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Salmonweird: A Cornish Crime Comedy Caper Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

Is it possible to kill a person who is already dead and has been for hundreds of years?

Karl hoped his retirement to coastal Cornwall from Cambridge would be idyllic and quiet. His new home, the picturesque village of Salmonweir overlooking the Cornish south coast between Treen and Lamorna Cove away from the big tourist destinations was seemingly perfect in that respect.

Salmonweir, in fact, had nothing to set it apart from any other sleepy Cornish village unaffected by mass tourism.

And that was the way Karl preferred it. But Karl's wife Valarie didn't prefer it.

What really tipped her over the edge and convinced her to return to Cambridge was the 500 ghosts who appeared from nowhere one Sunday morning in spring. Among them were Iron Age Warrior Queen on the lookout for Romans, a pirate crew on the lookout for rum, an Elizabethan poet on the lookout for a publisher, a Civil War puritan on the lookout for Catholic royalists, and a medieval monk on the lookout for plague.

Could it have got any weirder? Ah yes, the "murders", and Karl's un-retirement.

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There are 3 books in this series.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07T736VPR
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 2, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 281 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Salmonweird
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 37 ratings

About the author

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MG Mason
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I was born in Swindon in the 1970s but currently living on the Cornish south coast.

A friend once asked if I considered writing a book in one genre without throwing two other genres into the same story. Until that point I hadn't realised just how much mashing up genres defined my work!

They were right of course. But what else can you expect from a scifi nerd with an archaeology degree?

These days, when not writing for businesses or fiction, I'm usually found somewhere in Cornwall with a camera attached to my face.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
37 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fun and engaging, with one mentioning how the first chapters pull readers in. The writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting it's written by a deft hand. They appreciate the humor, with one review highlighting its wonderful sense of humor.

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5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun and enjoyable, with one mentioning that the first chapters always pull readers in.

"Salmonweird was so much fun. It's exactly what the title says it is: a Cornish Crime Comedy. Salmonweird is very cozy, approachable, and enjoyable...." Read more

"...The first line launches you right into an entertaining, fun story with a writing style to match. And the characters are perfect. Must read!" Read more

"...And I’m a sucker for ghosts, just a sucker. The series is too much fun to pass up!" Read more

"...A warm, witty, and entertaining story, written by a deft hand with a wonderful sense of humor. Well done, Mason!" Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning its wonderful sense of humor, while another appreciates its Cornish crime comedy style.

"...It's exactly what the title says it is: a Cornish Crime Comedy. Salmonweird is very cozy, approachable, and enjoyable...." Read more

"...(as the ghosts span from the Iron Age to the 1900s), it’s most endearing for comments on whether locals spread cream or jam first on their scones..." Read more

"...A warm, witty, and entertaining story, written by a deft hand with a wonderful sense of humor. Well done, Mason!" Read more

"...The tone was balanced. Not really corny and not too hammed up. Even has a respectable plotline and logically done wondup...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one noting it's an easy read.

"...of violence, high drama, or poetic description, but you will get an easy read with a cast of characters who are fun and interesting but don't fall..." Read more

"...line launches you right into an entertaining, fun story with a writing style to match. And the characters are perfect. Must read!" Read more

"...A warm, witty, and entertaining story, written by a deft hand with a wonderful sense of humor. Well done, Mason!" Read more

Fun!
5 out of 5 stars
Fun!
There’s only one way to sum up this book: It’s a damn fun time. I’ve not read a book that engages you like this one in a while. The first line launches you right into an entertaining, fun story with a writing style to match. And the characters are perfect. Must read!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Salmonweird was so much fun. It's exactly what the title says it is: a Cornish Crime Comedy. Salmonweird is very cozy, approachable, and enjoyable. For me, it feels very much like a network television sitcom in the vein of "Ghosts". The murder mystery itself is more Nancy Drew than Agatha Christie, which is not a slight, it's simply a stylistic choice. A smart one, as well.

    You're not going to get a ton of violence, high drama, or poetic description, but you will get an easy read with a cast of characters who are fun and interesting but don't fall into the trap of being quirky for the sake of quirkiness. And the mystery itself isn't conflated with bizarre puzzles, red herrings, and exercises in moral ambiguity. It's more of a straightforward, follow the breadcrumbs conundrum that resolves itself in a way I found to be on the more melancholic side of heartbreaking. I'm looking forward to checking out the other books in the series.

    Highly recommended for folks who are looking for a cozy, rainy day read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Fans of the Ghosts TV series (UK or US versions) will enjoy the daily discoveries of an amiable retired police inspector living in a town full of ghosts. While this novel touches on a smattering of British history (as the ghosts span from the Iron Age to the 1900s), it’s most endearing for comments on whether locals spread cream or jam first on their scones and those who call everyone “my love.” The extra “Lockdown” story at the end is a delightful bonus and suggests the further stories in the Salmonweird universe will bring readers even more joy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    There’s only one way to sum up this book: It’s a damn fun time.

    I’ve not read a book that engages you like this one in a while. The first line launches you right into an entertaining, fun story with a writing style to match. And the characters are perfect. Must read!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Fun!

    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
    There’s only one way to sum up this book: It’s a damn fun time.

    I’ve not read a book that engages you like this one in a while. The first line launches you right into an entertaining, fun story with a writing style to match. And the characters are perfect. Must read!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I hadn’t left a review at the time I finished the first book, but picked up the third this morning and had to come back to write this. I used to love Simon R Greene when I was younger and Mason has a similar fun “voice”. Love the internal character dialogue. The first chapters always pull you in (hence how the third book sent me back to review the first, they just keep getting funnier!). And I’m a sucker for ghosts, just a sucker. The series is too much fun to pass up!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ah, to be the only living in a village full of ghosts. And not just any ghosts, either. No faceless women in white floating up the stairs, here! Ghosts running a pub, managing a grocery store, what have you. Ghosts from all points in history, a Celtic warrior queen, a Roman officer, a medieval monk, a ship with its lusty pirate crew--and they all live in Salmonweir Village--in the 21st century. A warm, witty, and entertaining story, written by a deft hand with a wonderful sense of humor. Well done, Mason!
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There are many different historical eras covered with good use made of them. The tone was balanced. Not really corny and not too hammed up. Even has a respectable plotline and logically done wondup. I was happy with the results.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    A comedy crime caper which takes place in the village of Salmonweir in Cornwall. Why is Salmonweir called Salmonweird? Well, there are no salmon and no weir. Oh, and every person in town, save one, is a ghost.

    And these are not your run of the mill "The whole town died in a tornado so are all the same" ghosts. There is an ancient warrior queen, a Roman Legionnaire, a pirate ship full of pirates, two priests of different times and sects, a shopkeeper, a tavern keeper, and more.

    All seems well and good and the town's only living resident, a retired police detective, is happy with the quiet village, even if his wife is not and left him. That is until a murder happens. Yes, someone figures out how to kill a ghost - again.

    Now it is up to DI (Ret,) Blackmon to figure out who is doing the killing, how, and why. All while helping guide the town through its first annual Bonfire Night, wrangle the disagreeable priests, chaperone a teenaged ghost on a date, and whatever else the ghosts can throw at him.

    A nice and enjoyable read which is perfect for the chill Autumn nights which will soon be upon us. Light-hearted, charming, and mysterious, the concept was interesting and the characters relatable even if dead.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    Over the centuries, they’ve lived and died in Salmonweir. Now that all the living are gone, the ghosts have come back to the town to start “ life” anew. There is only one living resident: retired DI Blackman. Retired, yes, but for how long? With Winter approaching, a mystery also comes: first a missing person, then a murder. Can ghosts die again? Can the DI solve the murder before the killer strikes again ?

    This entertaining mystery, set in Cornwall, is a fun and intriguing read. It will appeal to those interested in cozy mysteries, ghost stories, and historical fiction. Five stars!

Top reviews from other countries

  • D.A. Cairns
    4.0 out of 5 stars And now for something completely different
    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a goldmine of opportunity for a writer who has created a twin of ghosts...and one resident non- ghost. The author Mason mines this well (sorry for the mixed metaphor) beautifully by creating a cast of diverse and fascinating characters. Accurately and humourously depicting the culture clash and multiple worlds from different times, Mason binds it all together with a murder mystery for the protagonist human, retired Detective Blackman. This novel is cleverly original, funny and suspenseful. Definitely worth a read.
  • Lacrima Mundi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic cosy (murder) mystery with ghosts and an older MC
    Reviewed in Germany on January 10, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Salmonweird series by M. G. Mason has been my favourite (murder) mystery series discovery of 2024. It also has managed to secure itself a spot on my ultimate comfort reads list. Hence, it's also another Mason book - or series, in this case - that has managed to claim a spot on my all-time-favourites list.

    The story is great, most of the characters are very lovable and intriguing, the humour is distinctly English - which I love, but also know some have problems with; so be warned, you might not find it as funny as it actually is if the latter applies to you. The writing is good and flows well, which makes this book easy to read and get lost in.

    There are a few minor editing hiccups, but none of those has affected my reading or my enjoyment of the story in the slightest; I merely noticed. And I am picky - really picky - when it comes to editing and proofreading (old habits die hard). That said, if it doesn't seriously affect me it most definitely will not affect you either.

    If you are looking for an enjoyable, light-hearted, cosy (murder) mystery with plenty of ghost characters and an older MC - yes, finally! I am so sick and tired of reading about 20-somethings all the time -, that is fun and easy to read, look no further. In that case you absolutely should read the Salmonweird series by M. G. Mason- yes, the whole thing, it's only getting better with each book.

    I am hoping for a plethora of more books in the series in the future. I absolutely love the Salmonweird universe and cannot wait to read more about all those lovely characters, their stories, and the (murder) mysteries they will encounter.

    4.5 stars rounded up to 5, the half star taken off is due to the afore mentioned hiccups. The story itself is definitely a 5-star for me whenever I want - or need - a cosy mystery comfort read.

    Addendum (June 2025):

    I believe this story recently got an overhaul, including another round of editing/proofreading, therefore my remark at the end might very well be obsolete for the current edition.
  • Zombie Inkpot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I absolutely loved this book about Salmonweir, a Cornish village with a unique living history in the form of resident ghosts from different time periods rubbing shoulders with the single remaining living resident, DI (retired) Karl Blackman.

    The idea of ghosts from different time periods of the same village all existing (mostly) in peace together was so well done. I loved all the ghosts, and the author’s historical knowledge is evident in how well he depicts the various characters. My favorite is Jowan, a medieval monk. The idea he has to share the church with a puritan is horrific and genius!

    The world building around the ghosts is interesting and consistent. At first I was a bit unsure about the ghosts living in houses and eating and drinking, but as the rules are explained throughout the book, it made sense within the world.

    The murder mystery would do Agatha Christie proud.

    This book is also incredibly humorous. It had me chuckling out loud many times as I read it.

    I’m looking forward to starting the second book immediately.
  • Abby
    5.0 out of 5 stars Journey through 2000 years of British history in a fast-paced tale - with murder!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A perfect choice for any fan of the series Ghosts, and a compelling read for anyone who loves crime capers and historical fiction. As a histfic fan first and foremost (and a fan of Ghosts - both version, should you care to judge me!) I love that so many time periods came to life at once in MG Mason's tale. The Roman soldier meets the Celtic warrior queen, the war-weary 21st Century housewife with secrets to spare, and the sweet-natured human who brings them all together made this a fast-paced and fantastic read!
  • MGK
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful world of moody ghosts who are up to no good
    Reviewed in India on January 28, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    How do you kill a ghost? And more importantly, why would you want to kill a ghost? And what happens if you're the only living person in a small Cornish town full of ghosts? I found MG Mason on Twitter and enjoyed his witty tweets there. When he posted about Salmonweird, I decided I had to read it.

    The line itself - A Cornish Crime Comedy Caper - got me from the beginning. Matt Mason created an elaborate world and peopled it with ghostly pirate ship, a warrior princess who has a grudge against Boudicca, a couple of medieval priests, and a whole host of other ghosts who have their own quirks (I particularly enjoyed Hook Hand Harry!) and lives.

    My favourite part of this book is how the author explains everything. How do ghosts keep busy for all eternity? What do they do at night if they don't need sleep? Why one behaves in a certain way. How they're stuck here in this world. It really irks me when I have to stop reading and wonder about these things. MG Mason lays out the truth of daily life for the reader so you're not distracted by questions and can focus on the mystery of the murdered ghosts until the end.

    Christmas is over but I'll be buying A Salmonweird Sleighing next. Not yet ready to let go of the characters I met.
    Customer image
    MGK
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A delightful world of moody ghosts who are up to no good

    Reviewed in India on January 28, 2021
    How do you kill a ghost? And more importantly, why would you want to kill a ghost? And what happens if you're the only living person in a small Cornish town full of ghosts? I found MG Mason on Twitter and enjoyed his witty tweets there. When he posted about Salmonweird, I decided I had to read it.

    The line itself - A Cornish Crime Comedy Caper - got me from the beginning. Matt Mason created an elaborate world and peopled it with ghostly pirate ship, a warrior princess who has a grudge against Boudicca, a couple of medieval priests, and a whole host of other ghosts who have their own quirks (I particularly enjoyed Hook Hand Harry!) and lives.

    My favourite part of this book is how the author explains everything. How do ghosts keep busy for all eternity? What do they do at night if they don't need sleep? Why one behaves in a certain way. How they're stuck here in this world. It really irks me when I have to stop reading and wonder about these things. MG Mason lays out the truth of daily life for the reader so you're not distracted by questions and can focus on the mystery of the murdered ghosts until the end.

    Christmas is over but I'll be buying A Salmonweird Sleighing next. Not yet ready to let go of the characters I met.
    Images in this review
    Customer image

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