A cozy style murder mystery, lots secrets lots of emotions. Slightly repetitive dialogue at times but interesting. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

I enjoyed this book very much but I'd have liked less repetitive talk. I quickly figured out the murderer but I read a lot of mystery and suspense books. I thought the characters were charming and look forward to reading more about them and I'm so happy Doris will be able to help more. I hope everyone reading this gives the book a chance because I think her next books will only get better. I can't wait to see what they all get up to in the next adventure.

I just could not get past the ghostly voice in Georgina's ear (or head?). Although the actual mystery was a good one, I found the ghost too distracting. Not my cup of tea!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy of "The Body at Rookery Barn" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the best first book in any series that I have ever read! All the characters are well developed, interesting and you feel that you know then by the time you're half-way through the book. The story is set in Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk. Georgina Drake has moved here after the tragic death of her beloved husband. She rents out Rookery Barn to guests for short-stays. Her last guest was Dr. Roland Garnett a 37-year old university lecturer. He was the most unpleasant of men. Didn't like the spotty Wi-Fi, the fact that there was no food delivery services and that birds woke him up. Apparently he didn't understand the concept of rural.

Georgina has just been fitted for new hearing aids and is shocked when she hears voices but there is no one anywhere near her. Then she thinks maybe the hearing aids are picking up a radio station but that can't be it either. She learns that she is hearing the voice of Doris Beauchamp an 18 year old who died on Valentine's Day in 1971 - the very day that Georgina was born. As the book goes on they become close, become friends and Georgina wants to help Doris fit together the pieces of how and why she died. Some of the best scenes in the book are the developing friendship between Georgie and the ghost.

But Georgina also has a dead body in her Rookery Barn and she's a prime suspect as are all her friends. We meet DI Colin Bradshaw who is a bit gruff and arrogant in the beginning but becomes a true friend as the book moves along.

Who would kill her guest and why? Colin and Georgina work together (unofficially) to clear her name and that of her friends. Georgina and one of her friends are in danger because they might know too much or have guessed at who the killer is. The reason behind the killing isn't clear at first but as all the evidence and pieces fall into place it becomes clear what happened and why.

Georgie's friends surprise her with a springer spaniel named Bert who can see Doris. He will be a wonderful addition to the series. I am truly looking forward to many more stories with these interesting characters in the near future. If only there were more than 5 stars to give - this book is a definite 10 star story!

Romance author, Kate Hardy has turned her talents to a new genre, and she has created a fantastic book featuring a senior sleuth, interesting friends, a handsome Detective Inspector, and a resident ghost.

This great new cozy mystery series is a lot of fun. Georgina Drake moved to a country home after her husband died. She rents out a converted barn on the property as a vacation home. Just as she is about to enter to clean up from the last visitor, she hears a voice warning her not to go in. Georgiana must deal with both the discoveries of a body and the disembodied voice.

The main characters are well rounded. It was enjoyable to see her relationships with Doris and Colin grow. All three characters are intelligent, well read and have a sense of humor. Georgina and Doris share a love of Austin and Shakespeare and there are plenty of quotes throughout the story. The other characters are likable too. I would love to join Georgie and her friends for tea and enjoy her great relationship with her grown children. The scenery descriptions were detailed enough to help the reader visualize Georgina’s home and village. The plot was well thought out and the clues were subtly placed. As a diehard mystery fan, I could see the solution long before the detective. But that is usually the case in a cozy mystery and Hardy does a much better job at clue placement than many authors who have been writing in the genre for years. I appreciated the fact that although the author follows genre formula and the main characters investigate the crime to clear themselves, they merely dig up clues but do not endanger themselves in the process. She is compared to Miss Marple by the detective, and I must agree.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital advanced review copy. I loved this book and recommend it to all cozy mystery readers as well as fans of the author who may wish to try a cozy.

This book gave me serious Agatha Christy vibes, my first “cozy mystery” for the season. A cute story, that unfortunately left me underwhelmed. Georgiana is a middle-aged widow who has moved to the countryside after her husbands death. She has decided to rent out the back cabin as a little BnB type of arrangement. To her surprise, her latest tenant has turned up dead, and it looks to be a tad suspicious. While the police have their ideas about what happened, Georgiana has her suspicions as well. We follow her lead in putting together the pieces of this puzzle to find out who’s responsible for not only her tenants demise, but who’s also decide to poison her and a friend. Who is poisoning the people in this little town? And why? With a twist, enter a ghost, who is working on her own mysterious story, whom Georgie can hear (but not see). We now have 2 stories entwined into 1. Are they connected? There’s a sweet ending, but this book took me entirely too long to read, there wasn’t enough suspense to keep me wanting to pick it up whenever I could.

Miss Marple fans will enjoy this cute, cozy, small town mystery. I was a fan of the older FMC, Georgina, along with the charming suspects in this small English village. With Georgina being far more capable than the detective, Colin, I found myself just wanting to follow her around instead of switching back and forth. I sometimes had a hard time getting thorough the dialogue, mainly when the Colin was involved.
The double mystery was intriguing, even though one of them was much easier to solve than the other. And I really enjoyed the thorough research done on photography and plants. Overall, The Body at Rookery Barn was an easy read with cute small town vibes and many enjoyable characters, including a ghost!

After her husband dies suddenly photographer Georgina Drake moves from London to the beautiful, sleepy Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk. She’s getting used to being on her own & supplements her income by letting the converted diary next to her home. One day she opens the door to the barn and finds the dead body of her latest guest, irritable university professor Roland Garnett. And on top of that she’s suddenly hearing a woman’s voice through her hearing aids. Completely shaken by the discovery, Georgina can hardly believe it when the police conclude that Professor Garnett was poisoned, with a dinner delivered by Georgina herself. Roland Garnett offended half the village during his three-week stay and made unwelcome advances to the rest. Georgina’s best lead is the deadly oleander found in Roland’s system.
A new author to me & a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. I loved Georgie, who was intelligent, witty & observant, she’s making a new life for herself & has made some good friends. Her friends are a mix of ages & backgrounds but they all inter-react really well. I also liked DI Colin Bradshaw, he also had secrets, I look forward to seeing how his relationship with Georgie develops in future books. I did guess who the murderer was but it was more by luck than judgement. There was also the secondary mystery surrounding Doris, which looks to be an ongoing thread. A well written engrossing mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Georgina Drake is slowly rebuilding her life following the sudden death of her husband two years earlier. She’s moved to a farm house in the small community of Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk and rents out the converted barn next door for holiday lets. She has slowly built up a small circle of close friends but has not yet returned to work as a freelance portrait photographer.

Her latest holiday let is to an unlikeable academic, Dr Roland Garnett, who in the course of his three week stay has alienated most of those he meets. On his departure day Georgina goes to the barn to start to get it cleaned. As she approaches the door she hears a female voice through her new hearing aids warning her not to enter and to call the police. Georgina is naturally mystified but enters the property to find Dr Garnett dead. The voice she hears is that of Doris, a young woman who died in the farm house 50 years earlier.

The story cleverly interlaces the murder mystery surrounding Dr Garnett and the gradual unravelling of Doris’ history. The central characters around Georgina are nicely developed as is that of DI Colin Bradshaw who is in charge of the case, and immediately has Georgina at the top of his suspect list.

The story and characters are very engaging and the descriptions of the countryside and settings are nicely described. This is the first book in the Georgina Drake series. Doris’ tale has only just begun and I am looking forward to seeing how Georgina’s friendships grow.

I really enjoyed this cosy mystery, I found it very intriguing and I loved the additional side story about the former inhabitants of Rookery Farm too. It gave this fabulous story another level of mystery.
I liked the character of Georgina, she was a character who had depth and someone you could imagine being friends with. I liked the community of friends that she has around her, who have helped her settle into her new life.
This was a real page turner and I couldn’t put it down!
I’m already looking forward to the second book from this series as I found the setting and characters to be so interesting and enjoyable.

"The Body at Rookery Barn" is a delightful and captivating cozy mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Kate Hardy has crafted a compelling story set in the picturesque and tranquil Little Wenborough, where the idyllic exterior belies the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface.

The story begins with widowed Georgina Drake, who has no regrets about her decision to move to this charming rural Norfolk town. However, her peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of her guest, the irritable Professor Roland Garnett, inside her rental property. The discovery alone is shocking, but things take an even stranger turn when Georgina starts hearing a woman's voice through her hearing aids.

The mystery deepens as the police conclude that Professor Garnett was poisoned, with the meal delivered by Georgina herself. As the prime suspect in a potential murder case, Georgina must summon all her courage to clear her name, setting off on an amateur sleuthing adventure that will keep readers guessing.

Kate Hardy weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, secrets, and village rivalries. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the picturesque setting adds charm to the story. With each page, Hardy drops breadcrumbs of clues, inviting readers to play detective alongside Georgina. As the list of suspects grows and more secrets come to light, the tension mounts, and the reader becomes deeply engrossed in the whodunit puzzle.

The writing is crisp, and the pacing is spot-on, making this cozy mystery a page-turner that's impossible to put down. Kate Hardy's storytelling ability shines in this novel, and her ability to keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end is magnificent.

"The Body at Rookery Barn" is an addictive and completely gripping cozy crime novel that combines the charm of a small village with the suspense of a well-crafted mystery. Kate Hardy has delivered a winner with this debut novel, and readers will eagerly anticipate more from the Georgina Drake Mystery series.

"Kate Hardy's 'The Body at Rookery Barn' is a charming escape into a world where mysteries abound, and secrets lurk in the most tranquil places. A cozy mystery that's impossible to put down!" — A journey into the heart of suspense.

"A gripping debut that combines the allure of an idyllic village with a puzzle that keeps you guessing until the very end. 'The Body at Rookery Barn' is a mystery lover's dream come true." — An idyllic village with secrets galore.

"In Little Wenborough, intrigue hides behind every quaint facade. Kate Hardy's storytelling artistry is on full display in this page-turning mystery." — Quaint village, thrilling mysteries.

"Prepare to be charmed, captivated, and confounded. 'The Body at Rookery Barn' offers an enthralling blend of cozy atmosphere and a gripping whodunit." — Charm meets suspense in every page.

"Kate Hardy takes you on an irresistible journey where the beauty of village life conceals the most intriguing secrets. 'The Body at Rookery Barn' is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts." — A journey into secrets and suspense.

"The pages of 'The Body at Rookery Barn' are like an inviting puzzle waiting to be solved. Kate Hardy's debut promises readers a cozy mystery that lingers long after the final clue." — An inviting puzzle with an unexpected twist.

"Kate Hardy's writing sparkles in this small village mystery. 'The Body at Rookery Barn' is an enchanting and thrilling mosaic of intrigue and charm." — A collage of charm and suspense.

"With a deft hand, Kate Hardy invites you into a world of secrets, where even the most peaceful villages can hide dark mysteries. 'The Body at Rookery Barn' is a masterful debut." — Secrets hidden in plain sight.

"Get ready for a journey that's as warm as a cozy fire and as puzzling as a cryptic crossword. 'The Body at Rookery Barn' is a mystery you won't want to miss." — Warmth and intrigue in one package.

"In 'The Body at Rookery Barn,' Kate Hardy seamlessly blends the charm of a village with the thrill of a mystery. A masterpiece of suspense and coziness." — A masterpiece of suspense and coziness.

What a great start to a new series, a new genre for romance author Kate Hardy and it was fabulous, I loved meeting Georgina Drake, freelance photographer who has moved to the village of Little Wenborough a year ago after the loss of her husband, she has two adult children Will and Bea and now she has a beautiful property with a rental, the Rookery Barn, never did she expect to find the body of a guest.

Moving to Norfolk has been very good for Georgina, she has made some wonderful friends and is settling in well, but when she arrives to clean the barn after her guest has departed, someone is telling her not to enter, who and why, who is talking to her, upon opening the door she realises why, her guest is dead.

She is stunned and shaken by her discovery, she already knows that Dr. Roland Garnett was not a very nice man and to have a woman talking to her that she cannot see, what is happening, the police arrive and questions are asked it appears that Georgina was the last to see him alive and the one to find him dead and she now is a suspect.

Detective Inspector Colin Bradshaw is on the case, he needs to do find the killer and starts his investigation with gusto after the cause of death is revealed as poisoning and soon not only is Georgina a suspect but her close friends, Sybbie, Cesca and Jodie are as well and they decide that they need to clear their names and together they too are doing their own investigation, which then puts Georgina in danger.

Georgina and Colin are soon becoming friends and are also sharing clues and there are many suspects and working out who the killer is turns in many directions, will they get their man or woman?

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to join in solving the murder, and I am really looking forward to book two and getting back to the beautiful village of Little Wenborough and another mystery to solve, I loved the setting and the characters, a must read.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

As someone who has been reading Agatha Christie books for 50 years, I was delighted to be asked to review this book? It mentions Christie throughout the book and the poison used for the murder is Christie favourite. I happened to start the book while on holiday in Norfolk so all very coincidental. A very pleasant book. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read it.

4.5/5 ⭐️
Georgina is shocked to find the guest renting her vacation home dead. She is even more shocked when a ghost starts talking to her through her hearing aids. She soon learns that her guest was murdered and that he was not well-liked so there are many suspects, including herself. Georgie must investigate to clear her name

I really liked this debut! The ghost part wasn’t hokey and it’s almost like it’s own storyline, as Doris wasn’t investigating too. I thought the pacing was good, and the author did a good job providing background and context for us! I can’t wait to read more capers with Georgie and Doris!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Freelance photographer Georgina Drake had only lived in Little Wenborough, Norfolk, for two years, but she loved the quaint, delightful area in Norfolk. Rookery Farm was her home, and the barn on her property she rented out to clients to supplement her income. Since her husband Stephen had died from a heart attack, her grief still clutched her. Leaving London was the right thing to do, and her two children, Bea and Will, agreed with her. Her mulling was interrupted by a woman's voice just as she was about to insert the key in the barn's door. Her latest client was to have left early, so she would clean for the next guests. But on entering the property, shock hit her. Dr Roland Garnett was dead...

DI Colin Bradshaw was in charge of the case, and immediately Georgina was on his suspect list. So were her friends, Francesca (Cesca) and Jodie. With the three women realising what would happen to their businesses if the real culprit wasn't found, they set to work to find who killed Dr Garnett. And they discovered there were very few who liked him, and plenty had motive. But with so many suspects, would they discover who the culprit was?

The Body at Rookery Barn is the 1st in the Georgina Drake mystery series by Kate Hardy and I enjoyed it very much. An intriguing mystery with a body of a person no one liked meant it was hard to pick the killer. But I did work it out ;) I didn't like the DI to begin with, but he grew on me! The imagery of the countryside, the beautiful gardens and the friendly folk from the village all made for an entrancing read, one which I recommend highly.

With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

A good, well-written , murder mystery including the paranormal. I found the characters likeable and entertaining. I also enjoyed  the village community feel and the way they rallied together to exonerate themselves from persons of interest regarding the body found. Well recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5

The Body at Rookery Barn is the first novel in a brand-new cozy mystery series by the prolific author Kate Hardy. This was a delightful read that came at the perfect time for me during this chilly season. It provided the ideal opportunity to snuggle up with a captivating mystery and a steaming cup of tea.

The story centers around Georgina Drake, a photographer, who experiences two shocking things when she receives her new hearing aids. Firstly, she uncovers a lifeless body in the rental cottage she owns, and secondly, she begins to hear the voice of a ghost that has been dwelling within the cottage's walls for the past half-century.

Georgina is both clever and quick-witted, and she quickly embarks on an investigation into the murder, driven by the fact that she's quickly becoming a prime suspect in the ongoing investigation. Additionally, she extends her aid to the ghost, Doris, in her quest to reunite with her loved ones, all while grappling with the mystery surrounding her own demise.

In conclusion, "The Body at Rookery Barn" proved to be an immensely enjoyable cozy mystery, and I eagerly await the release of the next installment in the series. The unresolved threads in Doris's story have left me eager for more, and I look forward to following Georgina's future adventures. She reminded me of Miss Marple, and that is a high compliment.

When the body of her guest is discovered in the Rookery Barn, Georgina is horrified. After discovering her husband, dead from a heart attack only a few years before, it was not something that she wanted to see again. But there is something about this death that is different, and the police seem to think that foul play may be involved.
As the case seems to implicate Georgina and her friends, they band together to discover the truth, and start trying to solve the mystery on their own. With the ghost of Doris in her home, Georgina has her hands full trying to get to the bottom of the case.

What a cute, cozy mystery. I absolutely LOVED this book!!! I highly recommend this one, and look forward to the next installment from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. The opinions are my own.

This book was really an enjoyable read. I know it was a murder mystery, but I felt it was a cozy, comfortable read. The book was the perfect page turner that allowed to to stay interested throughout, as well as look forward to! I hope the book is a start of several. I enjoyed the characters and the setting very much.. I would enjoy watching the relationships grow.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book!! It was my first of Kate Hardy’s but I enjoyed it.. I had an idea of who the murderer might have been but I couldn’t work out how. So I enjoyed that little twist and how it all connected in the end..

The only thing I would say that I didn’t like was I felt like the chapters where too long.. I feel like it should have had the chapters broken up a bit more. Other than that I thought it was a good story..

Thankyou NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sending this book to review.