Agatha Frost's Blog

One of the questions I get asked the most as a writer is, "Where do you get your ideas?" More often than not, this question spooks us sensitive writers because if you're paying attention, you really can pull a story from anything. A snatch of a conversation, a news headline, a person you notice across the supermarket all make up the ingredients for the story soup. But for the Meadowfield Mysteries series (the first book The Last Draft out July 23rd), I not only know exactly where I found the first ingredient for my new series, I remember the exact moment.

Let me take you back to that day...

We Arrived At Night

New Year's Eve 2023, and after a five-hour drive filled with flooded roads and diversions, I first set foot in the village of Aldbourne after parking between the pond and The Crown pub, where locals were belting "Jolene" on karaoke. It was past 8, and the drinks had been flowing. I was there with my partner, and it was our first NYE away together, so the night was already special for us. We dragged our weekend cases into the pub and through the crowd and were quickly shown up through a series of jaunty staircases and leaning corridors to our rooms. After dumping our bags and freshening up, we were back out into the cool night air while Tom Jones' "Delilah" belted through the crowd. Around the corner closer to the village green, The Blue Boar didn't have singing but it was just as lively, filled with loud chatter, and just as busy. Arriving in the dark on a night filled with so much energy, I felt like I was seeing the village at its most alive.

After toasting my first glass of wine, I settled into the evening, and it wasn't long until I was mingling and hearing stories about the village. I looked at the murals covering the pub's walls detailing the local history of being a filming location and its connection to WWII American soldiers (more on that later). And after hours of laughter and the pub growing increasingly busier around us, we left the pub in anticipation of what everyone had been looking forward to all night: fireworks on the green.

Outside, people flocked from every direction, flooding the village green, and before I knew it, it wasn't long until we all held hands, strangers and locals alike. The countdown began, and at the stroke of midnight, fireworks lit up the sky above the church, and then the circle started to move, and I moved with it. I don't know how many times we ran in and out towards the memorial, this group of hundreds of people in the first seconds of a fresh year, but at that moment, in a place I'd never been, reenacting a quirky local tradition ripped from a book, I wondered if this the part of the evening where people in white cloaks and daggers appeared. Or had I succumbed to those flooded roads and somehow crossed into one of my cozy books...

The Morning After

As it turned out, neither.

Perhaps it was the wine, but as we walked away from the green a few hours later, returning to a quiet and empty Crown, I declared two things: it was the best New Year's Eve I'd had, and the village would make the perfect location for a cosy series.

The next morning, after a full English breakfast and a chat with the landlord and the housekeeper of the pub, I got to see the village in the chilly light of day on the first day of the new year. With the events of last night giving way to near silence, the village continued to captivate me. We wandered through the picturesque winding streets of Aldbourne, and wherever we went, people seemed to be genuinely interested in why we were there and what we loved about the village. We also had some great cakes and drinks at the local cafe Time At The Forge on the corner of South Street.

After another night in the village, it was time to leave the celebration bubble, and I drove away from Aldbourne looking at the local property prices (but as a few villagers warned me, good luck!) to find there were only two houses for sale in the whole village.

I could see why.

This was a place people didn't want to leave, and I didn't want to leave either.

Sprouting Seeds

And then I returned to my real life.

The dream of the New Year's celebrations faded away, and for the next few months, I let the seed I had left snuggle up in some soil while I got on with writing the next installments of the Peridale Cafe and Claire's Candles series. When the time came to choose the setting for my new series and cement those ideas in place, those initial seeds had sprouted into a garden of ideas, and I had all the inspiration I needed.

Thus, Meadowfield was born!

Revisiting Aldbourne

I recently revisited Aldbourne (on the hottest day of the year so far, no less), and it was every bit as charming and quaint as I remembered. The locals were just as welcoming, and the village’s vibrant atmosphere ignited my imagination once more, and I left with my pockets overflowing with more seeds for new stories. Locations like St. Michael's Church (St. Mary's in Meadowfield) looking over the village green, surrounded by quaint cottages and the welcoming pub, The Blue Boar, where I spent NYE, have become integral to Ellie's homelife in the village. Meadowfield Books, the central pond, the local manor, the cafes and businesses, the small museum, and many other places owe their existence to my strolls through the village's winding lanes. Of course, I've taken many, many creative liberties to breathe life into creating something new, but Aldbourne offered that first breath.

I can't wait for you all to wander those winding streets with Ellie as she uncovers Meadowfield's history and secrets in THE LAST DRAFT.

A Little History

Soon you'll be joining Ellie in uncovering Meadowfield's unique history, but Aldbourne is steeped in its own history, dating back to Saxon times. The village name itself is derived from the Old English words "Ealda" (meaning "old") and "burna" (meaning "stream" or "spring"), indicating the village's ancient roots near a water source.

In medieval times, Aldbourne was known for its pottery industry, producing "Aldbourne Ware," which was distributed widely. The village also played a role during the English Civil War. In 1643, it was the site of a skirmish between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces.

During World War II, Aldbourne hosted American troops from the 101st Airborne Division as they prepared for the D-Day invasion. The village’s connection to these soldiers is still remembered and honored by the locals.

The village green, a central feature of Aldbourne, has been the heart of the community for centuries. It's surrounded by historic buildings, including St. Michael’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century and is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

As Seen On TV

Aldbourne isn't just a gem of inspiration for writers—it's also made its mark in popular culture! Aldbourne served as the filming location for a popular episode of Doctor Who (1971's "The Dæmons"), which is how I heard about the village. It's a fun story that sees an ancient alien entity awaken in Aldbourne, called Devil's End here, wanting to destroy humanity. It's a fun classic British sci-fi story wrapped up in the cosiest village there is, and the village looks near identical to this day, so it's something to check out if you want to see the village as it is.

It was also depicted in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (2001), the true story of Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, who stayed in Aldbourne from late 1943 to mid-1944 for training and preparation before participating in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

If you end up in Aldbourne, ask the locals about these and I'm sure they'll have as many behind the scenes stories to share as they did with me.

And if you want a quick way to peek at the village, it featured as the filming location for this sweet one-minute Christmas advert from a few years ago:

So, a big thank you to Aldbourne for being the muse behind Meadowfield Mysteries. I can't wait for you all to explore Meadowfield and see how real-life inspiration has transformed into a series I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed conceiving and writing it .

If you ever get a chance, visit Aldbourne—you might just fall in love as I did.

Join Ellie in THE LAST DRAFT and discover Meadowfield for yourself.

The wait is over! Sangria and Secrets is OUT NOW! This is the 31st book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Sangria and Secrets

Where the sangria flows, secrets are sure to follow...

As the warm sun of Savega kisses the tranquil Spanish shores, a holiday meant for peace and quiet beckons Julia and her family. The picturesque Spanish town, with its whispering olive groves and vibrant plazas, holds a trove of memories—some fond and others shrouded in the shadows of a traumatic past, but their troubles are in the past, aren't they?

Amidst the quaint cobbled streets and the welcoming embrace of Aunt Minnie's hotel, La Casa, tensions simmer below the serene facade. The transformation of the once homely hotel into a sanctuary of spiritual retreat is disrupted by the sharp jolt of a mysterious drowning. Chloe Saunders, a glamourous influencer with a taste for drama, is found lifeless in the healing mineral baths in the dead of night.

As Julia, with her characteristic blend of intuition and persistence, steps up once more to unfurl the truth, she faces the riddles of a troubled hotel pulsing with secrets. With clues steeped in betrayal, revenge, and false prophesies, they grapple with the twisted narratives spun by an array of vivid suspects connected to the wellness community, each cloaking their true motives. Can Julia sift through the lies and untangle the knots of this Mediterranean mystery?

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

The wait is over! Frosted Plum Fears is OUT NOW! This is the 9th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Frosted Plum Fears

A killer plum pudding plot sends a village reeling in this twisted tale of festive ambition and murder.

A quaint village turned upside down. A giant plum pudding and a local chef's ambition spark festivities in the sleepy town of Northash. But when candle shop owner, Claire Harris, finds the chef stabbed in the back, it seems his attempt to break a decades-old plum pudding record has led to a bitter and untimely demise.

As shocking secrets seep to the surface, a tangled web of lies, debts, jealousy, and obsession comes to light. With a killer on the loose and suspects piling up, Claire taps into her sleuthing instincts to unravel the murderous mess. However, separating fact from speculation proves tricky, even for Claire's keen eye and nose for trouble. False accusations send her down twisting paths that bring her no closer to the elusive truth.

With the clock ticking down to the New Year, the mystery only deepens. Another attack rocks the village, stirring Claire's worst fears. She pushes forward in her perilous hunt for answers, determined to expose the culprit and restore order amidst the plum pudding chaos. But with so many loose threads hanging and dangerous tensions mounting, will Claire tie it all together in time? Or will the new year dawn with the murderous secrets remaining buried?

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

The wait is over! Mince Pies and Madness is OUT NOW! This is the 30th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Mince Pies and Madness

Peridale is under attack. Can Julia save the day?

When a mysterious benefactor begins funding the spirited protests against the Howarth Estate development in Peridale, Julia South-Brown finds herself at the heart of a deepening rebellion. The 'Save Peridale’s Soul' campaign is gaining momentum, with the café abuzz with schemes to thwart the developers. But a shocking discovery at the construction site unearths human remains, halting the controversial project of avaricious developer James Jacobson.

The bones thrust the village into the heart of a decades-old mystery. As Julia finds herself increasingly entwined in the investigation, the case reopens old wounds and uncovers hidden secrets. The village's unity is tested as they grapple with the specter of their past, even as they stand together against Jacobson's relentless ambitions.

With increasingly tempting offers to buy her café coming from the suave but sinister James Jacobson, the villagers rally behind Julia, undeterred by the looming threat of a developer's takeover. The community's resilience shines, with an illicit Christmas market springing up in defiance, but their unity is shattered when a car, brakes failing, crashes through the stalls. The unraveling mystery brings together an unlikely group, each with their own connections to the case. Julia, driven by her commitment to truth and community, navigates through the layers of the past, uncovering startling revelations.

The investigation challenges the fabric of Peridale, exposing the frailty of long-held relationships and the strength of newfound bonds. As secrets unravel and truths emerge, join Julia on an epic tale of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of community…

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

The wait is over! Pumkins and Peril is OUT NOW! This is the 29th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Pumpkins and Peril

Murder at the halloween party...

When the leader of the Peridale Preservation Society is found murdered at a Halloween party, cafe owner Julia South-Brown suspects the killing is tied to secrets surrounding a controversial local development project. A cryptic letter left by the victim hints at long-buried truths tied to a lost portrait, and as Julia and her family race to locate the painting before a pivotal council vote, they find themselves on a dangerous collision course with powerful forces who will stop at nothing to keep hidden agendas buried.

From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the shadowy corridors of power, Julia must navigate a tangled web of lies, bribery, and corruption to uncover the shocking centuries-old secrets that could forever change the fate of her village. But sinister threats loom as she gets closer to the truth.

With an ominous deadline fast approaching, Julia faces an impossible choice: back down from the fight and let her beloved community be destroyed, or risk everything to stand against the forces that have Peridale trapped in their lethal grip. The key to victory might lie in the secrets of the past, but will Julia solve the mystery in time to save the village she loves?.

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

The wait is over! Wildflower Worries is OUT NOW! This is the 8th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Wildflower Worries

The hive has lost its queen bee, and order must be restored...

The quaint village of Northash has been rocked by the mysterious death of local beekeeper, Nigella Turner. As unsettling as her demise may be, Claire Harris has candle orders to fill. That is until sinister notes and jars of honey start showing up on her doorstep.

With rumours buzzing around Northash's high street that Claire sold candles made from the ill-fated beekeeper's final honey harvest, she finds herself tangled up in the case, whether she likes it or not. Despite warnings from the police to mind her own beeswax, Claire can't resist sticking her nose into the puzzling poisoning plot with a little help from her retired detective father, Alan.

Can Claire use the wisdom of the fallen queen bee in time to smoke out the culprit? Or will she end up facing a deadly sting of her own?

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

The wait is over! Eton Mess and Enemies is OUT NOW! This is the 28th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Eton Mess and Enemies

A documentary film crew comes to Peridale...

When a lauded documentary filmmaker sets foot in Julia's Café in the charming village of Peridale deep in the Cotswolds, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. They arrive to celebrate the completion of Barker Brown's much-anticipated second novel, casting the quaint town and its colourful inhabitants into the limelight.

But as the excitement of the filming reverberates in the air, a chilling mystery unfolds under the glow of a full moon, drawing Julia and Barker into the heart of an enigma. The peace in Peridale shatters with the shocking discovery of Arthur Foster's body. Barker, a private investigator, had been tasked with locating Foster—an infamous arsonist—on behalf of the troubled Knight family. Found murdered in an eerie, abandoned forest dwelling adorned with candles and cryptic symbols, the crime scene hints at a sinister, perhaps ancient ritual behind the murder.

As the camera lens captures their every move, Julia and Barker find themselves swept into the complex web of an investigation. From arson to gangs, and hushed whispers of a moon-centric cult, they must untangle the connections and hidden truths as reality and fiction intertwine, blurring the lines between Barker's novels and the mysteries unfolding in real life.

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

By Agatha Frost, bestselling author of the Peridale Cafe and Claire's Candles cosy series.

Cosy mysteries, a genre where gentle intrigue meets heartwarming storytelling, have remained a reader’s favourite for generations. Crafting the worlds of Julia and Claire, I've often marvelled at the elements that make these tales so appealing. Let’s delve deeper into these intricate layers.

An Intimate Setting

Cosies transport readers to settings like quaint English villages or seaside towns where every face is familiar. Here, mysteries unravel in charming bed-and-breakfasts, bustling cafes, or rustic libraries, making readers feel like they’re visiting their own hometown. Such settings, reminiscent of Christie’s St. Mary Mead or the tight-knit communities of Cabot Cove in *Murder, She Wrote*, weave a comforting tapestry that sets the backdrop for the unfolding intrigue.

Ordinary Yet Extraordinary Heroes

The protagonists of cosies, like Julia and Claire, are everyday individuals — they could be bakers, librarians, or gardeners. Yet, when mysteries knock on their doors, their keen observations, unwavering determination, and grounded wisdom shine through. They aren't just characters; they're reflections of our own aspirations to be heroes in our tales.

Thrills Without the Chill

Cosy mysteries strike a delicate balance. They delve into crimes and offer suspenseful chase sequences, but all within a family-friendly framework. The focus remains on the puzzle rather than graphic details. This approach, seen in shows like *Rosemary and Thyme*, ensures the intrigue remains accessible to everyone.

Celebrations of Life

Cosy mysteries often centre around hobbies, professions, or passions. The stories become celebrations of baking when set in a pastry shop, of literature in a bookstore, or, in the case of Claire’s Candles, the art of crafting candles. They seamlessly combine life's mundane joys with riveting mysteries.

Light-Hearted Whimsy

Cosies often interlace their narratives with doses of humour. A town’s quirky postman, a sleuth’s mischievous cat, or just an unexpected twist in the tale can bring smiles amidst the suspense. This blend ensures that while the mystery keeps readers hooked, the narrative remains heartwarming.

Escape and Evasion

Beyond the whodunit, cosies offer readers a temporary escape from the real world's hustle. In an age dominated by technology, these stories transport us to a place where human interactions and community values reign supreme, reminiscent of the times depicted in *Father Brown*.

A Journey with Friends

As readers progress through a cosy series, characters evolve, face personal challenges, and grow. It isn’t just about solving mysteries; it's about witnessing characters like Amelia Peabody mature, build relationships, and confront their own insecurities, making every new book feel like a reunion.

The Consistency of Justice

In the cosy mystery universe, there's an unwritten rule that balance will be restored. Readers can be assured that by the story's end, justice will prevail, order will be reinstated, and the community will come together, a theme echoing throughout literary history from Sherlock Holmes to Miss Marple.

A Challenge to the Mind

Cosies, though gentle, are far from simplistic. They challenge readers to engage their intellects, gather clues, and deduce outcomes. As we piece together the puzzle alongside iconic detectives like Lord Peter Wimsey, we're actively participating in the narrative, making the final revelation all the more satisfying.

A Worldwide Embrace

The universal appeal of cosy mysteries has fostered a global community. From conventions where fans celebrate the charm of Angela Lansbury's roles to forums dissecting the latest mysteries from authors around the world, the bond among cosy aficionados knows no bounds.

Cosy mysteries, with their perfect alchemy of heart, humour, and intellect, offer more than just tales of mystery; they provide solace, community, and a reassuring reminder of life's simpler joys. As I weave more adventures for Julia, Claire, and other beloved characters, I'm ever grateful to be a part of this enchanting world!

You can check out my cosies on Amazon!

The wait is over! Banana Bread and Betrayal is OUT NOW! This is the 27th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series).

About Banana Bread and Betrayal

There's trouble at the food bank...

Step back into the quaint village of Peridale, where café-owner, Julia South-Brown, finds herself entangled in a gripping new mystery. When the owner of the local food bank, Hilda, seeks her help after a break-in by a dear friend, Ronnie, Julia is drawn into a tangled web of secrets and deceit.

Determined to protect the community from scandal, Hilda entrusts Julia with the case, urging her to uncover the truth behind Ronnie's inexplicable actions. But as Julia volunteers at the food bank, the situation takes a sinister turn when Ronnie is murdered, just days after being hailed as the saviour of the struggling food bank in The Peridale Post.

With her daughter, Jessie, by her side, Julia delves deeper into Fern Moore's food bank, uncovering shocking revelations about Ronnie's past. A web of suspects emerges, including a jealous fellow volunteer, a resentful brother, an angry neighbour, a cunning businessman, and an old school acquaintance.

Elsewhere, Jessie faces several blasts from her past while making big decisions about her future, Julia’s husband, Barker is working on his second book while lending his PI skills, and her sister, Sue, is settling into her new role working at the café. In a race against time, can Julia juggle family, business, and bringing justice to a close-knit community that has been rocked to the core before more volunteers suffer the same fate as Ronnie?

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Spring is finally here and things are heating up in Peridale in the first release of 2023. We're kicking off with a bang, and Barker has found a body at his new allotment... Carrot Cake and Concern is OUT NOW! This is the 26th book in the bestselling series and can be read as a standalone (however will work better as part of the series). Julia returns in the 27th book, Banana Bread Betrayal (pre-order), coming March 28th 2023!

About Carrot Cake and Concern

There's a body at the allotment...

After years on a waitlist, Julia South Brown's husband, Barker, has finally got his hands on the keys to his own allotment. And just in time for spring. Despite knowing little about gardening, the whole family lends their hands to create a thriving vegetable patch they can all reap the rewards from for years to come, but things take a turn with the discovery of a shallow grave among the carrots. With planting schedules and fertiliser quickly becoming the least of their worries, can Julia and her family bring peace back to Peridale's glorious spring?

Grab your copy on Amazon now! Available as eBook, Paperback, and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!