Spring has come to Berrywick, and Julia Bird is determined to enjoy the fine weather. But not all life is in flower when she stumbles across the body of building expert Basil Crow next to a bright yellow digger. And Julia believes this is no accident.
Julia’s suspicions are confirmed when forensics report a brutal blow to the head. Julia soon learns from pie shop owner and Basil’s first wife, Delilah, that he was not widely liked and left behind three failed marriages. Could one of his ex-wives have wanted revenge? Julia’s friend Tabitha was in a neighbourly dispute with him after he blocked her car in her driveway. But is this motive enough to kill?
Then local choir singer Esmeralda is found dead in the woods. The police think the murders are unconnected. Unlike Basil, Esmeralda was a well-loved soul. Who would want her dead? Digging for clues, Julia realises that both victims had a link to the proposed redevelopment of the meadow Basil was found in. But would someone really kill to save it? Can Julia find the murderer before someone else is pushing up the daisies?
A page-turning and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries!
.
My Rating:
Favorite Quotes:
‘I’m afraid my hands are tied. This is coming from high up.’ Walter pointed to the ceiling, as if the big brass were arranged up there like angels on the Sistine Chapel.
…she hadn’t forgotten so much as momentarily not remembered that it was happening today.
‘Why is your shortbread better than everyone else’s?’ Julia asked. ‘I recite the poetry of Shakespeare while mixing the dough in an anti-clockwise direction.’ ‘Really?’ ‘No, of course not.’
Flo had mastered the art of soundless walking– even while carrying trays of drinks– and often appeared as if by magic just as a particularly juicy piece of information was changing hands. This, it was said, was the secret to her capacious store of gossip.
.
My Review:
I always enjoy Katie Gayle’s Julia Bird cozy mysteries. Julia uses her full name when talking to herself and is prone to anthropomorphizing, attributing human characteristics and thoughts to her beloved dog. The writing is often amusing, easy to follow, and entertaining. The murders are plenty, well-plotted, and unpredictable. The secondary characters are as interesting as the mains, and Julia is a fun and authentic headliner. I was looking forward to an Aunt Edna sighting and was totally bummed that she only got a brief mention in this installment. Aunt Edna definitely deserves more ink!
About the Authors
Amazon
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
BookBub
Instagram
Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs, and cats. Unlike their sleuth, Epiphany Bloom, neither of them has ever stolen a cat from the vet.
