Having just read book one and book two (ARC) of the Nell Ward mysteries, I can say they are an excellent blend of contemporary setting and old-fashioned writing (no swearing!), and are enjoyable murder mysteries set in the English countryside. While I haven’t necessarily loved every detail (love triangles are the worst), these are a fun series and I look forward to more from Sarah Yarwood-Lovett.

I really enjoyed this cosy mystery and I honestly didn’t guess ‘whodunnit’. The clues are all there, so no cheating from the author. Lovely well rounded characters and a great setting. Definitely recommended.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the book. A list of characters who come alive on the pages. A talented and gifted author. Mystery and intrigue. What will happen next? This is a quick fun read. Enjoy

Dr. Nell Ward, aka Lady Eleanor Ward-Beaumont is not your stereotypical wealthy aristocratic. She’s an ecologist by trade, and hours before the society wedding she’s hosting at Finchmere, her family estate, for her best friend and her slimy fiancé, Hawke, she’s doing what she’d rather be doing, placing a nesting box for barn owls in her barn, complete with cameras to record their behavior. When Hawke dies from a fall shortly after the wedding Nell needs to help clear her best friend. Aided by her police detective boyfriend, and friend/coworker Rav, the trio works to uncover motives, putting themselves at risk. I enjoyed the very human portrayals of the characters, flaws, misunderstandings and vulnerabilities included, as well as a storyline studded with possible suspects. The family ties to the killings are the key. The 4 story floor plan map of Finchmere is a fun addition as we get to understand the coming and goings in the huge country estate. Also, the notes about barn owls and otters, whose presence in the story proves vital, are interesting. The author is an ecologist as well as an author, her knowledge and expertise shine through in her writing.
I appreciate the advance copy from Embla Books and Net Galley, and highly recommend this book (and the first in the series) to anyone who enjoy an English murder mystery that isn’t quite your stereotypical English cozy.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Embla Books and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The perfect addition to an established cozy mystery series.

Another excellent murder mystery! Sarah’s books are so well written that they keep you guessing right to the very end whodunnit. We were introduced to Nell & Rav in the author’s previous book, but this is a stand alone book, and you don’t need to have read the previous one to follow along. I really enjoyed this read and read it all in one sitting. I’d highly recommend!