I love a good British cozy mystery. I love a procedural crime novel. I love an earnest and determined lead character. Toys book should be right up my alley, but I found it a bit too slow moving for my taste.

My favorite part about this book was discovering the Temple area of London, which apparently is still a thing?? Very unique setting with such intriguing history.

The legal aspects of the novel were also engaging. I found it especially interesting that things like intellectual property laws have been around for more than a century and only continue to develop as our technology develops and grows.

Thanks to Net Galley for the book to review.

An absolutely delightful cozy mystery. It took me a little while to get into it, although that might have been because this ARC came in the form of a PDF (????), but I became thoroughly engrossed in the characters and mystery. I loved the MC, the setting, and the writing. I'll definitely be reading future books in the series. (I do hope more women will make appearances though.)

The first in a new series of mysteries set in London, 1901, the Temple, that cloistered 15 acres where lawyers have lived and worked for 700 years.
Sir Gabriel Ward is neuro-divergent and probably OCD, and as such, he has his routine and it does not deviate - until he is asked to investigate a murder of the Chief Lord Justice of England which has occurred on the grounds, almost on Sir Gabriel's very doorstep. How will he be able to investigate the events leading up to the murder and the murder itself? And why was the Lord Justice barefoot, of all things?! (It's just not done in polite society!) Sir Gabriel works with a young constable and the two become very good at sleuthing out information. Sir Gabriel has not been out of the Temple grounds for many years and with the constable's help, he is able to go back out into the world.
The murder uncovers a lot of intrigue unknown to Sir Gabriel - who will be the new Chief Lord Justice? Why is there so much mystery and ill-will with some of the families of other lawyers? What about the vicar who cares more for his cat than any thing else in the world? And what is the story behind Millie the Temple Church Mouse and why is the publisher being sued for releasing this children's book? And who is the real author?
The book started out slowly for me. There will be a certain group of people who will love this series, and others who will not be interested at all. I am looking forward to another book in this series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA/Raven Books, in exchange for a review.

I have found a new mystery series to obsess over. Gabriel Ward is kind, caring, at times humorous, and incredibly smart. I loved how he was so reluctant to get into the murder case, but then got more and more interested in it as time went on. I also loved how his two cases somewhat became one at the end, and everything was tied up in a neat little bow. I look forward to the release of the book's sequel!

Thank you Sally Smith, Bloomsbury, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Brilliant but reticent barrister Gabriel Ward just wants to be left with his books and his routine way of life but when he trips over the body of the Lord Chief Justice on his doorstep,his life takes an unexpected turn. Appointed to investigate the murder while also preparing for a difficult trial concerning a beloved children's book, Gabriel finds that his cozy sequestered life within the walls of "The Temple" is threatened unless he can solve the mystery. As his legal case and his murder investigation begin to intertwine, Gabriel is thrust into the "outside" world for the first time in decades only to find that the people he thought he knew withheld information to protect their own secrets.

I found the character of Barrister Ward well drawn as was the 1901 London setting. As more of the Judges, Temple officials and various social climbing wives were introduced, I did get some of them confused and had to backtrack to remember each one's relation to the others.
Overall, a satisfying historical mystery, the first in a new series.

The setting is an interesting one, and I'm not sure I have ever read anything similar. It Takes place in London in 1901. Sir Gabriel Ward is an interesting, and unique, detective. I love the fact that there are two mysteries at play. I wasn't familiar with the Temple, so that makes this book informative, as well as entertaining. This is a solid start to a new series.

Historical mystery is a favorite genre of mine. When I saw the blurb for this book, I wanted to scoop it up. I am glad I did. This introduces a reluctant sleuth, Kings Counsel Gabriel Ward. He is a brilliant barrister who is very socially awkward. He will well read and is very comfortable in his very sheltered world of the Inner Temple. When murder shows up outside his door, he is given the task of questioning the people involved along with the constable who was called in when the murder was discovered. I loved this mystery. I really came to like and admire Gabriel. I thought the case was interesting. It is a little slow and full of interesting (to me) history. If you need constant action, you might not enjoy this as much as I did. I thought the twists were good. I love Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels and this has a similar feel but has less death and more use of intellect. I will look forward to more of this series.

This was a book with some ups and downs. It had good characters and an interesting story. However, it was overly detailed with slow pacing. Not a terrible book overall.

The review sounded great and I'm sure it will be popular, but it wasn't for me. We will purchase it for the library. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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