whole series. Maybe that was Lucinda’s plan all along. And maybe – just maybe – her son Harry Whittaker could carry that torch one day. (No pressure, Harry… but also, yes please.)

Frequently Asked Questions About The Murders At Fleat House

Was The Murders at Fleat House Lucinda Riley’s final book?

It was her final published book, but not the last one she wrote. The Murders at Fleat House was written back in 2006 but released posthumously in 2022. The final book in her Seven Sisters series, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, was published in 2023 after being completed by her son, Harry Whittaker.

Is The Murders at Fleat House part of a series?

No. It’s a standalone mystery and the only crime novel Lucinda Riley ever wrote. That said, many readers (myself included!) would love to see DI Jazz Hunter star in a future series—if someone were to carry the torch.

Do I need to read any of Lucinda Riley’s other books first?

Not at all. This book is completely separate from The Seven Sisters and her other novels. You can enjoy it as a standalone even if it’s your very first Lucinda Riley book.

Is this a typical Lucinda Riley book?

Not exactly. It’s more of a classic whodunit than her usual sweeping historical fiction, but it still features her signature storytelling style, vivid settings, and emotional depth.

Conclusion: A Unique Glimpse Into Lucinda Riley’s Literary Legacy

The Murders at Fleat House offers something rare: a glimpse into a different side of Lucinda Riley’s writing. It’s a classic mystery with gothic boarding school vibes, a cast of suspicious characters, and a determined female detective leading the charge.

If you’re already a fan of her novels, it’s a bittersweet but rewarding read. And if you’re new to her work, this might just be your perfect entry point into an unforgettable storyteller’s world.