Murder in the Churchyard by Catherine Coles

I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. This novel is a fond reminder of Lord Peter Wimsey. Evelyn and Tommy are fun characters as newly designated lord and lady. Evelyn had been a police woman during WW I and it is hard for her to not investigate the latest murder. She loves the puzzle of a murder even if she does not like the unpleasant human aspect of it.

This is a village murder so we get to enjoy the subtle method of Tommy and Evelyn questioning the villagers, listening to gossip as they probe for the truth. The suspects are people they know so the investigation must be done well, without alienating friends.

I like how Coles explores the personalities of the village characters as secrets are revealed. We learn a bit about the effects of shell shock for those in WW I. We also experience the pleasant husband and wife relationship of Tommy and Evelyn. I like their dialogue and the quips Coles has crafted.

This is a fun novella in the British cozy mystery genre. It makes for a fine read of an evening. While it is part of a series, it does read well on its own.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Catherine Coles has been a legal secretary, a night carer, in a bar while completing a law degree, a family law practitioner, a childminder, a foster carer, a home carer, a receptionist, facilitating car deliveries for online customers, and a PA/HR Manager. Now she writes full time and lives in the north east of England. You can find out more at https://catherinecoles.com/.

Independently published, 130 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Book Sirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)