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Julia Bird Mysteries #1
An English Garden Murder
Julia Bird’s picturesque Cotswolds cottage has everything she could want. Rustic charm, cosy fireplaces and, it turns out, a dead body in the garden…
Recently divorced and reluctantly retired, Julia Bird has fled London to enjoy idyllic rural life in the Cotswolds. Determined to have the perfect English garden, her first job is to tear down the old shed, where she unearths much more than she’d bargained for… A body, apparently buried for decades. But who could it be, and who killed them? The police draw a blank, and even the gossip-fest that is the local bookclub can’t remember anyone going missing in the village.
Unable to get on with her garden until the mystery is resolved, Julia decides to conduct her own clandestine investigations. So, together with her wayward chocolate Labrador puppy Jake, Julia begins a whirlwind tour of the local residents. And everyone, it seems, has something to hide in this village. As she gets closer to the truth, Julia uncovers something even more shocking… Another body, this time of someone she actually knows.
Determined to unmask the killer and find out what connects the two dead bodies, Julia – newly nicknamed the Grim Reaper – ups the stakes and hones in on the most likely suspect. But if she hasn’t deduced correctly, then there is someone else in the village who has killed twice already. Will they be prepared to make it third time lucky to keep their secret safe?
This totally addictive page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.
Recently divorced and reluctantly retired, Julia Bird has fled London to enjoy idyllic rural life in the Cotswolds. Determined to have the perfect English garden, her first job is to tear down the old shed, where she unearths much more than she’d bargained for… A body, apparently buried for decades. But who could it be, and who killed them? The police draw a blank, and even the gossip-fest that is the local bookclub can’t remember anyone going missing in the village.
Unable to get on with her garden until the mystery is resolved, Julia decides to conduct her own clandestine investigations. So, together with her wayward chocolate Labrador puppy Jake, Julia begins a whirlwind tour of the local residents. And everyone, it seems, has something to hide in this village. As she gets closer to the truth, Julia uncovers something even more shocking… Another body, this time of someone she actually knows.
Determined to unmask the killer and find out what connects the two dead bodies, Julia – newly nicknamed the Grim Reaper – ups the stakes and hones in on the most likely suspect. But if she hasn’t deduced correctly, then there is someone else in the village who has killed twice already. Will they be prepared to make it third time lucky to keep their secret safe?
This totally addictive page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
August 13, 2022
This cozy mystery is the first of the Julia Bird series. I loved getting to know this eclectic cast of characters as the well crafted mystery unfolded. Dead bodies accumulate as Julia maneuvers her way through village life. As the suspect list grows, Julia learns that a quaint village holds secrets from the past that could be deadly. This cozy was very entertaining with a dash of humor. I look forward to the next book in this engaging series. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
May 1, 2022
The small cottage in the village of Berrywick in the Cotswolds, found Julia Bird, recently from London, divorced and retired, slowly settling into her new lifestyle. She had recently acquired Jake, a chocolate Labrador puppy who had failed his Guide Dog test and was training and walking him regularly, which gave her the opportunity to meet new people. When she decided to demolish the old shed in her yard and erect a chicken coop in its place, the finding of a skeleton underneath was a dreadful shock. It was determined that the body had been there at least twenty years and with her yard now a crime scene, Julia decided to do some investigating of her own.
When a second body was discovered, then the identity of the bones established, Julia knew she needed to discover who the killer was before they struck again. But with the secrets she was unearthing, the theories she told the police DS – who had become a friend – were getting more outrageous by the minute. But Julia and Hayley knew they needed to find the killer – the residents of Berrywick were getting agitated and anxious. Would they work it out?
An English Garden Murder, first in the Julia Bird Mysteries, is my first read by Katie Gayle and won’t be my last. I’ll definitely be looking for book 2 when it comes out. I loved the small village atmosphere, the library where Tabitha ran the book club and Julia joined; Jake, originally owned by Pippa who was glad to be rid of him as he was a “bad boy”; the Buttered Scone where the village folk congregated for breakfast and gossiped happily. An English Garden Murder was an enjoyable, satisfying cozy mystery which I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When a second body was discovered, then the identity of the bones established, Julia knew she needed to discover who the killer was before they struck again. But with the secrets she was unearthing, the theories she told the police DS – who had become a friend – were getting more outrageous by the minute. But Julia and Hayley knew they needed to find the killer – the residents of Berrywick were getting agitated and anxious. Would they work it out?
An English Garden Murder, first in the Julia Bird Mysteries, is my first read by Katie Gayle and won’t be my last. I’ll definitely be looking for book 2 when it comes out. I loved the small village atmosphere, the library where Tabitha ran the book club and Julia joined; Jake, originally owned by Pippa who was glad to be rid of him as he was a “bad boy”; the Buttered Scone where the village folk congregated for breakfast and gossiped happily. An English Garden Murder was an enjoyable, satisfying cozy mystery which I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2022
Very enjoyable
This is a story about a woman who, having lost both her marriage and her career, starts her life over in a small village in England. She unwittingly discovers a body and then another one. The characters are fun and dialogue is crisp. Satisfying.
This is a story about a woman who, having lost both her marriage and her career, starts her life over in a small village in England. She unwittingly discovers a body and then another one. The characters are fun and dialogue is crisp. Satisfying.
August 15, 2022
Julia Bird is starting a new life in Berrywick, in the Cotswold, after a divorce and a career ending in London. Sixtyish and missing her life in social work, she is expecting a quiet life in the village but that does not happen. She decides she wants chickens and needs a coop for them. She found Johnny Blount to build the coop for her but when Johnny's grandson Brendan pulls down a shed where the coop is to go, a body is discovered. There starts a mystery for Julia to unravel. A young woman's body. As she works with DI Hayley Gibson, there are more murders to unravel. This is a quick, fun and yet complicated mystery to solve in an English village setting where everyone knows each other. Great for cozy lovers!
July 29, 2022
4.5*
An English Garden Murder is an entertaining cosy mystery, that will appeal to aficionados of the Agatha Raisin book and television series, and is similarly set in a Cotswolds village.
Newly-retired London social worker Julia Bird has recently relocated to the picturesque Cotswolds (UK) village of Berrywick, following the end of her long marriage after her husband left her for another man. Energetic and personable, Julia is keen to establish social connections in the local area, and to make her own mark on the attractive cottage and garden she now calls home. That's where the excitement begins - no sooner has Julia engaged local handyman Johnny Blunt and his grandson to dismantle an old shed and build her a chook run, than human remains are discovered under the shed's foundations.
Understandably curious as to the identity of the body found on her property, blessed with an abundance of underutilised skills in reading people's behaviour, and with a network of former work contacts to ask favours of, Julia begins her own local inquiry. As she gets to know her fellow villagers through book club, morning coffee at "The Buttered Scone" café and by volunteering at the local charity shop, Julia gradually comes to grips with the web of relationships, past enmities and suspicious behaviour in this apparently idyllic community. It's not long before Julia discovers a second body - this one very fresh - creating an sense of urgency in her amateur detection actvities - can she identify a killer before he or she strikes again?
Julia's efforts are curiously well tolerated by the police officer in charge of the case, D.I. Hayley Gibson, and the two women build a camaraderie, swapping relevant information, as the case progresses. Julia also makes many new friends among the residents of Berrywick, adopts a boisterous failed guide dog called Jake and even experiences the flickers of a new romance.
An English Garden Murder displays all the elements of a quintessential "cosy mystery" - a picturesque and deceptively innocuous setting, a cast of varied and quirky supporting characters, and an underlying current of light humour. But there is a finely balanced pathos, too. Julia is experiencing somewhat of a midlife crisis - one forced upon her, rather than one of internal origins. She feels empathy towards other characters whose adult children are also far-flung, pursuing their own busy lives around the world. She misses the intimacies of her marriage and the many little features of her previous life - such as a cup of tea brought to her in the morning - that she no longer has. Beneath the veneer of middle-class rural comfort there are darker currents - residents facing rental stress, isolation and rumours of domestic violence and infidelity.
With An English Garden Murder, the pseudonymous Katie Gayle (a collaboration by South African authors Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel) have created a new series which goes some way to filling the yawning chasm left by the death of Marion Chesney in December 2019 (Under the nom de plume M.C. Beaton, Chesney penned both the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series, among others).
An English Garden Murder is a undemanding but thoroughly entertaining read, which I'd enthusiastically recommend to anyone who enjoys an action-packed and character-driven cosy mystery.
My thanks to authors "Katie Gayle", Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel, publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent title in the lead-up to its release on 5 May 2022.
An English Garden Murder is an entertaining cosy mystery, that will appeal to aficionados of the Agatha Raisin book and television series, and is similarly set in a Cotswolds village.
Newly-retired London social worker Julia Bird has recently relocated to the picturesque Cotswolds (UK) village of Berrywick, following the end of her long marriage after her husband left her for another man. Energetic and personable, Julia is keen to establish social connections in the local area, and to make her own mark on the attractive cottage and garden she now calls home. That's where the excitement begins - no sooner has Julia engaged local handyman Johnny Blunt and his grandson to dismantle an old shed and build her a chook run, than human remains are discovered under the shed's foundations.
Understandably curious as to the identity of the body found on her property, blessed with an abundance of underutilised skills in reading people's behaviour, and with a network of former work contacts to ask favours of, Julia begins her own local inquiry. As she gets to know her fellow villagers through book club, morning coffee at "The Buttered Scone" café and by volunteering at the local charity shop, Julia gradually comes to grips with the web of relationships, past enmities and suspicious behaviour in this apparently idyllic community. It's not long before Julia discovers a second body - this one very fresh - creating an sense of urgency in her amateur detection actvities - can she identify a killer before he or she strikes again?
Julia's efforts are curiously well tolerated by the police officer in charge of the case, D.I. Hayley Gibson, and the two women build a camaraderie, swapping relevant information, as the case progresses. Julia also makes many new friends among the residents of Berrywick, adopts a boisterous failed guide dog called Jake and even experiences the flickers of a new romance.
An English Garden Murder displays all the elements of a quintessential "cosy mystery" - a picturesque and deceptively innocuous setting, a cast of varied and quirky supporting characters, and an underlying current of light humour. But there is a finely balanced pathos, too. Julia is experiencing somewhat of a midlife crisis - one forced upon her, rather than one of internal origins. She feels empathy towards other characters whose adult children are also far-flung, pursuing their own busy lives around the world. She misses the intimacies of her marriage and the many little features of her previous life - such as a cup of tea brought to her in the morning - that she no longer has. Beneath the veneer of middle-class rural comfort there are darker currents - residents facing rental stress, isolation and rumours of domestic violence and infidelity.
With An English Garden Murder, the pseudonymous Katie Gayle (a collaboration by South African authors Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel) have created a new series which goes some way to filling the yawning chasm left by the death of Marion Chesney in December 2019 (Under the nom de plume M.C. Beaton, Chesney penned both the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series, among others).
An English Garden Murder is a undemanding but thoroughly entertaining read, which I'd enthusiastically recommend to anyone who enjoys an action-packed and character-driven cosy mystery.
My thanks to authors "Katie Gayle", Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel, publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this excellent title in the lead-up to its release on 5 May 2022.
May 3, 2022
Publication Date: 05th May 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining!
Julia Bird moves to a Cotswolds cottage in a small English town after her recent divorce and retirement. She feels a bit lost, not knowing what to do with her sudden free time. Julia soon decides on a pet project (raising chickens and taking care of the beautiful garden), only to end up with a dead body on the premises.
She has no choice but to put her plans on hold until the identity of the body and the killer are found. If only it was that easy! In the meantime, Julia tries to befriend the villagers, adopts Jake, the cutest Lab in the size of a small bear, and begins to get used to country life. But when she stumbles upon another body, she decides it’s time to do her own investigation.
Can Julia find the killer and prevent more dead bodies from creating feverish excitement in the little village?
My Observations:
• The book begins on a quirky note tinged with humor and sadness. The lighthearted tone continues through the rest of the book (a trademark of good cozy mystery).
• Jake is super adorable. Though I’m sure I can’t handle a pup like him, I love his antics in the book. Such a sweetheart!
• Being the first book in the series, the characters are revealed over time. This also means I continued to assess the information longer than I liked. Not a complaint, though.
• Julia is an interesting character and likable. She does a good job of keeping me engaged with the story. I like her teaming up with DI Hayley and look forward to reading more mysteries.
• The villagers are just as fun, even if some have been more of caricatures. Since this is the first book, I can’t dismiss character development yet.
• Little Sebastian is another cutie pie. I loved his scenes, even if he was a brat at times. That’s where the fun lies. ;)
• There is some rambling, but it doesn’t go on for more than a couple of lines. I’m almost used to it by now.
• It’s such a surprise to read that the book is authored by a duo, Katie and Gail. They have collaborated before, and it shows. No jerks in narration.
• As with every other cozy mystery set in the English countryside, we get to read about endless cups of tea. Oh, well…
To sum up, An English Garden Murder is a great start to a new cozy mystery series, and I intend to continue reading every subsequent release.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AnEnglishGardenMurder
4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining!
Julia Bird moves to a Cotswolds cottage in a small English town after her recent divorce and retirement. She feels a bit lost, not knowing what to do with her sudden free time. Julia soon decides on a pet project (raising chickens and taking care of the beautiful garden), only to end up with a dead body on the premises.
She has no choice but to put her plans on hold until the identity of the body and the killer are found. If only it was that easy! In the meantime, Julia tries to befriend the villagers, adopts Jake, the cutest Lab in the size of a small bear, and begins to get used to country life. But when she stumbles upon another body, she decides it’s time to do her own investigation.
Can Julia find the killer and prevent more dead bodies from creating feverish excitement in the little village?
My Observations:
• The book begins on a quirky note tinged with humor and sadness. The lighthearted tone continues through the rest of the book (a trademark of good cozy mystery).
• Jake is super adorable. Though I’m sure I can’t handle a pup like him, I love his antics in the book. Such a sweetheart!
• Being the first book in the series, the characters are revealed over time. This also means I continued to assess the information longer than I liked. Not a complaint, though.
• Julia is an interesting character and likable. She does a good job of keeping me engaged with the story. I like her teaming up with DI Hayley and look forward to reading more mysteries.
• The villagers are just as fun, even if some have been more of caricatures. Since this is the first book, I can’t dismiss character development yet.
• Little Sebastian is another cutie pie. I loved his scenes, even if he was a brat at times. That’s where the fun lies. ;)
• There is some rambling, but it doesn’t go on for more than a couple of lines. I’m almost used to it by now.
• It’s such a surprise to read that the book is authored by a duo, Katie and Gail. They have collaborated before, and it shows. No jerks in narration.
• As with every other cozy mystery set in the English countryside, we get to read about endless cups of tea. Oh, well…
To sum up, An English Garden Murder is a great start to a new cozy mystery series, and I intend to continue reading every subsequent release.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AnEnglishGardenMurder
July 25, 2022
After entertaining cozy mystery readers with the Epiphany Bloom series, Katie Gayle is back with a brand new cozy mystery series, this time set in a Costwold village of Berrywick. So far I have only read about Costwold in romance books but in this book it becomes a scene of secrets and dead bodies as Julia Bird, a recently retired social worker, finds out when her dream of living the quiet, peaceful and mundane country village life gets shaken after discovering not 1, not 2 but 3 dead bodies, one being unearthed from under the shed of her own recently purchased property!
With a whole new plethora of interesting characters and a very cozy setting (minus the bodies), this is another series I am sure I will enjoy very much.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Katie Gayle for the e-Arc of the book.
With a whole new plethora of interesting characters and a very cozy setting (minus the bodies), this is another series I am sure I will enjoy very much.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Katie Gayle for the e-Arc of the book.
April 1, 2022
I enjoyed reading An English Garden Murder. It is the first in this series.. Julia Bird is the main character who has moved to the town of Berrywick in the Cottswolds. She has retired from social services and recently divorced. The other characters add a delightful presence to the story. Julia has just moved into her new home and decides she wants to build a chicken coop for chickens.. Her best friend, Tabitha who is the librarian tells her that Johnny Blunt is the best person to do it. Julia decides to put the chicken coop where the old shed is. Brandon, Johnny's grandson discovers a body buried under the shed when taking it down. The body is identified as Samantha Howard who disappeared 15 years ago.. DI Hayley Gibson and Walter Farmer are assigned to the recovery. When walking her dog, Jake, who decides to go into the lake after ducks and gets stuck in the mud. Julia goes into the water to get Jake and discovers another body, Maeve Howard, Samantha's mother. This is where the story takes off with DI Hayley and Julia trying to find out who killed the two woman and why. Lots of things happen on their adventure to the surprising end.
I look forward to the next adventure in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
I look forward to the next adventure in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
May 9, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
When giving herself a stern talking-to, Julia tended to employ her dead mother’s voice, and her clipped and direct tone. No doubt a psychologist would have a field day with that, but the fact was that it worked. She felt herself buck up.
The first thing Julia noticed on entering the offices of the William Adamson Property Company, was the receptionist’s false eyelashes. They reminded Julia of Petunia the cow, her grandmother’s prize Jersey. She’d had the longest, thickest lashes, and as a child Julia had loved her slow blink, as if her lashes were too heavy to move. It really was quite unnerving on a human, though. The lashes extended forwards and then swooped upwards and fanned out. Just about as alarming was the orange eyeshadow. Every time the girl blinked, it was as if two tangerine segments descended over her eyeballs.
Julia realised what talking to Nicky reminded her of – a waterfall. That rushing feeling as the freezing water cascaded over your head, overwhelming your senses and rendering you curiously numb.
Sebastian fell to the ground in a full-on tantrum. It was quite astonishing, actually, like a cartoon of a tantrum, little heels drumming on the ground, fists clenched, tears and snot spewing, and a bellow… Good Lord… A bellow that would wake the dead. Which would be handy, come to think of it, given the circumstances.
My Review:
This was my first exposure to the sparkling style and wily wit of Katie Gayle and I am kicking myself for not noticing this gifted duo of wordsmiths sooner. This delightful little missive was a fun, wryly humorous, cleverly paced, and pleasingly engaging read from start to finish. The writing style was easy to fall into and flowed smoothly and pleasantly while it tickled my curiosity and appealed to my predilection for witty and comedic yet insightful observations. The pace was well-honed with well-crafted storylines and details that pulled sharp visuals to my mind’s eye and kept an amused grin on my face. I enjoyed this odd little village and its authentically quirky inhabitants, although I certainly wouldn’t want to live there.
When giving herself a stern talking-to, Julia tended to employ her dead mother’s voice, and her clipped and direct tone. No doubt a psychologist would have a field day with that, but the fact was that it worked. She felt herself buck up.
The first thing Julia noticed on entering the offices of the William Adamson Property Company, was the receptionist’s false eyelashes. They reminded Julia of Petunia the cow, her grandmother’s prize Jersey. She’d had the longest, thickest lashes, and as a child Julia had loved her slow blink, as if her lashes were too heavy to move. It really was quite unnerving on a human, though. The lashes extended forwards and then swooped upwards and fanned out. Just about as alarming was the orange eyeshadow. Every time the girl blinked, it was as if two tangerine segments descended over her eyeballs.
Julia realised what talking to Nicky reminded her of – a waterfall. That rushing feeling as the freezing water cascaded over your head, overwhelming your senses and rendering you curiously numb.
Sebastian fell to the ground in a full-on tantrum. It was quite astonishing, actually, like a cartoon of a tantrum, little heels drumming on the ground, fists clenched, tears and snot spewing, and a bellow… Good Lord… A bellow that would wake the dead. Which would be handy, come to think of it, given the circumstances.
My Review:
This was my first exposure to the sparkling style and wily wit of Katie Gayle and I am kicking myself for not noticing this gifted duo of wordsmiths sooner. This delightful little missive was a fun, wryly humorous, cleverly paced, and pleasingly engaging read from start to finish. The writing style was easy to fall into and flowed smoothly and pleasantly while it tickled my curiosity and appealed to my predilection for witty and comedic yet insightful observations. The pace was well-honed with well-crafted storylines and details that pulled sharp visuals to my mind’s eye and kept an amused grin on my face. I enjoyed this odd little village and its authentically quirky inhabitants, although I certainly wouldn’t want to live there.
July 31, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an entertaining start to a new English cozy mystery. Julia Bird, divorced, retired, and recently of London, moves into a picturesque Cotswolds cottage to start the next phase in her life. When a body is discovered under her shed, things get complicated...
I enjoyed this one a lot. The setting was quaint. The characters are likable. It had a cute dog. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. A fun read from start to finish. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for these characters in the next book!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This was an entertaining start to a new English cozy mystery. Julia Bird, divorced, retired, and recently of London, moves into a picturesque Cotswolds cottage to start the next phase in her life. When a body is discovered under her shed, things get complicated...
I enjoyed this one a lot. The setting was quaint. The characters are likable. It had a cute dog. The mystery was well plotted and kept me guessing. A fun read from start to finish. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for these characters in the next book!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
September 4, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'An English Garden Murder' by Katie Gayle.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Katie Gayle, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 5th May 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'This totally addictive page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.' I am a huge fan of M.C Beaton and Faith Martin so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Cotswolds, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the Cotswolds on many occasions and find it to be an absolutely gorgeous place so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise any of the gorgeous settings.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Julia Bird. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking and Jake barking. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Such an easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, friendship, books and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals, chickens and one Jake to be precise and included a book club was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. This was the perfect start to what is promising to be an addictive series and I am glad I've seen it from the start!!! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the characters surrounding them too.
I am pleased to report I had absolutely nothing to worry about and absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake and everyone else who made this cosy mystery perfect the way it was. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters perfectly. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I am looking forward to meeting her again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how her friendship and relationships with the other characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), the very handsome Sean 007 and the book leader Tabitha. Other characters who definitely left an impression on me include Hayley, Johnny, Pippa and Flo and I'm looking forward to seeing what they all get up to in the not so distant future!!!
Congratulations Kate and Gail on an absolutely addictive first book in what promises to be an addictive series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
Genres covered in this book include Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery, Humorous Dark Comedy, Cozy Animal Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, Claire Chase, Verity Bright, Betty Rowlands and anyone who loves an addictive cosy mystery!!!
262 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'An English Garden Murder' by Katie Gayle.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Katie Gayle, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 5th May 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'This totally addictive page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.' I am a huge fan of M.C Beaton and Faith Martin so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Cotswolds, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the Cotswolds on many occasions and find it to be an absolutely gorgeous place so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise any of the gorgeous settings.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Julia Bird. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking and Jake barking. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Such an easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, friendship, books and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals, chickens and one Jake to be precise and included a book club was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. This was the perfect start to what is promising to be an addictive series and I am glad I've seen it from the start!!! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the characters surrounding them too.
I am pleased to report I had absolutely nothing to worry about and absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake and everyone else who made this cosy mystery perfect the way it was. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters perfectly. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I am looking forward to meeting her again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how her friendship and relationships with the other characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), the very handsome Sean 007 and the book leader Tabitha. Other characters who definitely left an impression on me include Hayley, Johnny, Pippa and Flo and I'm looking forward to seeing what they all get up to in the not so distant future!!!
Congratulations Kate and Gail on an absolutely addictive first book in what promises to be an addictive series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
Genres covered in this book include Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery, Humorous Dark Comedy, Cozy Animal Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, Claire Chase, Verity Bright, Betty Rowlands and anyone who loves an addictive cosy mystery!!!
262 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AnEnglishGardenMurder #Bookouture #KatieGayle #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
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September 22, 2024
As mentioned on the cover this one was utterly addictive English Cozy Mystery.
Julia Bird decides to settle in the Cotswolds to enjoy her retirement. Everything seems peaceful and serene until she decides to build a chicken coop and raise some hens for a fresh supply of daily eggs. But when the shed is torn down, a skeleton is discovered. In this quiet village, where the biggest crime is usually a stolen bicycle, the discovery is a shock.
But does the mystery end with uncovering the identity of the skeleton?
Not at all. The discovery sets off a series of unsettling incidents that compel Julia Bird to take matters into her own hands, channeling her inner Miss Marple—only to stumble upon even more bodies along the way.
Now, aside from Miss Marple, I haven’t read many cozy mysteries by other authors. But this one was recommended by my 'pardner in crime' reading buddy, so I knew it had to be good.
I loved every aspect of the book. No swear words, No Blood splatters, Purely mystery solved based on Gossips :-D. In fact, it was so enjoyable that I’m tempted to build my own chicken coop with atleast dozen hens!
If you’re looking for a light, entertaining mystery, set in a charming village you’ll want to escape to forever, this book is a godsend.
Loved this...Would read more of such Cozy mysteries and definitely more by the authors.
Julia Bird decides to settle in the Cotswolds to enjoy her retirement. Everything seems peaceful and serene until she decides to build a chicken coop and raise some hens for a fresh supply of daily eggs. But when the shed is torn down, a skeleton is discovered. In this quiet village, where the biggest crime is usually a stolen bicycle, the discovery is a shock.
But does the mystery end with uncovering the identity of the skeleton?
Not at all. The discovery sets off a series of unsettling incidents that compel Julia Bird to take matters into her own hands, channeling her inner Miss Marple—only to stumble upon even more bodies along the way.
Now, aside from Miss Marple, I haven’t read many cozy mysteries by other authors. But this one was recommended by my 'pardner in crime' reading buddy, so I knew it had to be good.
I loved every aspect of the book. No swear words, No Blood splatters, Purely mystery solved based on Gossips :-D. In fact, it was so enjoyable that I’m tempted to build my own chicken coop with atleast dozen hens!
If you’re looking for a light, entertaining mystery, set in a charming village you’ll want to escape to forever, this book is a godsend.
Loved this...Would read more of such Cozy mysteries and definitely more by the authors.
October 29, 2023
Sleepy English village murder mystery. Set in Cornwell and well written for what it aims to be with relatable characters and a reasonable plot. Would happily read book two.
April 28, 2022
Retirement, divorce, and moving house, are potentially three of the most stressful things which could happen to anyone. Add finding a dead body to the mix and you have Julia Bird's new normal!
Berrywick Village is now Julia's home in the country, welcoming, peaceful, and just the place for a completely new start. Her old friend, Tabitha, lives close by and is the local librarian so when the idea of building a chicken coop strikes she is able to advise Julia on who to hire and where to find them! Johnny Blunt is recommended, lives up to his name, willingly takes the job and, although she doesn't realise it, heralds the start of Julia's problems.
This is the first in a new series and it starts off running! Julia is a really good main protagonist and there are plenty of possibilities for future mysteries set in Berrywick, which is the epitome of a fictional English Cotswold village. I didn't work out the main mystery but there were other discoveries which were able to be solved gradually throughout which I really enjoyed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I loved this, it is a brilliant first book and if you are looking for a new quality cosy crime series this is definitely for you. Highly recommended.
Berrywick Village is now Julia's home in the country, welcoming, peaceful, and just the place for a completely new start. Her old friend, Tabitha, lives close by and is the local librarian so when the idea of building a chicken coop strikes she is able to advise Julia on who to hire and where to find them! Johnny Blunt is recommended, lives up to his name, willingly takes the job and, although she doesn't realise it, heralds the start of Julia's problems.
This is the first in a new series and it starts off running! Julia is a really good main protagonist and there are plenty of possibilities for future mysteries set in Berrywick, which is the epitome of a fictional English Cotswold village. I didn't work out the main mystery but there were other discoveries which were able to be solved gradually throughout which I really enjoyed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I loved this, it is a brilliant first book and if you are looking for a new quality cosy crime series this is definitely for you. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2022
This is wonderful cozy debut that is well crafted with smart charcters and a beautiful Cotswolds setting. I was pleased to receive this for review. Thank you to the publishers and to Net Galley.
After the death of M.C. Beaton I feared my reading trips to the Cotswolds were over. Fear not this author team has captured the pulse of life in the Cotswolds perfectly. Julia Bird moved to the charming Cotswold town of Berrywick . She retired from social services in London and went through a divorce. She has settled in the small village to start over and have a quieter life.
Julia wants to build a chicken coop for chickens and through her friend finds a local man to build the coop. When the building begins a body is found. It is determined to be a missing woman who disappeared decades ago. Julia soon finds a second body while walking her dog who is the Mother of the first victim. She is curious to work with the detective assigned to both cases. Soon clues abound and Julia is finding in this small village many have secrets.
I enjoyed this charming debut. It is a fun read with a surprising conclusion . I look forward to the next in series.
After the death of M.C. Beaton I feared my reading trips to the Cotswolds were over. Fear not this author team has captured the pulse of life in the Cotswolds perfectly. Julia Bird moved to the charming Cotswold town of Berrywick . She retired from social services in London and went through a divorce. She has settled in the small village to start over and have a quieter life.
Julia wants to build a chicken coop for chickens and through her friend finds a local man to build the coop. When the building begins a body is found. It is determined to be a missing woman who disappeared decades ago. Julia soon finds a second body while walking her dog who is the Mother of the first victim. She is curious to work with the detective assigned to both cases. Soon clues abound and Julia is finding in this small village many have secrets.
I enjoyed this charming debut. It is a fun read with a surprising conclusion . I look forward to the next in series.
May 4, 2022
4.5 Stars
Julia Bird has recently divorced & retired, she's also left London for a fresh start in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Berrywick, and her little cottage is everything she’d hoped for. But when she tears down the old garden shed to make way for a chicken coop, she unearths much more than she’d bargained for the body of a young woman, apparently buried for decades, thrusting Julia into a baffling mystery. DI Hayley Gibson is on the case in Berrywick, but Julia decides to lend a hand, taking her wayward puppy Jake along for the ride. Soon, Julia is convinced she has discovered the killer’s identity, until Jake, a true Labrador, finds a new love of the local lake’s waterfowl and instead ends up catching her chief suspect - drowned.
A new start for Julia & a new series, which I found myself drawn into from the start, a delightful mix of humour & mystery. The characters have depth & are well portrayed & above all believable. I really liked Julia coping on her own after over thirty years of marriage when her husband falls for the landscape gardener. We meet many of the villagers & whilst some of the book was scene setting it wasn’t laboured. She even gets an unruly pup, Jake an absolutely adorable chocolate Labrador who didn’t make the grade for training as a guide dog. It also means that dog walking helps her meet & befriend villagers. A very good series starter & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Julia Bird has recently divorced & retired, she's also left London for a fresh start in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Berrywick, and her little cottage is everything she’d hoped for. But when she tears down the old garden shed to make way for a chicken coop, she unearths much more than she’d bargained for the body of a young woman, apparently buried for decades, thrusting Julia into a baffling mystery. DI Hayley Gibson is on the case in Berrywick, but Julia decides to lend a hand, taking her wayward puppy Jake along for the ride. Soon, Julia is convinced she has discovered the killer’s identity, until Jake, a true Labrador, finds a new love of the local lake’s waterfowl and instead ends up catching her chief suspect - drowned.
A new start for Julia & a new series, which I found myself drawn into from the start, a delightful mix of humour & mystery. The characters have depth & are well portrayed & above all believable. I really liked Julia coping on her own after over thirty years of marriage when her husband falls for the landscape gardener. We meet many of the villagers & whilst some of the book was scene setting it wasn’t laboured. She even gets an unruly pup, Jake an absolutely adorable chocolate Labrador who didn’t make the grade for training as a guide dog. It also means that dog walking helps her meet & befriend villagers. A very good series starter & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 20, 2023
This was a very good read. Loved Julia and her chocolate Labrador Jake.
The mystery was well plotted.
The mystery was well plotted.
August 26, 2024
I'm a fan of British crime dramas (Fr.Brown, Sis.Boniface, Death in Paradise), and this book felt like I was watching a lighter one of those. Delightful and cozy, with great world-building and well developed characters, and just the right level of multiple plot lines. The main mystery was a tad easy to figure out, if you know how to spot patterns in these type of stories, but that didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the book. And the main character, while definitely an amateur sleuth, was less of the stereotypical nosy old lady with theories up the wazoo (although she did have plenty of those), but more of an approachable neighborly type with a relevant background in social work... okay maybe a bit nosy, but always able to put people at ease rather than stupidly prying into everyone's business. I was happy to see the companionable connection between her and the DI, rather than having them permanently at odds with each other (which is a tad overdone in many crime dramas, in my opinion). Definitely plan to continue this series!
May 7, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'An English Garden Murder' by Katie Gayle.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Katie Gayle, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 5th May 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'This totally addictive page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.' I am a huge fan of M.C Beaton and Faith Martin so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Cotswolds, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the Cotswolds on many occasions and find it to be an absolutely gorgeous place so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise any of the gorgeous settings.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Julia Bird. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking and Jake barking. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Such an easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, friendship, books and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals, chickens and one Jake to be precise and included a book club was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. This was the perfect start to what is promising to be an addictive series and I am glad I've seen it from the start!!! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the characters surrounding them too.
I am pleased to report I had absolutely nothing to worry about and absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake and everyone else who made this cosy mystery perfect the way it was. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters perfectly. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I am looking forward to meeting her again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how her friendship and relationships with the other characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), the very handsome Sean 007 and the book leader Tabitha. Other characters who definitely left an impression on me include Hayley, Johnny, Pippa and Flo and I'm looking forward to seeing what they all get up to in the not so distant future!!!
Congratulations Kate and Gail on an absolutely addictive first book in what promises to be an addictive series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
Genres covered in this book include Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery, Humorous Dark Comedy, Cozy Animal Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, Claire Chase, Verity Bright, Betty Rowlands and anyone who loves an addictive cosy mystery!!!
262 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AnEnglishGardenMurder #Bookouture #KatieGayle #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KatieGayle @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @KatieGayleBooks @katesidley @gailschimmel
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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Review for 'An English Garden Murder' by Katie Gayle.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Katie Gayle, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 5th May 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'This totally addictive page-turning cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands.' I am a huge fan of M.C Beaton and Faith Martin so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Cotswolds, England 🏴 , UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the Cotswolds on many occasions and find it to be an absolutely gorgeous place so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise any of the gorgeous settings.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists is Julia Bird. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking and Jake barking. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Such an easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, friendship, books and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals, chickens and one Jake to be precise and included a book club was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. This was the perfect start to what is promising to be an addictive series and I am glad I've seen it from the start!!! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the characters surrounding them too.
I am pleased to report I had absolutely nothing to worry about and absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake and everyone else who made this cosy mystery perfect the way it was. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters perfectly. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. I am looking forward to meeting her again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how her friendship and relationships with the other characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), the very handsome Sean 007 and the book leader Tabitha. Other characters who definitely left an impression on me include Hayley, Johnny, Pippa and Flo and I'm looking forward to seeing what they all get up to in the not so distant future!!!
Congratulations Kate and Gail on an absolutely addictive first book in what promises to be an addictive series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
Genres covered in this book include Cozy Crafts and Hobbies Mystery, Humorous Dark Comedy, Cozy Animal Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Mystery and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, Claire Chase, Verity Bright, Betty Rowlands and anyone who loves an addictive cosy mystery!!!
262 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#AnEnglishGardenMurder #Bookouture #KatieGayle #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KatieGayle @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @KatieGayleBooks @katesidley @gailschimmel
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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March 7, 2023
The story begins with some pathos as the h pretends to be happy in her new life. Clearly she has losses, a forced retirement and divorce. Her ex is very happy with his boyfriend and she's trying to be happy in a new home. So finding a body gives her purpose by solving the murder. I struggled with her dishonesty but understood her need for distraction, but I didn't enjoy it at all.
February 20, 2023
Meh, it's not Agatha Raisin. The heroine doesn't have quirks, the writing is too bland. I did finish it though. So, that's something.
May 8, 2022
An English Garden Mystery is the first book in the new Julia Bird Mystery series, a delightful cozy mystery. Julia Bird has recently purchased a small cottage in the village of Berrywick in the Cotswolds, She is making a big change in her life after a recent divorce ad retiring from her stressful and emotional job as a Social Worker. One of the first things she does is adopt a chocolate lab puppy, Jake, who has failed out of Guide Dog training. Second thing is to get chickens, but she needs a coop built. When her shed is knocked down to make way for the coop, Brendan, the grandson of the builder uncovers a skeleton. Suddenly she is the talk of the village. The skeleton is old, but then she finds a second body, an older woman who has recently had some issues with some of the villagers. With her garden being a crime scene, and the local police being run ragged, Julia decides to do some investigating on her own.
This was a great start to this cozy mystery series. I loved Julia's character. She has had some major life changes and is really adapting well. Not being used to sitting around and doing nothing, Julia is out and about walking Jake and checking out the village. She is friendly, has a keen sense of observation, and is a good judge of people. I enjoyed seeing how she and DI Hayley Gibson moved through their tentative mistrust to friendship and eventually reluctant partner. Berrywick is full of quirky characters that add to the humour in the story. Jake is a hoot. A puppy that seems to find trouble wherever he goes, but oh so lovable. There also seems to be a possibility of a romantic interest for Julia. The mystery was well developed, with several suspects, some red herrings and a surprise ending. I really enjoyed An English Garden Murder and will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
This was a great start to this cozy mystery series. I loved Julia's character. She has had some major life changes and is really adapting well. Not being used to sitting around and doing nothing, Julia is out and about walking Jake and checking out the village. She is friendly, has a keen sense of observation, and is a good judge of people. I enjoyed seeing how she and DI Hayley Gibson moved through their tentative mistrust to friendship and eventually reluctant partner. Berrywick is full of quirky characters that add to the humour in the story. Jake is a hoot. A puppy that seems to find trouble wherever he goes, but oh so lovable. There also seems to be a possibility of a romantic interest for Julia. The mystery was well developed, with several suspects, some red herrings and a surprise ending. I really enjoyed An English Garden Murder and will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
May 15, 2022
‘An English Garden Murder’ by Katie Gayle is the story of Julia, a recent divorcee whose husband has left her for the gardener. Now living in the Cotswolds, Julia is trying to move on and start a new life. A quiet life. But when a body is found buried in her garden a quiet life is the last thing she is going to get. The local police force is spread extremely thin, so Julia finds herself investigating the murder – and becomes embroiled in more than she bargained for. As she gets to know her neighbours, and becomes mum to a wayward puppy, the ex-social worker finds her skills from a previous life in London very useful. Will she be able to catch the killer before anyone else gets hurt?
Katie Gayle has a delightful touch, marrying the quaintness of village life with humour and kindness. Julia is a likeable character, with determination and grit. She wants to become a part of the community – just not in quite the way it turns out. She has seen everything in her life in London social work, so is not phased when death turns up on her doorstep. This charming and well-written cosy mystery has an ideal setting, believable characters and the potential for many more stories. I really enjoyed it and was delighted to find that there’s more Katie Gayle books in the offing.
I was given this ARC for review.
Katie Gayle has a delightful touch, marrying the quaintness of village life with humour and kindness. Julia is a likeable character, with determination and grit. She wants to become a part of the community – just not in quite the way it turns out. She has seen everything in her life in London social work, so is not phased when death turns up on her doorstep. This charming and well-written cosy mystery has an ideal setting, believable characters and the potential for many more stories. I really enjoyed it and was delighted to find that there’s more Katie Gayle books in the offing.
I was given this ARC for review.
July 23, 2024
This was an invigorating cosy mystery!
I haven't read one of those in years!
Not a single moment I was mad at Julia, not a single one, for once, a sleuth who's not stupid enough to run directly in danger's arms!
The plot was good, the events went smoothly and the whole thing unfolded bit by bit in a great way.
The writing style is light and fluid, no place for boredom or any repetition.
The characters are very relatable, well crafted and most of them are very likable.
I like the villagy ( I might have invented this one 😅) atmosphere, and how the writer painted both landscapes and inhabitants.
This is a series I'll definitely keep reading, as I did enjoy my reading time very much!!
I haven't read one of those in years!
Not a single moment I was mad at Julia, not a single one, for once, a sleuth who's not stupid enough to run directly in danger's arms!
The plot was good, the events went smoothly and the whole thing unfolded bit by bit in a great way.
The writing style is light and fluid, no place for boredom or any repetition.
The characters are very relatable, well crafted and most of them are very likable.
I like the villagy ( I might have invented this one 😅) atmosphere, and how the writer painted both landscapes and inhabitants.
This is a series I'll definitely keep reading, as I did enjoy my reading time very much!!
August 12, 2022
Wonderful. Quirky. Fun. An addictive cosy mystery that's so hard to put down. Beautifully written and sharply observed. Loved it.
September 15, 2024
It's a cliche but it's true nonetheless. It was a book, "I didn't want to put down". I enjoyed all of it. Well Done @KatieGayleBooks.
The protagonist is so likeable. Despite a significant change in circumstances she chooses to remain positive and engaged with all. Her being a little older, and a retired social worker gives her the right credentials to engage with so many different kinds of people (including the police) and get them to confide in her. As you journey along with her, you are introduced to the many villagers along with their tendency to gossip, rumour monger and hold grudges!
As the story progresses, it's clear that the murders; old and new will be related, but just how took me a little longer to work out. I didn't work it all out but was chuffed with just how far I got!
Then there's the labrador. Oh my word, he's so unbelievably cute and cheeky. Thank goodness Julia determines that he is just the companion she needs. If you've had one (and I have) you'll know exactly what I mean.
I love the quirkiness of this team (Kate and Gayle) and how they refer to the other series they've authored, which is so different to this one, but equally enjoyable and highly recommended.
There just aren't enough stars for this one, so I can only give it FIVE!! I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series!!
My thanks to #NetGalley, @Bookouture and the author @KatieGayleBooks for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The protagonist is so likeable. Despite a significant change in circumstances she chooses to remain positive and engaged with all. Her being a little older, and a retired social worker gives her the right credentials to engage with so many different kinds of people (including the police) and get them to confide in her. As you journey along with her, you are introduced to the many villagers along with their tendency to gossip, rumour monger and hold grudges!
As the story progresses, it's clear that the murders; old and new will be related, but just how took me a little longer to work out. I didn't work it all out but was chuffed with just how far I got!
Then there's the labrador. Oh my word, he's so unbelievably cute and cheeky. Thank goodness Julia determines that he is just the companion she needs. If you've had one (and I have) you'll know exactly what I mean.
I love the quirkiness of this team (Kate and Gayle) and how they refer to the other series they've authored, which is so different to this one, but equally enjoyable and highly recommended.
There just aren't enough stars for this one, so I can only give it FIVE!! I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series!!
My thanks to #NetGalley, @Bookouture and the author @KatieGayleBooks for my Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
"An English Garden Murder" is a cozy mystery. It's a clue-based mystery, and I correctly guessed whodunit shortly before Julia. She listened to the village gossip and used her skills learned as a social worker to track down information about the identity of the old murder victim. She made friends with the detective on the case and combined what they knew to come up with theories. The detective immediately pointed out the flaws in some of her ideas and looked into others. They made a good team with the unique information that each could gather. Whodunit was guessable but not immediately obvious.
I loved the heroine. There's an underlying humor to how the author portrayed her foibles and thoughts. Julia's a nice, intelligent person. She adopted a "bad boy!" puppy and liked to think about what a good boy he was when given a firm hand...oops! Off after a bird! Well, a very good boy when he's not being a bad boy. Charming puppy. There was some bad language (though much of it was British bad language). There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this delightful mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I loved the heroine. There's an underlying humor to how the author portrayed her foibles and thoughts. Julia's a nice, intelligent person. She adopted a "bad boy!" puppy and liked to think about what a good boy he was when given a firm hand...oops! Off after a bird! Well, a very good boy when he's not being a bad boy. Charming puppy. There was some bad language (though much of it was British bad language). There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this delightful mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 13, 2022
I requested the ARC for this book because the blurb intrigued me and I was unfamiliar with the author. I was thrilled with the story set in U.K. about a divorcee starting over in a small village, and finding out that her life was not going to be as quiet and boring as she thought. A little yard work exposes a body and she’s off snooping around the village, finding answers and more questions. Interesting and intriguing, I highly recommend it.
February 26, 2023
A fantastic cozy mystery with great characters and a wonderful setting. Onto book #2!
August 12, 2022
Julia Bird, a divorcée and retired social worker has moved from London to a little cottage in Berrywick, Cotswalds. Julia’s friend Tabitha had moved to the village 15 years ago and Julia had enjoyed several weekend visits over the years making it the choice for her new beginning. Deciding to embrace life in the countryside Julia decided to put in a chicken run. Beyond the surprise of the method of contacting the village contractor is the shock of the discovery made underneath the old shed being replaced by a chicken coop. It leads Julia to more adventures than she thought possible for life in the country.
There are some characters that you know from the opening pages that you want to spend as much time with them as possible. Julia Bird is such a delight! She is a woman that would be interesting to meet in real life and lovely to have as a friend. I loved her rescue of a chocolate Labrador named Jake and the many different ways she makes friends in the village including becoming a sleuthing resource to DI Hayley Gibson.
The adventures for this senior sleuth fill her teacup with mystery, a dash of romance, and some hilarious kitchen activity. The village setting is charming, the characters diverse, and the dialogue natural while revealing the personality of each character including the rambunctious and loveable Jake. Although Julia is an amateur sleuth the character reminded me of Vera Stanhope created by author Ann Cleeves and the village is as charming as any viewed in Midsomer Murders. For all who love British cozy mysteries, it’s a definite recommendation from me for your tbr list. I can’t wait to read Book 2.
There are some characters that you know from the opening pages that you want to spend as much time with them as possible. Julia Bird is such a delight! She is a woman that would be interesting to meet in real life and lovely to have as a friend. I loved her rescue of a chocolate Labrador named Jake and the many different ways she makes friends in the village including becoming a sleuthing resource to DI Hayley Gibson.
The adventures for this senior sleuth fill her teacup with mystery, a dash of romance, and some hilarious kitchen activity. The village setting is charming, the characters diverse, and the dialogue natural while revealing the personality of each character including the rambunctious and loveable Jake. Although Julia is an amateur sleuth the character reminded me of Vera Stanhope created by author Ann Cleeves and the village is as charming as any viewed in Midsomer Murders. For all who love British cozy mysteries, it’s a definite recommendation from me for your tbr list. I can’t wait to read Book 2.
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