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!

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.