This was a fun read! It was interesting to see a cozy mystery set in such a formal setting. Gabriel Ward was a fascinating detective - rigid, stuck in his routine, yet open to new ideas. He was a brilliant problem solver and I liked seeing how he solved the mystery by studying the clues and seeing what others couldn't see.

There was a lot that I really liked here, unfortunately there was even more that I found repetitive and slow going, and that was a problem for me... I liked the setup. I liked the concept. I liked the main characters. But in between those elements that I liked, I found a lot of very wordy description and plodding "investigation" that kept pulling me out of the witty banter and clever characterizations.

I struggled with this one - more than most apparently - and don't know if I would continue this series although I might just to see if the follow-up book Titans things up enough that I could thoroughly enjoy the elements of the story without feeling mired in detail.

Welcome to the cloistered corners of London's legal labyrinth in 1901, where murder mingles with history, and the most unlikely detective steps from the shadows. Enter *A Case of Mice and Murder*, where Sir Gabriel Ward—a reserved, meticulously precise barrister with a mind that thrives on order—finds himself plunged into a puzzle far more chaotic than any courtroom drama: a murder mystery at the very heart of the Temple.

Imagine Gabriel, so ensconced in the minutiae of a disputed children's book authorship case, flinging open his door only to be greeted by the lifeless body of the Lord Chief Justice, spinning a web of intrigue tighter than a legal brief. With a silver carving knife gleaming ominously in the morning sun, this peculiar whodunit invites Gabriel to a world where logic meets its match.

The Inner Temple's ancient, ivy-clad corridors hold secrets aplenty, and Gabriel, despite preferring the company of law books to people, finds himself tasked with unraveling the string of clues. Assisted by a young, eager constable and battling his own social anxieties and obsessive tendencies, Gabriel steps into shoes he never expected to fill. The supporting cast is equally enthralling: a clever widow hidden behind societal constraints, a publisher enmeshed in literary scandal, and a vicar whose cat may just hold the key to some of the story's most unexpected turns.

Kathleen Smith crafts a captivating world where tradition clashes with modernity, and two seemingly separate mysteries interlace perfectly—a testament to her dexterous storytelling. Readers are treated to more than just a murder—they are gifted a rich tapestry of historical context and social commentary, highlighting everything from gender constraints to class disparities within London's elite legal circles.

Though this is a world of musty law books and ancient rituals, Smith injects humor and warmth, likening Gabriel's investigative journey to more than just a fight for truth—it becomes a fight for empathy, justice, and equal footing for all, no matter their status or scandal.

Gabriel's neurodivergent traits are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, painting him as an endearing, complex protagonist who nevertheless harnesses his unique perspective to see the world in a way others cannot. *A Case of Mice and Murder* is not merely a mystery—it's an evolution, a waltz back through time accompanied by a delightful tune of intrigue and intellect.

So, don your finest attire, step into this vividly-drawn world of old London with Sir Gabriel, and prepare to unravel not just a case, but a rich historical experience that promises adventure, insight, and the sharp thrill of discovery. Perfect for those who savor a well-crafted puzzle bathed in the golden glow of history. Happy sleuthing! 🔍📚✨

A decidedly gentle mystery with a reluctant detective who has a sharp legal mind and plenty of handkerchiefs. Put another way, he is slow to panic and well prepared, with abundant empathy. He lucks into working with a dedicated young constable and the stage is set for an intriguing series.

From the publisher: The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London's legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth.

What a delight. A Case of Mice and Murder took a little while to draw me in, but once it did I loved it. Fans of other books featuring accidental detectives may enjoy it as well.

Set in 1901 London, it introduces us to the Temple, a cloistered spot where lawyers have lived and worked for 700 years (and which was all new to me) and to Sir Gabriel Ward. Gabriel “is the very last sort of man to become an amateur sleuth.” He is a barrister because he has respect for the law, for the need to be precise in its application, and for the certainty in its results. He is neurodivergent and has obsessive-compulsive disorder. He has a brilliant mind and is fortunate to have people around him who understand his quirks. Gabriel could come off as annoying but I found him charming and believable instead.

When the Lord Chief Justice is murdered, Gabriel gets called on to do a little behind-the-scenes, unofficial sleuthing. This certainly throws a wrench into his routines, but it also challenges his mind in new ways. During times of crisis, Gabriel often refers back to the phrases and actions his old nanny used on him as a child, and he finds them surprisingly successful. A young constable is assigned to assist him, and they form a partnership that is satisfactory to both of them.

After the murder, we see justices (and their conniving wives) hoping to become the next Lord Chief Justice, an unhappy widow, an irritating boy who also manages to be appealing, and a vicar who loves his cat. We know that secrets are being kept from Gabriel. The secondary plot sees a publisher being sued by a woman who claims to have written his company’s runaway bestseller Millie the Temple Church Mouse.
The Case of Mice and Murder is funny, and the mysteries are slowly explained away as Gabriel doggedly investigates. The author manages to make important points without being out of step with the time period. The murdered judge’s sister had a better mind for the law than he did, but she was not allowed to study to become a lawyer, for example. Gabriel empathizes and finds it a waste. A scullery maid shows compassion to a man living on the streets and Sir Gabriel must use all his wits to see that she is not punished for her acts by the people of power and influence. He must also safeguard the rights of the homeless man.

I read an advance reader copy of A Case of Mice and Murder from Netgalley. It is scheduled to be published on June 17. It is the first book in a series, and I hope it has a long successful run.

I'm an absolute sucker for situations where all of those strings still make such a tidy little bow, but I could have done with the culprit being someone else. I rather liked the person in question. Oh well.

4.5-5/5 Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
The mysterious murder of a prestigious judge in London's Inner Temple at the turn of the last century, and the hunt for the author of a popular children's book provide challenges to a reclusive KC who's a long time resident of the Temple precincts.
I really, really liked this book:
- the turn of the century setting is interesting, and not much used by mystery writers - the author uses the available 'technolgy' (telegrams, fast trains) to the characters' advantage.
- it's delightful having a shy, book-loving, very intelligent protagonist - Gabriel is a very unlikely 'hero', but following along as he solves the puzzle of a very literal 'locked door' murder is fascinating.
- the supporting characters are well-drawn and very real - there is genuine sympathy for the victims and the perpetrators as well.
- I really didn't know anything about the Temple except peripherally, and it makes a perfect setting for this mystery, its traditions are a great contrast to the real world events taking place around it.
- the author very deftly weaves the solving of two different and unconnected mysteries into the book - it's a good thing that Gabriel discovers a friend in the Constable who's investigating the murder.
- Gabriel's social anxiety, mild agoraphobia and awkwardness are portrayed realistically, as are the wide range of social and economic differences in the characters.
- the ending made me cry.
Would highly recommend for fans of realistic, well-written, puzzle mysteries.
Very little actual violence/blood but some abusive situations.

In 1901 London’s Temple Bar, Sir Gabriel Ward, King’s Counsel (KC), has lived within the rarified air of the Inner Temple lawyers for most of his life. He rarely ventures outside the Inner or Outer Temple grounds as he sees no need to deal with emotions or other elements that trigger what we’d consider OCD today. But, when a body is on his front stoop, Gabriel is so dumbfounded by it’s unlikely presence, he steps back into his chambers and closes the door. When it’s discovered to be the Lord Chief Justice of England, the Temple Treasurer (or man in charge) designates Gabriel as the one to investigate things. That’s because of a real life unique legal relationship of the Temple Bar grounds to the City of London.
Ms. Smith weaves an excellent story combining two mysteries – that of Gabriel’s current court case and his unwanted investigation into the death of the Lord Chief Justice. There are excellent suspects and she does a deft job of weaving the two mysteries together. I’m already looking forward to the next in this new series.

Gabriel’s journey into the heart of the mystery mirrors the broader theme of exposing the darkness behind the polished facades of institutions, which is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The writing is sharp, with the historical setting perfectly capturing the atmosphere of turn-of-the-century London. The mystery unfolds with surprising twists, keeping you on your toes as Gabriel uncovers more than just the murder. The mix of intellectual suspense, wit, and the unraveling of hidden truths is what makes it stand out. Highly recommended.

The Temple is a rarified historic gated community containing England’s courts, judges, and other legal officials. They are entitled to handle their own security -no police. It is 1901 and the body of the Lord Chief Justice (in evening dress but barefooted !) has been discovered. The men at the top want it handled quietly and quickly, no scandal. The Treasurer assigns a brilliant but reclusive RC to the task of investigating. This is a challenge for Gabriel Ward, his brilliant legal mind is paired with OCD tendencies and he strives never to leave the Temple environs. Fortunately, he is allowed the assistance of a young constable who knows how to hail a Hansom cab. The investigation and resulting interactions force Gabriel out of his solitary shell. The mystery is intriguing and we get a bonus mystery about the anonymous author of a popular children’s book, Millie the Temple Church Mouse.
I am very happy that this is the first in a series and can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eGalley of this title.

This is the first in an atmospheric new historical mystery series set in London's legal world, starring a reluctant but brilliant sleuth.

London, 1901. The Inner Temple is an secretive group of barristers, bound by centuries of law and tradition, where justice is debated, not disturbed. Murder, when it happens, is confined to the courtroom. Sir Gabriel Ward KC has spent his career untangling the complexities of legal disputes, not investigating crime. Reclusive, methodical, and bound to the rhythms of the Temple, he prefers the company of dusty case law to the unpredictability of people. But when he steps out of his chambers one May morning and finds the Lord Chief Justice sprawled lifeless across his doorstep—barefoot, bloodstained, and punctured by an ornate silver carving knife—his carefully ordered OCD world is shattered.

With the police barred from entering the Temple without permission, the duty of uncovering the truth falls upon Gabriel—an honor he has no interest in accepting. But his superiors insist, and soon he finds himself entangled in an investigation. At the same time, another case looms over him: the authorship of Millie the Temple Church Mouse, a wildly popular children’s book whose true writer has come forward at the worst possible moment. As Gabriel navigates these two mysteries, the lines between them blur in ways he never expected.

Reluctantly joined by an eager young constable determined to prove himself, Gabriel must venture beyond the legal walls that have long protected him. But justice is not always found in law books, and logic alone may not be enough to untangle the web of deception surrounding him.
Elegant, immersive, and brimming with intrigue, The Temple Murders is a masterfully plotted cozy mystery that brings to life the labyrinthine world of Edwardian London’s legal elite. Get this book! #bloomsbury #acaseofmiceandmurder #sallysmith

The first in a mystery series, solved by Gabriel Ward KC, takes place in the Middle and Inner Temples of London. Not being familiar with this setting, I did some research and recommend readers do so also. It is the perfect place and time period for an "old-fashioned" story in the 1901 -- proper behavior, no phones, train travel and such set the stage. However people's personality traits, both good and bad, haven't changed in over a century! Great characters! I recommend for fans of mystery and historical fiction.

I loved this book. A Case of Mice and Murder was just what I needed to read at this time. Sally Smith's writing definitely reminds me of E.C.R. Lorac. Buy this book for your library...personal or public!

A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith is a light, enjoyable cozy mystery with a charming small-town setting and quirky characters. While the premise is fun, the mystery is somewhat predictable, and the pacing drags in places. A decent read for fans of the genre, but not particularly memorable

Sir Gabriel Ward QC is quite pleased with his lot in life. He's been working for many years as a barrister in the Temple, home to London's lawyers and the center of legal activities. He also is privileged to have his home there, living in some of the flats allocated to working lawyers. The year is 1901 and men are still very much the masters of this domain and, for the most part, enjoy and exploit their family and political connections to keep the status quo. Gabriel is surprised, but at first doesn't seem terribly disturbed, when he arrives at his office one day and finds a body blocking his doorway. The most surprising thing, he notes, is that the man's body has no shoes but is otherwise wearing formal evening wear. It is soon discovered that the dead man is the Lord Chief Justice of England, Norman Dunning. Since the Temple is a tightly guarded sanctuary for those who live and work there, the pool of suspects would seem to be small -- unless an unauthorized person had somehow managed to slip past the guards? Due to ancient rules, the Temple is outside the rules that govern the rest of London and is given the right to investigate any crimes internally, without involving the police force. Gabriel is called in and tasked with questioning those involved with the dead man and to try to find the killer. He protests but is prodded that his nice flat could be taken away at any time. As Gabriel is a bachelor who seldom leaves the confines of the Temple, the thought of traveling around London and speaking to people one on one is a daunting task. Even though not required, he is accompanied on his duties by a police officer, Constable Wright, who is someone with good ideas and experience investigating crimes. Gabriel is even more upset about taking on this investigation because he's in the middle of preparations for a big case. The entire country has been charmed by a book called Millie the Temple Church Mouse. The manuscript had been dropped through the mail slot at a publisher's office. The publisher, Herbert Moore, mainly worked with legal books, so the children's book was not really anything he was interested in publishing. His young daughter discovered the manuscript and was captivated. Moore decided to publish the book in a small run, thinking that would be the end of it, but the book became an immediate success. The author of the manuscript had not included any contact information and attempts to trace her were unsuccessful. As the book took off, more and more decisions had to be made (a line of toys, foreign rights, a stage play, etc.) and Moore signed the contracts for all of these things. Now someone has come forward claiming to be the author and has sued Moore. Gabriel has to defend the case, try to establish if the current claimant really wrote the book, and sort out who gets the enormous profits (much of which has already been spent updating the publisher's office).

I really loved the two mysteries at the center of the story. The historical background about the Temple (although the author says in the afterward notes that some liberties were taken!) was also very interesting. Sir Gabriel, despite his obvious OCD and introverted tendencies, really came alive as a character when he was investigating the thorny problems presented to him. I can't wait to read more of his adventures!

I love discovering a unique voice and detective, and Sir Gabriel Ward fits the bill. The mysteries (there are two) are well written and nicely paced. The language the author uses is perfect. I've never read about the Temple except to see it referenced in other novels. I feel as though I know it much better now. And Millie the Mouse? Charming. I can't wait for sequels!!!!!! Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.