When Isabelle Darby moves to the delightfully cozy village of Lower Dimblebrook, she’s searching for peace and quiet as well as a chance to escape from heartbreak. After making friends with Fiona Lambourne, another newcomer to the village, Issie is left reeling when tragedy strikes and Fiona is murdered, the second wife Anthony Lambourne has lost in unfortunate circumstances. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the local gossips insist that Fiona had been embroiled in an affair before her death, something which Issie knows not to be the case. Determined to clear her friend’s reputation and solve the mystery of the rumors, Issie takes on both the gossips and the handsome but stern DI Wainwright, making both friends and enemies along the way!
My Rating:
My Review:
This was an engaging, fun, light, and slowly evolving tale that took a winding path with several twists and false leads. Being the first of a new series we were introduced to a quaint little village full of uniquely quirky characters that were humorously and entertainingly depicted in an instantly knowable manner while in the midst of a murder investigation that appeared to be going nowhere. The new detective assigned to the area was confounded by the village ways and the lightning-fast and oddly powerful gossip mill, which somehow always the author’s writing style, wry wit, and leisurely and meandering pace, it was just what I needed.
About the Author
Julie Butterfield belongs to the rather large group of ‘always wanted to write’ authors who finally found the time to sit down and put pen to paper – or rather fingers to keyboard.
She wrote her first book purely for pleasure and was very surprised to discover that so many people enjoyed the story and wanted more, so she decided to carry on writing.
It has to be pointed out that her first novel, ‘Did I Mention I Won The Lottery’ is a complete work of fiction and she did not, in fact, receive millions in her bank account and forget to mention it to her husband – even though he still asks her every day if she has anything to tell him!
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What a fun book! Putting it on the list!
I imagine it takes skill to weave a tale that’s light while involving murder. Excellent review!
I like the premise. I am glad to know you had a good time with it.
So glad you enjoyed!
I like fun, light-hearted reads so I’ll have to look out for this new series. Great review.