In a new cozy mystery series, we meet two different women who are at loose ends after the ending of the Great War. Beryl, who is an adventuress, brash, outspoken American and Edwina, who is an old-fashioned posh English woman. Both are looking to altar their situations, so when Beryl sees an ad that is requesting for a tenant at her old school friend's estate, she jumps at the opportunity. Beryl is the answer that Edwina is looking for. She's struggling to make ends meet now that she is mistress of her vast estate. When Beryl arrives in town a murder takes place that she finds interesting and thinks her and Edwina can solve it. Especially when the local constable is a woman that has a one track mind and dismisses the murder as an accident.

I really enjoyed the two different personalities of Beryl and Edwina. Beryl gives Edwina spice to her otherwise predictable life and Edwina gives Beryl the home/warmth that she needs. There were some humorous moments between them and I think they are going to make a great team going forward.

*Thank to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely start to what, I presume, will be a series of Beryl and Edwina mysteries. The novel starts off a bit rough - the first two chapters didn't grab me at all - but the female friendship and humor at the core of the this book is well worth sticking around for. Look, the mysteries, such as they are, are inscrutable and not explained with a surfeit of clarity but Ms. Ellicott does have a lot of interesting angles with regard to class and female autonomy in the early 20th century. A definite recommend.

Jessica Ellicott have set Murder in an English Village in the 1920's; Beryl and Edwina explore the disappearance of a land girl during World War I and the murder of a village maid. Petty scandals and big crimes are revealed as Beryl and Edwina find out they have a career as detectives. English cozy with new characters. Read and relax.

It's 1920. England is recuperating from The Great War. In the quiet village of Walmsley Parva, American Beryl Helliwell seeks rest, relaxation and escape from Prohibition. There will be no bathtub gin for Beryl Helliwell! Her former school chum, Edwina Davenport, advertises for a boarder and Beryl jumps on the chance. The English countryside is just what she needs. The only problem is that Beryl is quite vivacious, brash and well, just un-Edwinalike. Edwin is prim, proper and .... very British. But all is not quite so simple and safe in Walmley Parva. Beryl mentions that she and Edwina will be looking into some shady dealings in the village....and maybe she even exaggerated a bit in her insinuations that they were in Her Majesty's Service.....but she didn't expect it to lead to Edwina being attacked. When the attack is followed by the murder of their housemaid.....well, things might not be all sunshine and roses in Walmsley Parva after all. Edwina and Beryl need to find out what's going on in their little village, before one or both of them end up dead.

This unlikely duo makes for a fun cozy mystery. Their personalities are so different, but together they make quite the team. I liked the mix of humor and mystery. The story moves along at a nice pace and there were plenty of suspects. A few times I wanted to grab hold of Beryl and shake her....but other than that, loved the characters and the story! I can't wait to read about their further exploits!

To find out more about the author, check out her website: https://www.jessicaellicott.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

MURDER IN AN ENGLISH VILLAGE is a gentle mystery taking place in the wake of World War I. We are introduced to an unlikely pair of sleuths, schoolgirl chums now in their declining years. American adventuress Beryl is as boisterous and brash as Edwina is proper and very English. Brought together by circumstance, the pair quickly finds themselves in danger with an old mystery and new murder to solve.

I confess – I had a really hard time getting into this book, and I am not sure why. I adore the time period, the setting, and the premise of the story but found it far too easy to put the book down. The mystery of a girl’s disappearance during World War I and the subsequent murder of Edwina’s day maid should have sucked me in, but it did not.

The mystery itself does have a somewhat surprising and satisfying resolution. I did not feel a real connection with either Beryl or Edwina, but the secondary characters and life in the village are more compelling. I just do not like either of the protagonists much.

Even though I am a bit on the fence about the book, I will not hesitate to give Beryl and Edwina another try when the next book is published.
2.5 stars

I have read this author’s other books and was very excited to read this latest book. It did not disappoint. The characters were both entertaining and interesting. The plot and story line kept my interest and moved along at a nice pace. I highly enjoyed this novel and can’t wait for the next one!

Old fashioned slower detective work by two women. One a country soul and one a high flying adventuress as described in the story. Two missing women and a lot of innuendo, gossip and the fact that women wearing trousers are rather immoral.

A look at how life was for women in a time not so very long ago. Descriptive, slow paced but interesting detective work.

Goodreads and Amazon review posted on 2/11/2017. Review on my blog mid November

Funny and lovely mystery. A very enjoyable duo of senior sleuths, the flamboyant Beryl and the sensible and mousy Edwina investigates together.
The duo is absolutely fantastic as well as the cast of characters. The historical setting, England post WWI, is well researched and the cast of characters is well developed. The book is really well written.
The book is very likable and I look forward to read the next instalment.

I liked it! I want to read more!
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In post-WWI England, American adventuress Beryl happens upon an advertisement offering a room for rent. The ad's author is none other than her old school friend, Edwina. Taking it as a sign from above, Beryl sets out for Walmsley Parva to rent that room.
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Since the war, Edwina's fallen on hard times, but Beryl's got enough money to handle debts and then some, and she's bursting with energy that Edwina hadn't had for a while.
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Okay, so there's a murder, and a cold case, and both are solved, and neither are particularly original, but that's fine. Because what I liked about this book is that there are two past-their-prime ladies teaming up to solve crimes and I am HERE for it.
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Like Beryl, I tend to be the one in my friend group to propose adventures. And like Edwina, my best friends agree with some misgivings but get caught up in the excitement--because there's always excitement. I like Beryl and Edwina's friendship and how they support each other without being overbearing. I'm ready for more books in this series!

3.5 stars

I remember seeing this book a few months ago I believe on one of my cozy Mystery Facebook groups and was interested immediately. I love all things British and was watching Midsomer Murder like a fiend. So when the opportunity arose to review an ARC I was positively giddy. Now I will say that it was not my favorite but I will tell you why and I will tell you that some people may love this book.
I loved the main characters Beryl and Edwina as well as Edwina’s dog Crumpet. I thought the characters were engaging and the local to be wonderfully written. What I was not crazy about was the historical references that I knew nothing about. If you are into historical fiction I think that you would get a lot out of this. I am one who was looking for something more akeen to a Golden Age Mystery not so much a historical mystery if that makes sense. I think though that this shows me a bit more about my interests in books and for that I am happy. I always like to push myself to read things a little out of my comfort zone and this was a little out of my comfort zone, without me knowing it. Some parts sailed by and some seemed to go on and on. Now if this had been more of a Golden Age style, Agatha Christie or even Magpie Murder esque novel I would most likely go out in the streets with copies handing them out to strangers. But I will say that this novel has me guessing until the final couple of chapters who was the killer. The whole conclusion was a bit of a surprise.
Synopsis: As friends, the boisterous and brash American Beryl couldn’t be less alike than the prim and proper British Edwina. But as sleuths in an England recovering from the Great War, they’re the perfect match . . .
1920: Flying in the face of convention, legendary American adventuress Beryl Helliwell never fails to surprise and shock. The last thing her adoring public would expect is that she craves some peace and quiet. The humdrum hamlet of Walmsley Parva in the English countryside seems just the ticket. And, honestly, until America comes to its senses and repeals Prohibition, Beryl has no intention of returning stateside and subjecting herself to bathtub gin.
For over three decades, Edwina Davenport has lived comfortably in Walmsley Parva, but the post–World War I bust has left her in dire financial straits and forced her to advertise for a lodger. When her long-lost school chum Beryl arrives on her doorstep--actually crashes into it in her red motorcar--Edwina welcomes her old friend as her new roommate.
But her idyllic hometown has a hidden sinister side, and when the two friends are drawn in, they decide to set up shop as private inquiry agents, helping Edwina to make ends meet and satisfying Beryl’s thirst for adventure. Now this odd couple will need to put their heads together to catch a killer--before this sleepy English village becomes their final resting place . . .

1920 and in the village of Walmsley Parva Edwina Davenport gets more than she bargained for when old friends Beryl Helliwell replies to her advertisement for a lodger. Trying to help out her friend Beryl insinuates that they are detectives looking into the secrets of the village, not helped by the total ineptitude of the local untrained constable.
An unlikely pair, but a delightful pair, a well-written easy to read mystery and look forward to reading the next in the series

When Edwina’s funds get low enough, she starts advertising for a boarder. Fortunately for her, Beryl sees it. The two women, though very different, are boarding school friends, and this new living arrangement suits them both. But Beryl’s presence in Edwina’s small village creates some gossip, which Beryl fuels by hinting that the two women are actually employed by His Majesty. When someone tries to kill Edwina, the two realize there is a secret to uncover. What might it be?

This book perfectly transports us back to 1920 and the English countryside. The repercussions of World War I are still there, and it is a fascinating look at how the war affected the rest of life. The British Edwina and American Beryl are very different, and their differences can be fun, yet they make a good detecting pair, and we feel the depth of their friendship. The plot is strong, keeping us surprised until the end.

Beryl Helliwell is at a crossroads in her life. Marriage and adventures have taken her far and wide around the world. However, she is reluctant to return to the US and Prohibition. Edwina Davenport is on the brink of poverty after the passing of her family members and the ending of WWI. In order to keep her house and assist with living expenses she places an ad in the newspaper seeking a lodger. For respectable persons only of course! Beryl, a former school mate of Edwina's, sees the ad and decides to visit. Once reunited they become embroiled in a missing person case and murder mystery - thereby becoming private inquiry agents.

I found the pace at the beginning of the story a bit slow and it took me a few chapters to become engaged in the story. However, once the foundation was laid I quickly became caught up in Beryl and Edwina's mysteries.

I particularly enjoyed reading about Edwina and Beryl's friendship. Edwina, seems to be a reluctant participant in her own life, particularly when faced with difficult situations. Beryl pushes her to engage in the situations head on. As Beryl states "What I have is a faultless sense of adventure and an enormous talent for making the best of things. Both of which I am attempting to share with you". Edwina seems stronger and more independent for it (especially when faced with the ignorant thoughts of the time surrounding unmarried women in their 30s).

Overall, I think this was a good cozy mystery and would recommend to those who love a little mystery mixed with a good story of friendship. I am looking forward to future hi jinks of Beryl and Edwina.

I received an advanced reading copy from Kensington via Netgalley. All opinions shared are my own.

The cover attracted me to this book. Before reading it, I had no idea that Jessica Ellicott was none other than Jessie Crockett from the Wicked Cozy Authors blog, a delightful surprise. The two main characters propel this book. They are opposites but complement each other. Recognizing that fact, they plan their investigation choosing who will have the best advantage given the suspect. Old friends know each other well despite years gone by. The secondary characters are well drawn too, but what will necessitate my picking up the next in the series are questions about Beryl and Edwina. Readers see a great deal of Edwina since the book is set in her town and house, but the old maid is an unexpected feminist, begging the question why. It may be obvious, but there could be much more there. Beryl seems in-your-face apparent, but perhaps not. The plot these ladies unravel reveals more than the murderer. It reveals how prejudice has its nefarious uses. Pull up an overstuffed chair, pour a cuppa, provide the cat a lap, and read this book on a wintry day. (This review will post on 10/31/17)

This is the first in a new series, and I enjoyed it although I had trouble getting into it at first. It's set in a small English village just after WWI. Beryl and Edwina are old friends; Beryl is an American adventurer and Edwina has stayed in her village most of her life. Beryl comes to the village of Walmsley Parva at the perfect time...Edwina is running out of money and has been looking for a lodger.

Beryl goes around town telling everyone that she and Edwina are agents of His Majesty, looking into the secrets of the village. Little do they know that a crime actually has been committed until Edwina is attacked. They go about their investigation by talking to the village inhabitants, listening to gossip, and putting the pieces together.

This was a promising start to a new series and I recommend this book. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A WONDERFUL start to a new series! Beryl and Edwina -an American and a Brit- make for a delightful pair of intrepid investigators in this lovely mystery set in immediate post WWI England. There are lots of secrets in Walmsley Parva and now, sadly, there's murder as well. Remember that things weren't the same in 1920 as they are today and yet they are. There were no forensics to speak of andwomen weren't believed to be able to determine the identity of murders. The incompetent (or is he complicit?) constable leads these two to work to together to find the person who killed the housemaid and is threatening them. These are well thought out characters, who are mature women, and they make this novel the treat it is. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You'll like this if you enjoy historical fiction that's also a sort of cozy.

Murder In An English Village is the first book in the Beryl And Edwina Mystery series.

It’s 1920 and Beryl Helliwell, an adventuress has decided that she needs a little peace and quiet and heads to her sleepy childhood village of Walmsley Parva. As she is looking through the local newspaper she notices an advertisement by her childhood friend, Edwina Davenport, for a genteel lodger. Beryl immediately motors over to her friends. She soon learns that Edwina has been having financial difficulties and rumors are being spread around the village that she is destitute.

Beryl comes up with a plan to put the rumors to rest about Edwina’s financial situation and heads to the business area of Walmsley Parva, seeking out gossip-monger, Prudence Rathbone. Beryl “lets it slip” that she and Edwina are secret agents for His Majesty and are doing top-secret work in Walmsley Parva, which they’re not, but know that word will be known by everyone in the village in a matter of seconds.

That evening while Edwina is walking her dog in her garden, she is attacked and somebody tries to strangle her. Later Edwina and Beryl are discussing the event and begin to wonder if the story about they’re investigating something led to the attack on Edwina. The only thing mysterious that has happened in the village was the disappearance of Agnes Rollins, a well-liked young lady who had been working with the Land Army during the WWI at Wallingford Estate. Evidently, no in the village has heard from her and people aren’t sure if she is dead or alive.

Beryl and Edwina set off to investigate the Rollins disappearance and have interviewed several people who were known to have had contact with her while she was working in the Land Army. Then, when a day maid from the village is found dead in a field at Wallingford Estate and Constable Gibbs rules it an accident. Beryl and Edwina saw evidence that they think clearly points to murder and they begin to believe that the two are related.

The story is well-plotted and told story with an interesting cast of believable characters. The characters I enjoyed the most were Beryl and handyman Simpkins. Simpkins, a widower, will never appear on the cover of GQ, but he is a character to be reckoned with and even thought Edwina is aghast at him sitting at her dining room table with his dirty boots and clothes, she learns of a few admirable qualities. Even though Beryl seems to be a full steam ahead lady, one has to enjoy her take charge demeanor.

This was a very enjoyable introduction to post WWI rural England and its residents. I will definitely be awaiting the next book in the series.

The world traveler and adventurer, Beryl Helliwell, realizes her old friend Edwina is in need of financial assistance when Edwina advertises for a lodger. The setting is post World War I! in a small village in England, where nefarious doings come to the attention of Edwina and Beryl. A fun start to a new cozy mystery series, with two strong female characters. Recommended for cozy lovers.

Ellicott's Murder in an English Village is a light, cozy mystery set in 1920.

Blurb: "As friends, the boisterous and brash American Beryl couldn't be less alike than the prim and proper British Edwina. But as sleuths in an England recovering from the Great War, they're the perfect match . . ."

The friends won't compete with Miss Marple, but a quick read, and I like the cover.

NetGalley/Kensington Books

Historical Mystery. Oct. 31, 2017. Print length: 304 pages.

Murder in an English Village by Jessica Ellicott was an enjoyable historical cozy mystery.

The writing is descriptive as readers are introduced to Beryl, American advenutress, and Edwina, British woman of a higher social class, and the village of Walmsley Parva after WWI. Beryl and Edwina met in school and then drifted apart. Now Beryl is looking for some quiet in her life and Edwina needs some monetary help as England is recovering during the post war era.

The story is smoothly paced and well written and there was actually more than one mystery to be solved in this book. I did find that a couple of times during the story I stopped reading because I was questioning their common sense as they continued to split up during their "investigation". However, the characters were well developed and Walmsley Parva was a fine example of village life in England during it's WWI recovery.