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Nell Ward Mystery #5
A Trace of Hares
A family wedding. An unsolved murder. Til death us do part?
Dr Nell Ward is in the lush, emerald-green hills of Ireland to attend the wedding of two dear friends at a picture-perfect farmhouse.
But family tensions are running high in the days before the happy couple tie the knot. And when Nell hears a fox kill a hare in the early morning, the bad omen sends shivers down her spine. Almost like it is a sign of something to come...
Then one of the locals makes a gruesome discovery in a nearby peat bog. The habitats are famous for the ancient bodies they can preserve for thousands of years. This woman, however, died much more recently and was clearly a victim of foul play.
Nell and her friends are suddenly in the middle of another murder case. Can they trace the truth to unmask a long-hidden killer and save the wedding, before it's too late?
Dr Nell Ward is in the lush, emerald-green hills of Ireland to attend the wedding of two dear friends at a picture-perfect farmhouse.
But family tensions are running high in the days before the happy couple tie the knot. And when Nell hears a fox kill a hare in the early morning, the bad omen sends shivers down her spine. Almost like it is a sign of something to come...
Then one of the locals makes a gruesome discovery in a nearby peat bog. The habitats are famous for the ancient bodies they can preserve for thousands of years. This woman, however, died much more recently and was clearly a victim of foul play.
Nell and her friends are suddenly in the middle of another murder case. Can they trace the truth to unmask a long-hidden killer and save the wedding, before it's too late?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2024
1846 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
13 books330 followersAfter spending sixteen years as an ecologist, crawling through undergrowth and studying nocturnal habits of animals (and people), Dr Sarah Yarwood-Lovett naturally turned her mind to murder. She may have swapped badgers for bears when she emigrated from a quaint village in the South Downs to the wild mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but her books remain firmly rooted in the rolling downland she grew up in.
Forensically studying clues for animal activity has seen Sarah surveying sites all over the UK and around the world. She’s re-discovered a British species thought to be extinct during her PhD, with her record held in London’s Natural History Museum; debated that important question – do bats wee on their faces? – at school workshops; survived a hurricane on a coral atoll whilst scuba diving to conduct marine surveys; and given evidence as an expert witness.
Along the way, she’s discovered a noose in an abandoned warehouse and had a survey de-railed by the bomb squad. Her unusual career has provided the perfect inspiration for a series of murder mysteries with an ecological twist – so, these days, Sarah’s research includes consulting detectives, lawyers, judges and attending murder trials.
Forensically studying clues for animal activity has seen Sarah surveying sites all over the UK and around the world. She’s re-discovered a British species thought to be extinct during her PhD, with her record held in London’s Natural History Museum; debated that important question – do bats wee on their faces? – at school workshops; survived a hurricane on a coral atoll whilst scuba diving to conduct marine surveys; and given evidence as an expert witness.
Along the way, she’s discovered a noose in an abandoned warehouse and had a survey de-railed by the bomb squad. Her unusual career has provided the perfect inspiration for a series of murder mysteries with an ecological twist – so, these days, Sarah’s research includes consulting detectives, lawyers, judges and attending murder trials.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
February 8, 2024
There’s a fine line between what constitutes an enjoyable cozy mystery for me and one that’s too cute or quaint. Luckily, Sarah Yarwood Lovett’s Nell Ward series fits the bill for me. There’s some violence, mostly fights, but nothing too upsetting.
In this, the fifth in the series, Nell and Rav are in Ireland for their friends’ upcoming wedding. While there, Nell tours a local historic bog. The very next day, a body is found in the bog. And not an ancient one like Cashel Man. This one is more recent, and also happens to be someone known to the groom and his family.
There’s lots of family drama here. The story moves along at a brisk pace. Nell and Rav are more in the background here, as the story focuses on Conner, his family and the family of the deceased woman. There is a limited number of suspects, which gives it the feel of an old time closed room murder mystery.
Yarwood-Lovett does manage to sneak in lots of interesting facts about ecology, batch gin making, bog people and DNA. I love feeling like I’m learning something along with an entertaining mystery.
I have read all the previous books, but I don't think it’s necessary. This could easily work as a stand-alone.
My thanks to netgalley and Embra Books for an advance copy of this book
In this, the fifth in the series, Nell and Rav are in Ireland for their friends’ upcoming wedding. While there, Nell tours a local historic bog. The very next day, a body is found in the bog. And not an ancient one like Cashel Man. This one is more recent, and also happens to be someone known to the groom and his family.
There’s lots of family drama here. The story moves along at a brisk pace. Nell and Rav are more in the background here, as the story focuses on Conner, his family and the family of the deceased woman. There is a limited number of suspects, which gives it the feel of an old time closed room murder mystery.
Yarwood-Lovett does manage to sneak in lots of interesting facts about ecology, batch gin making, bog people and DNA. I love feeling like I’m learning something along with an entertaining mystery.
I have read all the previous books, but I don't think it’s necessary. This could easily work as a stand-alone.
My thanks to netgalley and Embra Books for an advance copy of this book
March 16, 2024
A Trace of Hares is the fifth novel in the Dr Nell Ward Mysteries by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett. It started out slow for me since it is the first I’ve read but, once I got more acquainted with the characters, I was completely hooked. The story is set in Ireland where ecologist, Dr Nell Ward, was there to attend a friend’s wedding but, before the nuptials can take place, a body is discovered in a nearby bog. The victim was identified as a relative of several members of the wedding party. She had disappeared twenty years earlier along with her three-month-old daughter. The story is divided between the two mysteries, the cold case of the woman in the bog and what happened to the baby. Like most cozies, the story revolves around the families involved, their animosities and secrets. But what I found most compelling and kept me reading long into the night was the huge role real science and nature play throughout. This is one smart completely addicting tale with interesting characters and a fascinating setting, perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of real science with their mysteries. This may have been my first outing with Dr Nell Ward but it will definitely not be my last.
Thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2024
The best book yet in Sarah Yarwood-Lovett’s mystery series featuring heiress-ecologist Dr. Nell Ward.
December 25, 2024
I’m pretty sure she’s used “apricot” as an adjective at least once in every book in this series. Not a spoiler, just an observation.
March 18, 2024
The main character of this series is Dr. Nell Ward, an ecologist who has a knack for getting involved in solving crimes. This is book five and I've been following this series from the beginning, but it would work well as a standalone. In this book, she and her boyfriend and colleague Rav travel to Ireland for a wedding. Her former boyfriend DI James Clark is now dating Nell's spoiled cousin Shannon, and they are both attending the wedding as well. I've not felt the same about James ever since he got together with Shannon, but I'm happy to see that Shannon has toned down her worst behavior.
The pre-wedding festivities come to a halt when a body is discovered in a peat bog. Nell and Rav are a great team whether they're on an ecological project or an investigation. Both find themselves in dangerous situations and I'm glad to see them going strong without any interference from his family in this book. I like the cold case aspect of the book, but too much time is spent on the Kennedy-Delaney family dramas and not enough on Nell and Rav. The science is what makes this series unique, but the details of the DNA testing went over my head and slowed the pace of the story. I was happy to see that Ecology/Biology does play an important part in helping to solve the case. I like the way things wrap up even though not all the endings are happy, and I look forward to future books in the series.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Embla Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
The pre-wedding festivities come to a halt when a body is discovered in a peat bog. Nell and Rav are a great team whether they're on an ecological project or an investigation. Both find themselves in dangerous situations and I'm glad to see them going strong without any interference from his family in this book. I like the cold case aspect of the book, but too much time is spent on the Kennedy-Delaney family dramas and not enough on Nell and Rav. The science is what makes this series unique, but the details of the DNA testing went over my head and slowed the pace of the story. I was happy to see that Ecology/Biology does play an important part in helping to solve the case. I like the way things wrap up even though not all the endings are happy, and I look forward to future books in the series.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Embla Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
May 23, 2024
This is one of my favorites in the series ! I rarely read series either more than three books, but this series has held my attention through each installment. I always look forward to the science bit at the end in which the author reviews her research and inspiration behind different key points in the story. I don’t hear or “see” this series discussed much but I highly recommend the entire series !
June 21, 2024
This series is NUTS! I love it 😂
March 18, 2024
I seem to be on a slump here lately and it’s a bummer and unfortunately Trace of Hares didn’t break my streak but continued the slump.
As a continual thriller, mystery, crime reader, I tend to read this in between more lofty books. I want to read easily, lose myself in whatever ridiculousness is provided to me, and just flow through it. Unfortunately, all I got was a bogged plot with a slew of characters that all blended together. I swear a new character was introduced every single page.
These characters blended so much together and just felt copied and pasted that it was hard to invest, keep straight, and care.
I haven’t read any of this series before and from I can tell can easily be read as stand alones. I’m not sure if this affected my reading at all but surmise it didn’t. Maybe returning readers to the series are happier than I was here.
As a continual thriller, mystery, crime reader, I tend to read this in between more lofty books. I want to read easily, lose myself in whatever ridiculousness is provided to me, and just flow through it. Unfortunately, all I got was a bogged plot with a slew of characters that all blended together. I swear a new character was introduced every single page.
These characters blended so much together and just felt copied and pasted that it was hard to invest, keep straight, and care.
I haven’t read any of this series before and from I can tell can easily be read as stand alones. I’m not sure if this affected my reading at all but surmise it didn’t. Maybe returning readers to the series are happier than I was here.
March 26, 2024
The lead-up to a wedding turns deadly after a young woman, long thought to have run away years earlier from her marriage, turns up dead. Her murder rips through two families, dredging up old animosities, jealousies, and secrets, and threatens the union between two people Nell Ward cares for.
Nell, Rav, James and Shannon travel to the town Conor Kennedy was born in for his and Sylvia’s pre-nuptial activities and wedding.
Conor’s youngest brother Sean and his fiancé Maeve have many relaxing and fun things to do for everyone, but the surprise inclusion to the party by Sean of the eldest brother, Brandon, puts a damper on everything. Brandon had been married to Siobhan, who he felt had been unfaithful to him before taking their baby girl and leaving him. All trace of both were lost, and the Kennedy brothers spent years blaming Brandon, while Siobhan’s younger sister Maeve was convinced Brandon had not just abused her, but also potentially killed her. Maeve’s fears are realized when Siobhan’s body is found, sans baby. This reignites Maeve's fury, as not only did the Garda dismiss her fears at Siobhan's disappearance, but now her sister is dead, and Brandon does nothing to dismiss everyone's suspicions that he was responsible, and, in fact, stokes angers and causes fights.
Nell, Rav feel they should leave, despite Nell being interested in solving the murder, and James is pulled in as a bit of a liaison between the affected families and the Garda, whom both sides accuse as never have taken their concerns about Siobhan’s disappearance seriously.
Of course Nell and Rav don’t leave, and Nell gets a chance to learn more about the botany of the area, and how this plays into Siobhan’s body’s preservation, and will even lend a vital clue to identifying the murderer. But before it does, there are numerous ugly things revealed about the relationships between brothers, and between the two families, even though there is one revelation that provides a bit of healing to both families midway through the mystery.
Little, seemingly inconsequential hints eventually point to the murderer, whose identity wasn’t super hard to figure out, but I really like spending time with Nell and her sleuthing gang of Rav, James (he’s growing on me) and even Shannon too much to not read each instalment in this series eagerly.
Nell and Rav get into some seriously dangerous situations along the way (these two are such danger magnets!) but it was also heartening to see how well Rav’s physical and mental health have improved and the genuine progress he’s making towards regaining his strength and some of his mobility. I particularly liked how mobile he was in his wheelchair, even around the Kennedy farm.
This was another engaging story full of big emotions, but also some silly puns and sweet moments between Nell and Rav. Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Nell, Rav, James and Shannon travel to the town Conor Kennedy was born in for his and Sylvia’s pre-nuptial activities and wedding.
Conor’s youngest brother Sean and his fiancé Maeve have many relaxing and fun things to do for everyone, but the surprise inclusion to the party by Sean of the eldest brother, Brandon, puts a damper on everything. Brandon had been married to Siobhan, who he felt had been unfaithful to him before taking their baby girl and leaving him. All trace of both were lost, and the Kennedy brothers spent years blaming Brandon, while Siobhan’s younger sister Maeve was convinced Brandon had not just abused her, but also potentially killed her. Maeve’s fears are realized when Siobhan’s body is found, sans baby. This reignites Maeve's fury, as not only did the Garda dismiss her fears at Siobhan's disappearance, but now her sister is dead, and Brandon does nothing to dismiss everyone's suspicions that he was responsible, and, in fact, stokes angers and causes fights.
Nell, Rav feel they should leave, despite Nell being interested in solving the murder, and James is pulled in as a bit of a liaison between the affected families and the Garda, whom both sides accuse as never have taken their concerns about Siobhan’s disappearance seriously.
Of course Nell and Rav don’t leave, and Nell gets a chance to learn more about the botany of the area, and how this plays into Siobhan’s body’s preservation, and will even lend a vital clue to identifying the murderer. But before it does, there are numerous ugly things revealed about the relationships between brothers, and between the two families, even though there is one revelation that provides a bit of healing to both families midway through the mystery.
Little, seemingly inconsequential hints eventually point to the murderer, whose identity wasn’t super hard to figure out, but I really like spending time with Nell and her sleuthing gang of Rav, James (he’s growing on me) and even Shannon too much to not read each instalment in this series eagerly.
Nell and Rav get into some seriously dangerous situations along the way (these two are such danger magnets!) but it was also heartening to see how well Rav’s physical and mental health have improved and the genuine progress he’s making towards regaining his strength and some of his mobility. I particularly liked how mobile he was in his wheelchair, even around the Kennedy farm.
This was another engaging story full of big emotions, but also some silly puns and sweet moments between Nell and Rav. Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 28, 2024
A Trace of Hares by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett is a Dr Nell Ward mystery. Nell is a scientist. She is also the daughter of nobility and of a politician. Nell and her companion, Rav, who is still in a wheelchair following a car accident. That is not holding him back, though, and he is still working as hard as ever. They are joining other friends at the wedding between Conor, her mother’s bodyguard, and Silvia, a friend. Things deteriorating quickly as the four brother get together for the first time in years: Conor, Sean, Brandon, and Finn Kennedy. Sean plans to marry himself, in the new year. A woman called Maeve, who runs a distillery. She was also the sister to Brandon’s wife, who had been missing for twenty years. Things really go down hill when a group of construction workers are digging for new construction and uncover a body. It turns out to be Maeve’s sister, Siobhan. Things start happening faster. The guys all get in a fight at a bar. Aoife, a local student, present at the dig site, convinces Nell to run a DNA test. She is indeed the daughter to Siobhan who disappeared or died along with her mother. Then all that remains is to determine the father. Apparently it could be any of the four brother.
Nell is a botanist first and foremost, but a sleuth as well. She just can’t abide unanswered questions, no matter whom they involve. She is warm and confident and loves Rav, with or without legs that work. Sean ends up in the hospital having been poisoned by someone using rat poison. Nothing to identify the poisoner, despite the fact Nell had seen it all. The is a very active book, with things happening at every turn. These two families, Siobhan’s and the Kennedys, are all hurting. The parents are elderly and don’t need the grief. It’s a good mystery, with characters readers are familiar with, and an excellent plot, reaching twenty years into the past. Plenty of people think they know what is happening. Few do. Thanks Ms Yarwood-Lovett. I love the Nell Ward books.
I was invited to read A Trace of Hares by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #SarahYarwoodLovett #ATraceOf Hares
Nell is a botanist first and foremost, but a sleuth as well. She just can’t abide unanswered questions, no matter whom they involve. She is warm and confident and loves Rav, with or without legs that work. Sean ends up in the hospital having been poisoned by someone using rat poison. Nothing to identify the poisoner, despite the fact Nell had seen it all. The is a very active book, with things happening at every turn. These two families, Siobhan’s and the Kennedys, are all hurting. The parents are elderly and don’t need the grief. It’s a good mystery, with characters readers are familiar with, and an excellent plot, reaching twenty years into the past. Plenty of people think they know what is happening. Few do. Thanks Ms Yarwood-Lovett. I love the Nell Ward books.
I was invited to read A Trace of Hares by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #SarahYarwoodLovett #ATraceOf Hares
February 6, 2024
Weddings, their preparation, and the anticipation of joyous times ahead can be both stressful and rewarding. Dr Nell Ward and partner Rav are in Ireland for the marriage of two of their close friends as well as taking time to enjoy the stunning countryside and a conveniently timed local gin festival!
Things aren't as relaxed and convivial as they could be however, and long hidden tensions and disagreements are soon setting nerves jangling, making Nell very uneasy. When a body is discovered, Nell's ecological expertise is urgently called upon, but can she find the key pieces of information needed to prevent the wedding being cancelled and families and friendships irrevocably torn apart? It soon becomes clear that someone close at hand has no qualms about increasing the body count to ensure their freedom with no one safe from their murderous intent.
Wow, what a brilliant way to start February. The fifth title in Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's Dr Nell Ward Mystery Series is the very definition of thrilling page turner! I haven't yet read the first four books. However, I will be rectifying that oversight post haste! I loved the investigation, the ecological information, the humour, and the tension. In fact, it ticks all my boxes, except I didn't want to finish it! There are things that would have been clearer had I read the series in order, especially as there are no spoilers. It would be very easy to gush about this book; it really is that good! The sixth book is due out in early August.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, but the opinions expressed are my own, I absolutely loved this but would recommend reading the books in order. Highly recommended.
Things aren't as relaxed and convivial as they could be however, and long hidden tensions and disagreements are soon setting nerves jangling, making Nell very uneasy. When a body is discovered, Nell's ecological expertise is urgently called upon, but can she find the key pieces of information needed to prevent the wedding being cancelled and families and friendships irrevocably torn apart? It soon becomes clear that someone close at hand has no qualms about increasing the body count to ensure their freedom with no one safe from their murderous intent.
Wow, what a brilliant way to start February. The fifth title in Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's Dr Nell Ward Mystery Series is the very definition of thrilling page turner! I haven't yet read the first four books. However, I will be rectifying that oversight post haste! I loved the investigation, the ecological information, the humour, and the tension. In fact, it ticks all my boxes, except I didn't want to finish it! There are things that would have been clearer had I read the series in order, especially as there are no spoilers. It would be very easy to gush about this book; it really is that good! The sixth book is due out in early August.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, but the opinions expressed are my own, I absolutely loved this but would recommend reading the books in order. Highly recommended.
July 2, 2024
Another solid entry in the series. In this case, Nell and company are in Ireland for the wedding of Connor (her mother's security guy) and Sylvia (one of Nell's ecologist colleagues). They're looking forward to having fun and relaxing but quickly realize that there's tension in the Kennedy family, and in the neighboring Delaney family. There's obviously some long standing greivances among the 4 Kennedy boys: Sean, Brandon, Connor, and Finn and the discovery of a body in a nearby peat bog brings back events of 20 years earlier when Siobhan Delaney (who'd been Brandon's wife) went missing with her 3 month old child.
It quickly becomes clear that she didn't just 'run away' as was thought at the time. Further, as old arguments are aired, it's clear that more than one of the Kennedy boys had a relationship with her. Her sister Maeve is convinced her husband Brandon killed her, but Connor and Finn aren't in the clear either. And is Sean's peacemaker persona for real? Oh, and the body discovered is only of a young woman -- no infant is found with her.
There's a fair amount of ecological jargon throughout. Pollen and plant fibers found with the body are a clue to what happened. And DNA tests are in order when they realize a young girl of the village might possibly be the lost baby. (Suspend disbelief here; Nell does the tests really quickly -- just a few hours -- but maybe if you really know what you're doing it would go that fast. The process was described in pretty good detail, so clearly the author has a clue.)
I had a pretty good inkling of who the main culprit was but the ending still was still a bit of a shock with one twist -- totally logical in retrospect. In the end it all hung together just right.
It quickly becomes clear that she didn't just 'run away' as was thought at the time. Further, as old arguments are aired, it's clear that more than one of the Kennedy boys had a relationship with her. Her sister Maeve is convinced her husband Brandon killed her, but Connor and Finn aren't in the clear either. And is Sean's peacemaker persona for real? Oh, and the body discovered is only of a young woman -- no infant is found with her.
There's a fair amount of ecological jargon throughout. Pollen and plant fibers found with the body are a clue to what happened. And DNA tests are in order when they realize a young girl of the village might possibly be the lost baby. (Suspend disbelief here; Nell does the tests really quickly -- just a few hours -- but maybe if you really know what you're doing it would go that fast. The process was described in pretty good detail, so clearly the author has a clue.)
I had a pretty good inkling of who the main culprit was but the ending still was still a bit of a shock with one twist -- totally logical in retrospect. In the end it all hung together just right.
March 8, 2024
It is so lovely to catch up with Nell and her friends in the fifth book by Sarah! I found the book to be fast paced, so descriptive and well written. I could imagine myself in Ireland. Nell and friends are in Ballygiorria, Ireland for several days to celebrate Conor and Sylvia's wedding. Nell goes to a nature reserve where she meets a grad student Aiofe. Aiofe finds a body in the peat. What is the identity of the body? Why is it there? What happened? Was it an accident or murder? Who is the culprit? For answers to these questions, you will need to read the book.
March 23, 2024
This is the 5th instalment of this series and this time it’s uncovering a 20 year old mystery. As usual it's full of interesting characters and the huge research and knowledge from the author is very evident again Although it did feel we got a little bogged down in the science in this book more than in the other's This story is less about Nell's personal life this time and as more about Conor and the mystery surrounding his sister in law and niece which was very interesting. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2025
4.25 stars (Kindle). I learn many new things with every book in this series! The author really knows her stuff + what she doesn't, has a great support team to fill in the gaps. This is not your ordinary murder mystery series. Looking forward to the next book!
2025 re-read 4.25 🌟 (Audible)
Devastating + yet I can't deny I learn so much from this series. A happy ending, even though tinged by tragedies.
2025 re-read 4.25 🌟 (Audible)
Devastating + yet I can't deny I learn so much from this series. A happy ending, even though tinged by tragedies.
April 7, 2024
Love this series. Light, fun, easy read.
August 1, 2024
This was one of my favorite Nell Ward mysteries yet. Enjoyable series.
September 21, 2025
The fifth book in the Nell Ward series, and I have listened to it as avidly as the previous ones.
The story takes us to the Emerald Isles as Nell's mother's security detail, Connor, is due to wed one of Nell's dear friends.
Nell is there with her wheelchair user partner, Ray, and James, the DI who has been involved in all the previous books, who is also a guest, and his girlfriend, Shannon.
All these characters are known to a reader who has followed the series, and it's great to have more layers revealed about all of them, as the stories progress.
They end up embroiled in another murder investigation, this time, as a body is uncovered at one of the wildlife sites that Nell visits, where the peat bogs have preserved many things, including this body.
As Conner and his brothers end up being suspects, this one is as close to home for Nell as all the previous investigations, but again, with her ecological background, and the skills and knowledge from both Rav and Shannon, with her art expertise, they all end up supporting enquiries and helping to solve another crime.
It was a brilliant listen!
The story takes us to the Emerald Isles as Nell's mother's security detail, Connor, is due to wed one of Nell's dear friends.
Nell is there with her wheelchair user partner, Ray, and James, the DI who has been involved in all the previous books, who is also a guest, and his girlfriend, Shannon.
All these characters are known to a reader who has followed the series, and it's great to have more layers revealed about all of them, as the stories progress.
They end up embroiled in another murder investigation, this time, as a body is uncovered at one of the wildlife sites that Nell visits, where the peat bogs have preserved many things, including this body.
As Conner and his brothers end up being suspects, this one is as close to home for Nell as all the previous investigations, but again, with her ecological background, and the skills and knowledge from both Rav and Shannon, with her art expertise, they all end up supporting enquiries and helping to solve another crime.
It was a brilliant listen!
July 30, 2024
All Nell Ward mysteries are so cozy and fun and this one was definitely no exception!
March 26, 2025
CAWPILE 6.14
3.5 STARS
Continuing my way through this series- I did enjoy this one, set in Ireland.
It was twisty, turny, a bit bonkers at time but I did enjoy it.
Still not as good as #1 or #4 in my opinion but enjoyable. I can't believe there's only one more left!
3.5 STARS
Continuing my way through this series- I did enjoy this one, set in Ireland.
It was twisty, turny, a bit bonkers at time but I did enjoy it.
Still not as good as #1 or #4 in my opinion but enjoyable. I can't believe there's only one more left!
August 4, 2025
Justice for Sean
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
The tension, jealousy and power dynamics play a big part in this murder set in Ireland. When a body is found in a local bog Dr Nell Ward will use her expertise to provide the final proof when murder is uncovered. Families can be so complicated and there is plenty of twists and turns in this investigation.
Part of a good series well worth checking out the previous stories.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Part of a good series well worth checking out the previous stories.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2024
I've really enjoyed this series in general but this book wasn't quite as engaging as the others. I don't know if it was because there were so many new (non-regular) characters or if it was because I just wasn't in the right mindset. I figured out whodunnit pretty early in the book. I enjoyed it, but not as much as others. I listened to this mostly in audio, I wonder if that hampered my enjoyment. Oh well, I've already preordered the next book so it's not like I won't continue...
February 12, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having being fascinated with the idea of bog bodies for years, the inclusion of these as a theme was amazing. And (this is always the main thing I am mindful of when reading crime books) I didn't pick the murderer until near then end. Very enjoyable and would definitely recommend this book.
March 27, 2024
ARC by NetGalley and the publisher.
Dr Nell Ward is attending the scenic wedding of two of her closest friends in the beautiful Irish hillside. As the days to the pending nuptials grow closer so to does tension among the families. When a body is suddenly found in the nearby bog the real drama begins. This picturesque wedding has now turned into a hunt to find a killer as Nell must use her skills to deduct who the culprit is before another victim is possibly claimed.
This is my first Sarah Yarwood-Lovett book and after completing this one I know it will not be my last! As this is the fifth book in a series I can say as I haven’t read the others I had no trouble at all picking up with these characters. You most definitely could treat it as a standalone rather than an installment in a larger series if you wish however, I now want to read all the previous ones as this book was just so fun to read . A Trace of Hares had a great setting, a suspenseful murder mystery, family dynamics/tension, and even some science. While reading it becomes apparent that the author has definitely done their research when it came to the setting of these peat bogs and the ancient traditions of sacrifices that surround them. The author also does a fantastic job of weaving in facts about DNA and ecology while still managing to give off cozy mystery vibes. Nell as an FMC was a great lead and I found her to be incredibly believable, knowledgeable, and passionate. The twists and turns that occur were attention grabbing and kept me guessing. Overall I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to following up with future installments in the series.
If you are a fan of whodunnit mysteries with some forensic and ecological science all while being in the cozy Irish countryside then you have to check out this book!
A Trace of Hares comes out March 27th, 2024.
Thank you again NetGalley and Embla Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Dr Nell Ward is attending the scenic wedding of two of her closest friends in the beautiful Irish hillside. As the days to the pending nuptials grow closer so to does tension among the families. When a body is suddenly found in the nearby bog the real drama begins. This picturesque wedding has now turned into a hunt to find a killer as Nell must use her skills to deduct who the culprit is before another victim is possibly claimed.
This is my first Sarah Yarwood-Lovett book and after completing this one I know it will not be my last! As this is the fifth book in a series I can say as I haven’t read the others I had no trouble at all picking up with these characters. You most definitely could treat it as a standalone rather than an installment in a larger series if you wish however, I now want to read all the previous ones as this book was just so fun to read . A Trace of Hares had a great setting, a suspenseful murder mystery, family dynamics/tension, and even some science. While reading it becomes apparent that the author has definitely done their research when it came to the setting of these peat bogs and the ancient traditions of sacrifices that surround them. The author also does a fantastic job of weaving in facts about DNA and ecology while still managing to give off cozy mystery vibes. Nell as an FMC was a great lead and I found her to be incredibly believable, knowledgeable, and passionate. The twists and turns that occur were attention grabbing and kept me guessing. Overall I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to following up with future installments in the series.
If you are a fan of whodunnit mysteries with some forensic and ecological science all while being in the cozy Irish countryside then you have to check out this book!
A Trace of Hares comes out March 27th, 2024.
Thank you again NetGalley and Embla Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 13, 2024
Maybe British authors should take a hiatus from writing novels set in Ireland until they learn how to write without incorporating stereotypes. We’ve got the Irish brothers set on the Irish sisters, an Irish character with cirrhosis of the liver, rampant alcoholism with angry characters, and domestic violence. Let’s not forget about the beauty with the black hair and green eyes and the emergence of a couple of nuns. The cherry on top for me was the fact that the characters of British nobility had an Irish stew and potatoes and said something to the effect of “of course you have to have potatoes in Ireland!” SIDE EYE. I don’t even want to get into the fact Conor ran off to join the “good guys” of the SAS and now works as security for a MOP.
The actual plot was bogged down by too many locations, too many characters, and too many murder attempts.
The actual plot was bogged down by too many locations, too many characters, and too many murder attempts.
February 6, 2024
Don’t let the 3 stars fool you: it’s a “high three” rating. I just don’t have crazy emotions about this series (what usually pushes me to a 4 or 5 star rating) or the characters, although I am invested in Nell and Rav staying together (James can go, please and thank you). This cozy British murder mystery series does for ecology what the TV show “Bones” did for anthropology: elevates an area of study that doesn’t always get a lot of page/screen time and connects it in an interesting way to the crime solving genre. These books are pleasant reads and easily recommended to teens and grandmas alike (no on-page sex and very little if any profanity). Dr. Nell Ward continues to entertain me and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
I received an ARC, stated my opinion. Available 3/27.
I received an ARC, stated my opinion. Available 3/27.
January 10, 2025
Rating complications. I think I gave a 3 to the others in the series, and I thought this one was better, so I'm giving it a 4. Just don't ask me to justify this got a 4 and some arguably "better" books got 3s.
I liked the shift to a new location. It seemed like Nell put herself in absurd danger fewer times, I like that.
No question it isn't a cozy. Would it really have been so bad to
I liked the shift to a new location. It seemed like Nell put herself in absurd danger fewer times, I like that.
No question it isn't a cozy. Would it really have been so bad to
September 22, 2024
I know a certain amount of suspension of disbelief is required for mysteries, but this one was a bit of a stretch. Most annoying was Rav’s venture down to get his camera, after everyone agreeing that they should stick together just in case someone was coming for them. And the climb back up that cliff after being tossed off?! Please. And a wedding after laying their two brothers to rest seems a stretch. But I’ll still read the next one as I’m a sucker for punishment. 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
I thought the book prior to this was the best in the series so far, so I was disappointed that this book did not continue that trend. The stories are getting a bit tired and repetitive- how many times can either Rav or Nell get attacked or injured? It’s like the author doesn’t know how to write a story without that happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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