A Swarm of Butterflies

Nell Ward Mystery #6

by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett

'This might well be my favourite book in Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's series about Nell Ward' Reader review

When Finchmere's first summer fete turns fatal, Nell has more than just a killer to net...

Since their YouTube channel, Following Finchmere, has taken flight, showcasing Dr Nell Ward's sustainability transformation at her family's Finchmere estate, it's her partner and colleague, Rav, who's become the star.

Amongst Rav's fan mail and gifts, Nell makes the chilling discovery that one person's obsession with him has metamorphosed into a deadly threat.

Just as Finchmere flings open its gates to welcome swarms of visitors to their idyllic summer fete - celebrating rewilding, artisan produce and local crafts - Nell realises the disguised peril has already wormed its way into the heart of Finchmere itself, and the path of destruction soon leads to murder.

DI James Clark's and Nell's powers of observation are put to the test to detect the camouflaged predator. With everyone as a suspect, who can Nell really trust when those she loves are in danger?

A Swarm of Butterflies is the sixth book in the Dr Nell Ward series. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Janice Hallett!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Murder Mystery, British Literature, Crime

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2024

About the author

After 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.

Reviews

[Susan Cabaniss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just…frustrating. No one is listening to anyone, no one is being careful during dangerous times, and only sporadically is someone saying the thing that needs to be said. Erin, stop being excessively flirtatious with a man who’s in a committed relationship; Noah, stop groping young women; Rav, stop pretending that being a good guy means you have to allow women to do/say/ask anything of you; Rav and Nell, stop going to remote locations alone; everyone just stop doing these OBVIOUSLY stupid things. And even after brutal consequences, there’s never the realization that one should have handled things differently. I mean, the words of regret are said, but always for the wrong thing. Bring back the focus on the science and ecology; and for goodness sake, give Rav back his spine. This mealy-mouthed man makes no sense in the context of these stories, especially if you want us to like him…and with that ending, I’m assuming you do.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Swarm of Butterflies is the sixth instalment in Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's series of ecological mysteries featuring aristocrat-ecologist Dr. Nell Ward (a.k.a. Lady Eleanor Ward-Beaumont), and it's my impression that the content has become progressively less "cosy" as the series has gone on.

Nell and her partner, fellow ecologist Dr. Aravindan "Rav" Kashyap, are preparing their team at the Finchmere Estate for an ecology-themed fair which will take place over three days on the grounds of Nell's ancestral home and allow them to showcase the success of their re-wilding projects as well as the produce of several artisans employed by the estate. The activities at the fair will be publicised via the YouTube channel that has made Rav the darling of the sustainability industry.

The novel has barely started when Nell suffers a tremendous personal loss and a near-death experience, which at first appears to be a random accident, but which is quickly linked by Nell's close friend DI James Clark with the discovery of a series of worrying fan letters sent to Rav. It seems that somebody close to the Finchmere estate has an unhealthy obsession with him, and sees Nell as an impediment to their plans.

As the bodies mount up, the fair inexplicably keeps running, while Nell repeatedly puts herself in risky situations alone in the dark or in remote locations, and Rav struggles to take the threat posed by his stalker seriously, unable to resist ingratiating himself with any female who comes by, regardless of the serious threat to the safety of the woman he professes to love. While he's not quite the annoyingly self-pitying character he was in the immediate aftermath of his driving accident and long rehabilitation, I still struggle to understand why the resourceful and engaging Nell would choose him as a partner over James.

The mystery part of the storyline was clever, with one potential suspect rising after another, only for several to meet sticky ends along the way. I'd picked the villain correctly by about the halfway point, although my original pick was also the first one bumped off! The ecological content was sprinkled throughout the narrative, including swarms of the rare blue butterflies referred to in the title, the seasonal features of honey, a poison garden and a pair of dormice living in a box Nell and Rav have placed in the Finchmere woods.

I'd recommend A Swarm of Butterflies to readers of the series, and those with an interest in boutique food and wine, small industry and the ecology of the southern English downs. While it's not essential to have read the previous books in the series, a reader who approached this as a standalone would be lacking a lot of character backstory that adds to understanding of the story and the characters' choices and behaviour.

My thanks to the author, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, publisher Embla Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Amila Ranasinghe · Rating 1 out of 5]

On no

I have enjoyed the series to date, but this last book was a disappointment - overly complicated and contrived, lacking the freshness and nuance of the preceding books. Sorry Sarah.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Swarm of Butterflies is the sixth book in the Dr. Nell Ward mystery series. This unique series features Nell, who is an ecologist, as the main character. In this book, she and her boyfriend, Dr. Rav Kashyap, are hosting a popular channel on social media and it looks like one of their fans is willing to go too far to get closer to Rav and get Nell out of the picture. There are a lot of shady people in this book, so there is no shortage of suspects. I love Nell and Rav, but sometimes they are just too nice! They are taken advantage of and put themselves in danger because they just can't say no!

There are highs (great scenes with Rav and Nell) and lows (over-complicated plot) in this suspenseful book. However, what I love about this series is nature and ecology isn't just a backdrop - science plays a large role in solving the case. Although some things got confusing as the story progressed, it's still an interesting mystery and there are a couple things that occur that fans of the series won't want to miss.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Embla Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Nell Ward is back, and she and Rav Kashyap have been busy for the last two years on a rewilding project at Finchmere, which they’ve documented extensively on social media. Rav has garnered a number of passionate fans, to Nell's bemusement, but both are thrilled with the progress they've made.

They've also been busy getting ready with local artisans and vendors employed on Finchmere land to host a festival to showcase all their efforts. Someone, however, has it in for Nell, as they're totally obsessed with Rav, and make several attempts to harm and kill Nell, much to their horror. At first Rav can't imagine anyone stalking him, but each attack, and then the murders, convince him that this is a very serious problem. James, their friend and the local DI, is run off his feet trying to solve the case so he can keep his friends safe from all the potential suspects, most of whom seem to be some form of shady or in lust with Rav.

I love the way the ecological science is used to solve the mystery of the identity of the stalker. Nell's and Rav's relationship is progressing well, and believably, though I felt a wee bit frustrated with how Rav wasn't taking the stalking and his security as seriously as they merited, but that did change as the story progressed.

I've read all the stories so far in this series, and though this one had a somewhat more complicated plot and slightly confusing set of motives than previous entries, I still really enjoyed this novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 stars (Kindle). I'm truly fascinated by the author's seamless comparisons of nature vs humanity, creating parallels between murderous butterflies + the stalker mentality, yet keeping the reader so engaged + gripped by the story despite so much technical+ scientific detail.. While I'm still not a huge fan of the MMC, Dr Nell is amazing. I don't know what the future of this series is, but if there's more, I'm here for it!

2025 re-read 4.4 🌟 (Audible)
Same reaction as my previous review. Love this series + looking forward to the next book!

[Han · Rating 1 out of 5]

These have got ridiculous and getting unreadable. This many people cannot be dying and trying to harm the same character so many times for different reasons.

[Gloria Bartowski · Rating 1 out of 5]

First I must apologize because I cannot get my commas to work.I
have read all volumes in this series. This is the sixth. I have loved the plots the ecology science and character development. Watching the emotional evolution in Nell's and Rav's relationship is believable and well done. I love the descriptions of their survey site, the vividly described locations and the development of secondary characters .
But this volume is so disappointing. Rav appears weak and clueless. If he were depicted thusly in earlier volumes I don't think Nell would have given him the time of day. I had trouble finishing the book it bored me so. I am very sad about this because on a whole this has been one of my more favored cozies. I hope the seventh is better. It might be weird to say but please do check out the earlier volumes. Much more interesting exciting and very well crafted.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading this series but this book was such a disappointment. It was very apparent early on who the stalker was. Also, up to this point Ravi has been such a likable character, but in this book he is such a whiny baby. He keeps blaming himself for everything that happens even though he is not at fault. I also found it odd that so many people in the story were infatuated with him. I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the characters and was just trying to get through to the end. Hope the next one is better.

[Eden Briscoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these light-hearted murder mystery books. They tie in ecological and/or feminine inequalities but without throwing it in the reader's face.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an impartial review. This is the sixth novel in the Nell Ward series of books which are loosely pitched in the cosy mystery genre, although some aspects of them are a bit too gory for that really! Fans of the series will not be disappointed as this delivers up more of the same.

I have to admit to being fully invested in the lives of Nell, Rav and others so I would read this anyway, but I don’t think it’s as good as some of others. The story gets overly convoluted as it goes on, so much that we have to have a wrap up session where Nell, Rav and James discuss what happened just so we’re all clear. Also given the events of the book, it ends just a little too happily for my liking, I can’t help thinking if I’d been in that situation I wouldn’t recover so fast.

There are also some inaccuracies around procedure for death certification, which happens to be something I know a bit about, so that grates - don’t include details of procedures unless you know them inside out! A lot of authors do this for the processes around life events and it’s annoying when you know they’ve inaccurate, particularly when the author goes to great lengths to ensure the things they do know about are accurate.

Overall, one for fans only, and if you’ve not read any of the series, do start at the beginning!

[A. Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still a fun read but the characters make obvious blunders and errors in judgement that seem unlikely-unless they have forgotten their experiences in the first 5 books! I kept thinking, “don’t drink that, it’s poisoned!” and “ don’t go there alone, someone will kill you!” These characters are smart! And, who turns off their phone when there’s a murderer on the loose?!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this is the sixth book in the Nell Ward series, the characters have formed emotional connections and invested in each other. When a stalker threatens them, emotions run high, often causing the protagonists to make less than objective decisions, which puts them in danger. I also listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator brings the characters to vibrant life and distinguishes well between them. The ecological details woven into the plot give it a unique perspective. It's an immersive and intriguing read with its clever and courageous protagonists and a plot with many twists. I enjoy the clever plotting with numerous suspects and false leads. I like the complex and relatable cast of characters and the country estate setting that provides the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and purchased an audiobook copy.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Nell Ward is back and this is a mystery that kept me gripped. The twists kept coming as we were sent this way and then that by Sarah Yarwood Lovett in this new adventure for Nell and Rav. This time it felt much more personal as both of them were centre stage and I kept changing my mind as to who the culprit was to the very end.
I love the style of this series. A clever mystery to solve with the ecology and nature details woven into the story. The descriptions of the estate and in particular the thyme fields sounded idyllic. Rav and Nell are great together and the whole team at Finchmere work so well in providing that backdrop to the story.

[Shay Redwine · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite of this series, but still enjoyable. It just felt like there was too much going on, making it difficult to follow.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth and final (so far) instalment of the Nell Ward series, and it indeed finished with a bang!
This time, we are a little while away from the last book, as Nell and Ra's rewilding experiment has gained traction and a huge social media following on their YouTube channel. Or rathe,r Rav has gained quite a following.
And after a fire breaks out at Nell's home, they discover that Rav has his very own stalker. Only as the weekend progresses, they come to find out just how sinister this person can get.
Another fantastic murder mystery where nature helps to solve the puzzle.
I do have to mention that you do wonder, after reading/listening to these books, exactly how much bad luck a person can have, with so many huge murder cases happening where she happens to be!
The entire series is narrated brilliantly by Kristin Atherton.
If you love cosy crime, then this is 100% the series for you!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first books in this series but they've gotten rather formulaic and over the top.

[chole · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little Christmas murder mystery, as a treat

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAWPILE 5.57
3 STARS

Finally got through the Dr Nell Ward series and I am counting this series as finished.
The series on the whole was mixed, I particularly enjoyed books 1 & 4 but this one got a bit silly and ridiculous. I got angry, I got sad, I got irritated- if this book had been much longer I probably would have DNF'd.

[Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid mystery, with unexpected twists and turns. This was my first foray into Dr. Nell Ward's world, where in this book, she receives disturbing letters from what appears to be an obsessive fan. It did take me a bit to figure out the "Who's Who" and it probably works better if you read the series from the beginning. Regardless, I thought the mystery grabs you and this book reads quickly (which is sometimes a treat for the brain). I enjoyed the story's location and the wildlife theme (beekeeping and butterflies). It is a recommended read, particularly if you happen to be sitting in your garden surrounded by flowers, butterflies and bees.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in return for an impartial review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Embla books for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy this series, and look forward to a new release each and every time and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved that it was back at Finchmere - the last book was great but this felt great to be back on normal terrain and with multiple murders. There were so many new characters - although they still stayed on the periphery. Overall, it was great to see the plot develop and the various threads interlink until finally they duo solved the case. Poor James - one day he might solve it himself and not be told the answer by Nell and Rav. These two much be the unluckiest individuals too - they’ve seen more than enough murders for any lifetime.

[Chelsea Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

The severity of the events that keep occurring around the main characters is just becoming more and more unbelievable, unfortunately. How many murders can realistically take place around people who aren’t even in a job or situation where it might make sense? The behavior and choices of Nell and Rav are getting to be bordering on ludicrous. I enjoy these books but some sort of more believable scenario needs to come up that will feasibly account for some of this drama. They are just surrounded by liars, cheaters, stalkers and murderers. I think they should go on a vacation and encounter some adventure there, and it doesn’t always have to be murder. Maybe a different type of mystery? Shake things up. Maybe in India while preparing for their wedding.

[Annie (is so far behind 😬) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the Nell Ward ecology series. The characters are smart, well-rounded and realistic, and the mysteries are always cleverly done. The clues are clever and you need to pay attention to the ecological titbits in order to figure them out. I figured out the killer partway through, but it didn't take away any of the enjoyment in reading through to the end.

It's best to read this series in order to get the full character arcs as they all play out over the series. Very much looking forward to the next in the series.

Recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Jenny - Book Sojourner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as previous books in the series, though I was still entertained. I do really enjoy the overall series and will certainly continue. This one was just a bit farfetched. And Nell and Rav's lack of survival skills at times were frustrating.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

A Swarm of Butterflies is the sixth book to feature ecology conservationist Dr. Nell Ward, by Dr. Sarah Yarwood-Lovett. Due out 26th Aug 2024 from Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 300 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU to borrow.

This is a diverting series featuring an intelligent female ecologist who finds herself in a dangerous and difficult situations and seems to have a habit of tripping over (and then solving) unexpected deaths and crimes. Although it has the bones of a cozy mystery, there are elements of procedural and some slightly more graphic violence and descriptions than are usually present in cozies.

The main protagonist is a conservation ecologist and it's a profession which she shares with the author. It's an oft-said proverb that authors should write what they know, and Dr. Yarwood-Lovett has done just that; describing the realities of crawling through muck to collect water samples and collecting and analyzing species data and changes in environment and habitats.

The book is full of science tidbits and trivia which for science interested readers will be a bonus. Without being pedantic or lecturing, the author pulls back the curtain on tantalizing bits of nature most never see. There are technical terms bandied about, and there are some places which require a little more attention on the part of the reader - but they're relatively few and far between and I think most readers will have no problem understanding the jargon from context.

Four stars. The pacing is deliberate in places, but it doesn't drag, and it's not unwieldy or ponderous. This book has a self contained mystery arc, and so it works well enough as a standalone. With six books extant currently in the ongoing series, it's be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth and latest book of the Nell Ward series. I have listened to all of them and they have made house chores so much easier. The story is always interesting, and I pick up a new fact I everyone of t&em. This one pertains to blue butterflies, the detail about rats have teeth so hard that they can chew through uncured concrete is one I will never forget either.

Fincher is having a fete. Since starting its YouTube channel, Following Finchmere, Rav has become a favorite of the blossoming fans interested in how the estate is becoming a new up-to-date estate. With its rewinding programs, its many individual craft businesses and ecological changes. This fete will give other people a chance to see how these little businesses are helping create a better way forward to a more balanced future between people and the environment. Tragedy strikes right before the fete when Nell and Rav's home burns down. Thankfully, no one is hurt. Unfortunately, the disturbing fanmail that has been generated by their new channel, shows that someone is deeply enamored with Rav and does not like Nell. She is not going to let someone make her cancel the fete. The other people involved, especially the craftsman, have put a tremendous effort into the fete for a chance to increase their business profile. Then, the vicar is killed. Is this the work of a very disturbed person that thinks their future is with Rav? It is hard to tell when everyone seems to have secrets they do not want coming to light. More threats and then bodies keep appearing. Rav is terrified for Nell but Nell wants the killer caught. She is going to do all she can to help the police find a killer.

I think this book is my favorite of the series so far. I knew who the killer was long before I reached the end, but there was so much going on along the way, I did not even care. I love how this series is full of secrets. Mainly though, I love the way the main characters and setting have this backdrop of ecology and wanting to be in the forefront of living a more sustainable life. The mystery is the extra benefit. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the heart of the picturesque Finchmere estate, Dr. Nell Ward’s family home becomes the focus during its first summer fete. Nell and her partner, Rav, are riding high on the success of their sustainability and rewilding efforts, which have even turned into a YouTube sensation with "Following Finchmere." Hoping to inspire others to embrace eco-friendly living.

Unfortunately, behind the scenes is not as perfect as everything seems.

A huge fire destroys a beautiful property, that Nell cherish’s and Rav begins receiving unsettling messages.
Unable to understand why this has happened, they seek help from their friend, DI James Clark.

When a body is discovered after the fire, and identified to be in relation to the estate. The situation becomes more terrifying. With hundreds of visitors attending Nell & Rav’s fete, a killer will be hiding in plain sight…. Leaving everyone in a precarious situation.

This story effortlessly combines the quality of a cozy mystery with the of suspense of a thriller…. Dr. Nell Ward, a smart and resourceful conservation ecologist, somehow always ends up right in the middle of trouble—usually stumbling upon unexpected deaths and crimes. While the story keeps that warm, cozy vibe, it also delves into some very serious moments, making it stand out.
The plot is packed with twists that keep you on your toes.

As a newcomer to the Nell Ward Mystery series, this did take me a moment to get familiar with the characters, but the story quickly drew me in. Although maybe starting from the beginning of the series might give you a more in-depth background, this book is stands perfectly well as a satisfying stand alone, giving you, the reader, quick escape.

And the setting, I found it to be simply enchanting! I want you to Imagine a lush landscape teeming with bees and butterflies, which adds a magical touch to the story. Whether you're enjoying the book in your garden or curled up inside, this book is sure to suck you in.
📚🌸🦋

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Swarm of Butterflies by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett is another in the ongoing story of Dr Nell Ward and her beau, Rav (Dr Aravindan Kakshyap) and their ongoing efforts to recreate Nell’s estate of Finchmere into an ecologically friendly place for native species; rewilding. To that end there is to be a fete held on the grounds this weekend. The current problem is that Rav is visiting his parents and the cat has woken Nell to let her know their barn/house is on fire. They both got out OK, but as the next few days unraveled it became apparent that Rave had a stalker and the stalker intended to remove Nell. He had become something of a star as the narrator on their YouTube series and so the suspect pool was much wider. They looked around but could not identify a suspect. Then, the most likely suspect was killed. Should they cancel the fete? Could Nell keep a low profile? What was going to happen next? More deaths?

This is a good series. Nell is a member of the aristocracy, but still a working scientist who lives with her partner, Rav, who has just gotten out of a wheelchair and onto crutches due to a car wreck which had happened on the racetrack as Rave was driving one of her father’s cars. They are both excellent and sympathetic characters and if one were to ask how exciting a mystery featuring ecologists could be, the answer lies within. This is another of the intriguing and varied books in this series featuring a variety of colorful characters as well as bats and rats and such. The mysteries are well-plotted and worth the read. The are both compelling and warm. Thanks Yarwood-Lovett for this wonderful cozy mystery series.

I was invited to read A Swarm of Butterflies by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #SarahYarwoodLovett #ASwarmOf Butterflies