This is book 5 in the series and Georgina has no plan to get involved in any investigation, she just wants to photograph a very unique and amazing Roman mosaic. All looks well and good to go, but then before she can, a body lands in it. Was it murder? Is it tied to the dig? As she tries to help her friend figure out where her family member disappeared to, as distraction from what appears to be too many suspects and motives for the murder, she realizes she may stumbled on a historical murder, and in an odd way, they appear to be connected. But while the historical murderer can't come after her, someone else nearby is thinking she is getting way too close and looking to distract her, and then remove her from the scene. A page turner, this is a great read to the series.

Ok , have read more of this series and I suppose reasonably well balanced between the cold case (1860s) and the current case . The group of villagers have been in the other books, though I thought that some were just named in this book, rather than being involved in the story. The supernatural aspect caused some problems between some of the characters and is OK, though it felt a bit like a direct line to life after death here, with some parts revealed after the clues had been solved in the modern day. I personally did not feel particularly engaged with either the plot nor the characters this time. Not sure if I will continue with the series because of that. Cozy crime is not really my thing because I find the villagers chasing around trying to solve the mysteries a little unbelievable and irritating and the coincidences are too contrived. The pace picks up later in the book but it still felt quite drawn out for a book under 200 pages.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

Georgina Drake is excited to be given the opportunity to photograph a rare Roman mosaic floor near where she lives in Norfolk. Sadly as the floor is revealed, one of the archaeologists is found quite clearly murdered on top of the floor. Trying to solve the crime links back to an earlier disappearance and the plot gets more complicated by past secrets. A great read.

For some reason I could not get into this book. I usually love a cozy British mystery. This is my first read by this author.. The ghost threw me off.

Although book 5 in this series, it reads well as a standalone too as I haven't read the others and enough information is given to the reader so that you have some idea of what has previously happened. The book deals with not only a current murder, but also an historic one too. It falls into the cozy crime genre for me however it is a solid story with some great characters in it. Well worth a read if you want something less gruesome.

Thanks to Netgalley /Storm for the ARC to review

The Body at the Roman Baths by Kate Hardy is the 5th book in the excellent Georgina Drake Mystery series and just like her other books within this series I loved it and I was hooked from the very first few pages till the end. It was full of excellent twists and turns throughout that will have you turning the pages of my kindle quickly. It was hard to put it down. Before I knew it the sun was waking up. I was so glad I did not have work the next day!!!
Georgina is such a great character and looking forward to what happens next.

I highly recommend this series. It will not disappoint.

Big Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read

I love this cozy mystery series featuring Georgina Drake, her family, friends, dog and the friendly ghost, Doris.

There are two story lines which are loosely linked. An old cold case murder and a current one. Lots of lovely characters with twist and turns and surprising ending

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

Kate Hardy’s The Body at the Roman Baths, the fifth installment in The Georgina Drake Mystery series, is a captivating blend of historical intrigue and modern-day murder mystery. This novel will delight fans of cozy mysteries and dual-timeline narratives, as it skillfully weaves together two intertwined cases—one from the Victorian era and another from the present day—creating a richly layered story that keeps readers guessing until the final page.

At the heart of the book is Georgina Drake, a spirited photographer whose sharp mind and natural curiosity have made her a favorite amateur sleuth for readers. Her latest adventure begins when she discovers the body of the lead archaeologist at Little Wenborough Manor, thrusting her into a gripping investigation that unravels secrets both ancient and modern. Georgina’s relatable determination to seek the truth is complemented by her loyal and charming friends: garden-loving Sybbie, warm-hearted café owner Francesca, and quick-witted actress Bea. This ensemble cast provides warmth, humor, and valuable assistance as Georgina pieces together the clues.

The novel’s dual timelines—one centered on a Victorian scholar’s mysterious disappearance during an earlier excavation and the other focused on the present-day murder—are masterfully handled. Hardy transitions between the two seamlessly, enhancing suspense and emotional depth. Her attention to historical detail brings the Victorian era vividly to life, immersing readers in a world of rigid societal norms, forbidden love, and long-buried betrayals. As the story unfolds, the connections between past and present become increasingly clear, culminating in a satisfying and unexpected resolution.

Hardy’s plotting is fast-paced and intricate, full of twists and red herrings that keep readers engaged. The themes of love, betrayal, and redemption resonate throughout, adding depth to both the characters and their motivations. As danger mounts and Georgina realizes someone in the village is desperate to keep their secrets buried, the tension becomes palpable, making this a true page-turner.

The setting of Little Wenborough Manor and its surrounding village is brought to life through Hardy’s vivid descriptions, from the ancient Roman mosaic and baths to the cozy café and quaint streets. This atmospheric backdrop perfectly complements the story, drawing readers into a world that feels both timeless and intimate.

As the fifth book in The Georgina Drake Mystery series, The Body at the Roman Baths will appeal not only to series fans but also to newcomers, as it stands firmly on its own while offering a deeper look into Georgina’s evolving character. Fans of authors like Elly Griffiths, Kate Morton, and Rhys Bowen will find much to admire in Hardy’s work.

With its expertly crafted narrative, engaging protagonist, and masterful blend of historical and contemporary mystery, The Body at the Roman Baths is a must-read for anyone who loves solving puzzles while uncovering the secrets of the past.

Excitement is growing at Little Wenborough Manor the home of lord and Lady Wyatt better known as Sybbie and Bernard when the remains of a roman bath have been discovered this dig was started after an archeologist, Trish had discovered that her great, great, great, great uncle had also discovered this over one hundred years ago now the mosaic floor has been uncovered for a second time, Georgie has been asked to photograph it but when the tarpaulin is pulled back there is a body and it is that of the head archeologist, Simon.

Georgina again finds herself investigating another death and without her trusty dog Bert there to dig up old bones, could there be only one murder this time when her friendly ghost Doris arrives by her side telling her that there is another mystery all those years ago when archeologist Trish’s uncle disappeared and it looks very much like he was murdered, will Georgie with the help of Doris discover the truth about the heritage death and Georgie’s partner DI Colin Bradshaw get to the bottom of the current death?

The more Georgie digs the more there appears to be a link between the past and present here at Little Wenborough Manor what’s more with Georgie and Colin’s relationship getting stronger maybe it is time for Georgie to open up about Doris to a Colin and her friends but how will that turn out?

This is another fabulous story in this series, I love Georgie, Doris, Colin, Bert as well as the other fabulous characters that all add to the story, it is engaging and had me thinking I do highly recommend this one and the series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to see where Kate Hardy Takes Georgie and Doris.

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

3 1/2 stars. I love history and archaeology so a mystery that has that is definitely one I want to read. Georgina Drake, a professional photographer and someone who has been involved with a couple of murder investigations before, knows what to do when a body is discovered on the mosaic floor of a Roman bath that she has come to take pictures of. It turns out there is another unexplained disappearance that happened over a hundred years ago that is somewhat related to this dig. This one Georgina finds out from her friend who is a ghost. Two murders. Two storylines that are interwoven well.

While this was the first book of the series I have read it is the 5th in the series but it was easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery. Georgina has relationship difficulties with her beau who is a police detective when she tells him about the ghost who has helped her on previous cases. He doesn't believe her. Too often in a paranormal mystery everyone who is told believes or if they don't it doesn't matter because it isn't important if they believe or not. But if you are in a relationship with someone it would be very hard if someone didn't believe you about something important. You might be able to agree to disagree but you might not. At least this book addresses it in a realistic manner.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

a great cozy with ties tot day and long ago as the protagonist tries to solve a murder that parallels one committed in the same place more than a century ago. Well written and completely engaging!

I love this series it’s a perfect blend of cosy crime, paranormal and historical fiction, set in an interesting location with a brilliant cast of characters.
This time we are given the backdrop of an archaeological dig at a Roman baths, the sudden discovery of a body on the site occurs and then a whole load of investigations begins which involves Georgina, as she witnesses the gruesome discovery.
As before there is an additional mystery to solve, the disappearance of a man from the past when the site was previously investigated in the Victorian period. Doris, Georgina’s spirit sidekick has some information about the fate of this scholar, and this adds another layer of intrigue to the book.
Two mysteries to solve, plus lots of fascinating historical interactions helped to keep my interest alive throughout the story.(I particularly loved the Roman mosaic theme as I grew up close to a Roman Villa in my childhood village)
Looking forward to the next book!

Georgina is a photographer who is asked to take pictures of a buried Roman bath that was discovered at Little Wenborough Manor. When she arrives at the site with her dear friend Sybbie and Dr. Trish Melton, the archeologist, they discover a body. The body belongs to the lead archeologist  Simon Butterfield, Dr.Melton's not so liked brother-in-law.

Detective Inspector Colin Bradshaw will take over this case. With the help of Georgina and her ghost friend Doris, he will discover who killed Simon. Georgina helps the inspector, who is also her boyfriend, discover the many secrets that come with this ancient site. From thieves who steal from archeological sites, to a petty thief at the museum, an ancient unsolved murder and the link that connects Dr. Melton's ancestor to the current owner of Little Wenborough Manor.


The Body At The Roman Baths recreates a long forgotten Roman bath and the history is holds, including two murders.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this double murder mystery.

Thank you, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for letting me review this book.

The Body at the Roman Baths is the fifth book in the cozy crime novel series, A Georgina Drake Mystery, written by Kate Hardy.

In the blissful Norfolk village, the main character, Georgina Drake, is excited to photograph the ancient mosaic at Little Wenborough Manor,, which is the archaeological find of the decade. However, once the lead archaeologist is found dead, where this mosaic was discovered, her photographs have to take a backseat until this gets figured out. Then, a second mystery Georgina learns about from Doris, her endearing ghost friend, informs her of a century old, young Victorian that disappears during this original dig.

Are these two mysteries, which were both from this same discovery, but a century apart - connected? Will learning about the history of this place, help provide evidence of the young Victorians fate? Will it also help solve the lead archaeologists murder?

This book was very captivating, and I love these cozy mysteries! The main character is hard to not find likable, as well as Doris, her ghost. If you are looking to cuddle up with a good book that will provide a satisfying ending, I highly recommend you read this one!

Georgina (Georgie) Drake is a photographer who has been asked to photograph an historic mosaic floor of a Roman Bath found at a nearby dig of college students and their archeologist supervisors which is on the grounds of her friends Sibbie and Bernard's property. Also found is the body of the lead archeologist, Simon, who doesn't seem to be well liked. There is also an historical mystery involving the ancestors of Bernard and Trina, the other archeologist supervising the students.

Georgina has been helpful in solving a few other mysterious deaths. Her partner, Colin, is a local police detective and her good friend Doris. Georgie has a secret. Doris is a ghost that Georgie hears through her hearing aids.

This was my first time reading this series and this author. I did not have any trouble getting into the story. I loved that Georgie is a more mature lead character. She has a strong circle of supportive friends and family. The story grabbed me and pulled me in. Both of the mysteries were interesting and well crafted. I enjoyed the historical one the most, it had several twists and turns and was emotionally gripping.

I look forward to the next installment of this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read this ARC and give my opinion.

Georgina is all set to take a photo of a newly uncovered mosaic at Little Wenborough Manor when the body of the lead archaeologist is found lying in a pool of blood on it. She also discovers that there had been another mystery at the site when a young Victorian scholar had also disappeared over a century before, leaving behind a devastated fiancée. Aided by her friends and a ghost she helps investigate both these mysteries.
One of the joys of the opportunity of reading advance copies of new books is finding new to me authors, in this case I'm late to the show in reading this, the fifth book in the series, although I would love to go back and read the previous books this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. I do like a cozy mystery and a touch of the supernatural as well. Having watched many episodes of the Time Team I could easily visualise the setting for the story. I particularly enjoyed the historical search for the missing student and the painstaking way they searched through the records to try to solve the mystery. A definite must read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a twist.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Photographer, Georgina Drake, arrives at the site of Roman remains on her friend's estate to take photographs of a glorious mosaic floor. When the covering is rolled back it reveals the body of one of the dig team.

This is the fifth outing of Georgina Drake and her partner, DI Colin Bradshaw investigating not just the present day murder, but a cold case - in this instance the disappearance of a young man who'd originally discovered the Roman remains - with the aid of Georgina's daughter and a delightful ensemble cast of Georgina's friends. All aided by Doris, Georgina's ghostly companion.

This series gets better and better. with each new book. Set in the glorious Norfolk countryside, the present day murder is complex and involving, the cold case adds a strong emotional element and it's all underlined by a jolt in blossoming romance between Georgina and Colin.

It all makes for the perfect cozy mystery and I can't wait for the next in this engaging series.

I am always happy to read a new story in one of my favourite cosy mystery series, and this one finds Georgia investigating a suspicious death at her friend Sybbie's home. Sharing her connection with Doris, her ghostly friend, tests the boundaries of her relationship with her partner, Detective Colin Bradshaw. It's a mix of modern-day murder mystery and a historical cold case of a young man's disappearance. This story has a gothic ethos amidst the Roman archaeological discovery and plenty of emotion for the cast of characters, past and present. I like the seamless interweaving of the supernatural into the everyday, making it believable, the realistic relationship angst between Colin and Georgia and the echoes of the past in the present concerning the missing person and murder. Many false leads and suspects immerse the reader in this cosy crime investigation, which is a lovely escapist read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Body At The Roman Baths.

Georgina is so excited to photograph an ancient mosaic that was discovered at a manor. But when she arrives she finds the archeologist dead. She also finds out that centuries earlier there was another murder that took place there as well. She decides to investigate both murders and is shocked to find a connection.

This was a short read and it is the fifth book in the series but I did not read any of the other books prior to this and I feel like I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read the other books prior.

I have read the other books in the series and was looking forward to book 5.

I was not disappointed. If you had told me I would have enjoyed a book that involved ghosts I would have laughed - but these books have really captured my imagination. My deaf adult daughter wants to know why she doesn’t get voices through her aids!

In some ways this book was slightly darker and sadder than previous books - for some the issues that are raised could be triggering. Georgina also faces some personal issues because she hears Doris in her hearing aids - to say more would provide massive spoilers.

Having said that Kate Hardy had obviously done a lot of research in archeological procedures which shows in her writing.
This was thoroughly enjoyable and I just had to keep reading a little more to find out what happened. The victim possibly deserved everything he got - they were completely unlikeable.

Can’t wait for book 6