Oops! Requested this twice and was approved twice.

This book felt like an evening in front of an episode of midsummer murders. You know it's completely improbable but you watch (or in this case) read it anyway because it's gentle and doesn't need to much thinking. I didn't particularly like the characters but we'll see how they go in the next book before I make any further judgement.

The York setting attracted me to this book, as it’s one of my favourite cities. The story did not disappoint, and I’ve noticed that it has been borrowed a lot at my library.

This is a great start to o a new series. Pick up a copy and be delighted, and kept on the edge of your seat.
Many thanks to Quercia Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I just love when I come across new cozies to review. The plot and character are great, despite the start being a bit slow for me. I really hope to see this developed into a full series.

It's a perfectly normal day for Kitt Hartley at her job at the University of the Vale of York library, until Detective Inspector Halloran arrives at her desk to tell her that her best friend, Evie Bowes, is under suspicion of murder. Evie's ex-boyfriend Owen has been found dead and all the evidence points to her. Kitt knows there is no way Evie could murder anyone - let alone Owen, who she adored. Horrified that the police could have got it so wrong, Kitt decides there's only one thing to do: she's going to investigate Owen's murder herself afterall she's read hundreds of mystery novels with the help of her assistant Grace, and the occasional hindrance of the library's eccentric regulars, Kitt summons up all her investigative powers (absorbed over years of reading everything from Agatha Christie to Ian Rankin) and gets to work.
This is the first book in the series & I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy murder mystery. I liked Kitt with her unusual attire for a librarian more suited to the 50s / 60s but I did find her arrogant & rude at times. I was drawn in as it was set in York, one of my favourite cities. The story flowed well at times the pace was slow then quickened then slowed which kept me engrossed throughout & I read the book in a couple of sittings. I really liked Evie & Halloran. Whilst there were some inconsistencies they didn’t spoil my enjoyment & I look forward to more in the series.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Great cozy mystery!
Kitt, a librarian, and her best friend Evie have been arrested for the murder of Evie's ex-boyfriend. But when two more bodies are discovered, and the friends have alibis, will they be able to find out who is committing these crimes before someone else is killed? Kitt and her friends are not above doing some sleuthing on their own, investigating suspects on the internet, following possible killers, and even confronting a shady character or two. But, when they get a little too close to the murderer, will one of them be the next victim?
Fun, light mystery with a touch of romance sprinkled in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A lovely cosy murder mystery that is the author's debut. I enjoyed the majority of this book - although I felt it took me a while to get into. However, the plot overall was great and cleverly put together as were the characters. I am looking forward to reading the next. Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

What a 'spiffing' read. I loved the character of Kitt and her friends are well written too. I enjoyed he book even though I worked out whodunnit quite early on. I have never been to York, but this book has made me want to go by the beauty of the descriptions. Maybe a little over-long, but what a finale! Also, as an avid reader, I liked all the literary references. Hoping this is the first in a series.

A warm and engaging introduction to Kitt Hartley with a few murders thrown in. Kitt Hartley is a Librarian, her best friend is accused of murder when her ex-boyfriend's body turns up and all the evidence seems to suggest she has something to do with it. Kitt is not satisfied and begins her own investigation before being utilised by the police rather than continually get in the way. A most enjoyable tale with good characters, my only reservation is that male readers may be put off by the romance storyline which shows the lead investigator in a very unprofessional light. That said the background to both their histories was an important level of detail which gave the characters depth. I will await the next book in the series with interest.

#MurderByTheMinster #NetGalley

I'm so happy that this is the first in a new series! I love a murder mystery and this has so much going for it!

Kitt Hartley; librarian, unique sense of fashion, single, loyal friend and disbelieving of her best friend being guilty of murder. What an intricate and yet totally believable tale! Beautifully plotted and skilfully written, with something always happening to keep my attention firmly on the story - and such great characters!

With such fantastic descriptions, it was so easy to have a clear image of how everyone thought, looked and behaved. I was very excited to pick up on what I was sure was a vital clue and so thrilled when I was proved right - and I didn't have long to wait! A superb mystery from an author new to me, but one I shall be keeping an eye on from here on in. Absolutely worth five glowing stars and a high recommendation to all  murder mystery fans to add to your lists!

My thanks to publishers Quercus for my copy via NetGalley. This is - of course - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. What a great read, a start (hopefully) of another new cosy mystery series with the wonderful Kitt Hartley. Bring the next book on.