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The Murder Ledger: A Welsh Mystery (Book 1)
A murder? In the little town of Pengower? Surely not!
Alun Hughes loves a good spreadsheet. Being a local accountant is a lot more exciting than people might think — numbers, spreadsheets, tax returns… Life is quite straightforward until a murder mystery comes knocking on his door.
When the disappearance of a local lottery winner sets off a chain of sinister events, it’s up to Alun and Rhiannon (a local news reporter, and the accountant’s former high school crush) to solve the mystery.
Their investigation takes them to all corners of this rural, Welsh town and digs up a whole host of buried secrets that might best be left well enough alone. If you like a good mystery full of twists, turns and a healthy dose of humour, then prepare for a story that will leave you ravenous for more.
This is Book One in the Murder Ledger Mystery series, where numbers meet murder more often than you might expect…
Alun Hughes loves a good spreadsheet. Being a local accountant is a lot more exciting than people might think — numbers, spreadsheets, tax returns… Life is quite straightforward until a murder mystery comes knocking on his door.
When the disappearance of a local lottery winner sets off a chain of sinister events, it’s up to Alun and Rhiannon (a local news reporter, and the accountant’s former high school crush) to solve the mystery.
Their investigation takes them to all corners of this rural, Welsh town and digs up a whole host of buried secrets that might best be left well enough alone. If you like a good mystery full of twists, turns and a healthy dose of humour, then prepare for a story that will leave you ravenous for more.
This is Book One in the Murder Ledger Mystery series, where numbers meet murder more often than you might expect…
- GenresMystery
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
239 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2025
Good start
Book started out to be very interesting; stodgy accountant mixed up in a mystery, with a pretty journalist, maybe a romance? However clues that were dropped did just that, dropped and never picked up again. The ending came out of nowhere, like the author had to hurry up and end it any way possible. Disappointed I spent so much time on this book! The book started out well, witty dialogue and an intriguing plot. Went no where quickly.
Book started out to be very interesting; stodgy accountant mixed up in a mystery, with a pretty journalist, maybe a romance? However clues that were dropped did just that, dropped and never picked up again. The ending came out of nowhere, like the author had to hurry up and end it any way possible. Disappointed I spent so much time on this book! The book started out well, witty dialogue and an intriguing plot. Went no where quickly.
February 9, 2026
Calculated Chaos: Where Tax Returns Meet Twisted Crimes
If you think accounting is just about balancing books and chasing receipts, P.L. Handley is here to audit your expectations. The Murder Ledger is a delightfully sharp, witty, and quintessentially Welsh cozy mystery that proves the deadliest secrets are often hidden in the fine print.
The Story: More Than Just Deductions
Alun Hughes isn’t your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s a local accountant with a passion for spreadsheets and a life that runs on a predictable, orderly schedule. But when a local lottery winner vanishes, Alun’s world shifts from "fixed assets" to "foul play."
Teaming up with Rhiannon—a tenacious reporter and the high school crush Alun never quite got over—the duo dives into the underbelly of their rural Welsh town. As it turns out, small-town secrets are a lot like unpaid taxes: they eventually come back to haunt you with interest.
Why You’ll Love It
The Unlikely Hero: Alun is an absolute breath of fresh air. His "accountant-brain" approach to crime-solving is both hilarious and surprisingly effective.
The Chemistry: The dynamic between Alun and Rhiannon adds a wonderful layer of "will-they-won't-they" tension that feels grounded and nostalgic.
The Setting: Handley captures the atmosphere of rural Wales perfectly—from the tight-knit community vibes to the dark shadows lurking behind closed cottage doors.
The Humor: It’s rare to find a mystery that balances "sinister" and "sarcastic" so well. The prose is punchy, self-aware, and genuinely funny.
The Verdict
The Murder Ledger is a stellar series debut. It’s a fast-paced "whodunnit" that treats its characters with heart and its mystery with a calculated precision. If you enjoy a side of humor with your homicide, this book is an absolute must-read.
If you think accounting is just about balancing books and chasing receipts, P.L. Handley is here to audit your expectations. The Murder Ledger is a delightfully sharp, witty, and quintessentially Welsh cozy mystery that proves the deadliest secrets are often hidden in the fine print.
The Story: More Than Just Deductions
Alun Hughes isn’t your typical hard-boiled detective. He’s a local accountant with a passion for spreadsheets and a life that runs on a predictable, orderly schedule. But when a local lottery winner vanishes, Alun’s world shifts from "fixed assets" to "foul play."
Teaming up with Rhiannon—a tenacious reporter and the high school crush Alun never quite got over—the duo dives into the underbelly of their rural Welsh town. As it turns out, small-town secrets are a lot like unpaid taxes: they eventually come back to haunt you with interest.
Why You’ll Love It
The Unlikely Hero: Alun is an absolute breath of fresh air. His "accountant-brain" approach to crime-solving is both hilarious and surprisingly effective.
The Chemistry: The dynamic between Alun and Rhiannon adds a wonderful layer of "will-they-won't-they" tension that feels grounded and nostalgic.
The Setting: Handley captures the atmosphere of rural Wales perfectly—from the tight-knit community vibes to the dark shadows lurking behind closed cottage doors.
The Humor: It’s rare to find a mystery that balances "sinister" and "sarcastic" so well. The prose is punchy, self-aware, and genuinely funny.
The Verdict
The Murder Ledger is a stellar series debut. It’s a fast-paced "whodunnit" that treats its characters with heart and its mystery with a calculated precision. If you enjoy a side of humor with your homicide, this book is an absolute must-read.
July 15, 2025
Set in Wales. Alun is a mild mannered accountant whose girlfriend of 9 years dumps him. In walks a former classmate--a single mom, risk taker--who is trying to find out what happened to one of Alun's clients who won a huge lottery and recently disappeared. Eventually, they find her--she is alive and hiding but yeah, someone wants her dead.
I guessed early on that the lottery winner was alive but did not guess the ending nor did I guess what she planned for the money.
I got bored with the book early on and only finished it bc we were discussing new series in Book Group. The characters were ok, the mystery was ok, the setting was ok but not much special here. However, there are several books in the series so I must have missed something--hence the 3 star rating
I guessed early on that the lottery winner was alive but did not guess the ending nor did I guess what she planned for the money.
I got bored with the book early on and only finished it bc we were discussing new series in Book Group. The characters were ok, the mystery was ok, the setting was ok but not much special here. However, there are several books in the series so I must have missed something--hence the 3 star rating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
Develops a Bit Slowly
Perhaps the best part of this book are the well-developed characters. No one, even the smallest bit player, is two-dimensional; they all have background, quirks, foibles, perfections, and unexpected abilities. There is a bit of slapstick humor thrown into a few scenes. They mystery itself is well-plotted, and there are quite a few red herrings and a very surprising twist to the end.
The writing does contain quite a few small edit fails; i.e., glutinous, when gluttonous was meant. Overall, though, the writing itself was good, and the book enjoyable.
Perhaps the best part of this book are the well-developed characters. No one, even the smallest bit player, is two-dimensional; they all have background, quirks, foibles, perfections, and unexpected abilities. There is a bit of slapstick humor thrown into a few scenes. They mystery itself is well-plotted, and there are quite a few red herrings and a very surprising twist to the end.
The writing does contain quite a few small edit fails; i.e., glutinous, when gluttonous was meant. Overall, though, the writing itself was good, and the book enjoyable.
October 25, 2024
I did find the book quite amusing and easy to read. A welcome change from dark murders and court room dramas. It was a little long, however I think this was more to establish the characters for future books. I have downloaded the second one will see how it goes.
November 17, 2024
Interesting
The book was a bit slow to start but I was soon gripped with the story. I really hadn't any idea who the culprit was but looking back I can see the clues were there. Perhaps I didn't want it to be them?
The book was a bit slow to start but I was soon gripped with the story. I really hadn't any idea who the culprit was but looking back I can see the clues were there. Perhaps I didn't want it to be them?
January 25, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. The two main characters were opposites personality-wise but seemed to complement each other. They were fairly well developed and had some interesting quirks. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 13, 2023
a great read
thoroughly enjoyed the book. kept me guessing till the end. any fan of who Dunnits will love it . funny and intriguing
thoroughly enjoyed the book. kept me guessing till the end. any fan of who Dunnits will love it . funny and intriguing
February 16, 2024
Brilliant.
An excellent read fast paced and very funny. The characters depicted came to life brilliantly. I definitely did not spot the culprit.
An excellent read fast paced and very funny. The characters depicted came to life brilliantly. I definitely did not spot the culprit.
January 4, 2025
No one likes eachother, lots of complainers, small town where everyone is unhappy and pretty mean. Not rushing to read next in series....
February 13, 2025
This was a 3.5 star book for me, not quite four stars. It started very slowly, but towards the end the story really picked up.
November 8, 2025
Easy enough to read but the ending was a bit too far fetched for my liking…
Also didn’t like how the thoughts/comments/narratives between characters intermingled.
Also didn’t like how the thoughts/comments/narratives between characters intermingled.
January 22, 2026
Thrilling. Kept me on tender hooks until the very end. Need to read more by this author. I can fully recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery.
June 12, 2025
I enjoyed this Wales/Cymru mystery- local color, interesting characters, and a touch of whimsy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews