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The Dedley End Mysteries #3
Murder at the Village Church
Nancy Hunter is on a mission to find her mother. Samantha Hunter walked out on her family and left the village of Dedley End over twenty years ago. For two decades, Nancy has thought her mother was dead…until she discovered she was spotted at a party at a country estate five months ago.As Nancy delves into the mystery in her own family, the village of Dedley End is rocked by the appearance of Sebastian Holmes, recently released from a long stretch in prison for his part in a jewellery robbery in London. And when someone is found murdered in the local church, it seems that there may be more danger hiding in their sleepy Cotswold village…Nancy and her grandmother Jane, Dedley End’s resident amateur sleuths and owners of a crime fiction bookshop, set about trying to solve the mystery of just who could be the killer, and how they managed a murder in a locked room – but what they don’t know is that finding the murderer might just bring them closer to finding Samantha. But does she want to be found? And what made her hide away for so many years?
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2023
31 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Walters
54 books469 followersVictoria Walters is a full-time author living in Surrey. Victoria writes sweet and spicy rom coms including the BookTok viral hits THE LOVE INTEREST, THE PLOT TWIST and THE PARIS CHAPTER. She used to work in publishing and a bookshop, and has been a bookworm since childhood.
Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.
Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.
Victoria is also the author of the bestselling uplifting and romantic series GLENDALE HALL and the cosy crime series THE DEDLEY END MYSTERIES. Find out more about her by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on X at @Vicky_Walters or on Facebook and TikTok at Victoria Walters author.
Her new grumpy/sunshine spicy romance LONG STORY SHORT is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 31, 2023
Another cracker of a locked room mystery from Vicky Walters. I’ve loved Nancy and Jane’s adventures in the first two Dedley End Mysteries and this, the third in the series is full of intrigue and twists to keep you guessing til the very end.
Full of action in every chapter, this story hurtles along to its conclusion with Nancy and Jonathan kindly sharing their findings with us the reader as they go.
A great cast of characters, both new and old, keep the story flowing and I’ve loved seeing Nancy, Jonathan and Jane working together again.
August 14, 2023
CAWPILE 5.43
My final book for the Final Book Support Group Round 8- Most Anticipated Sequel.
I really enjoyed the previous two books- devoured them, adored the writing, the characters everything so much so that I've pushed the first book into the hands of many of my friends but also I preordered the ebook for the 3rd in the series but I'm really disappointed.
I love how cosy this series is- the family element of the characters and the closeness of relationships, set in the countryside with it's quirks, the book shop and the rich family at the top of the village that nobody trusts. Unfortunately this book went in a gritty direction with an organised crime storyline- not the cosy mystery I was expecting like the previous 2.
Nancy reconnecting with her mother who abandoned her due to her past connections with a crime gang I could kind of understand- although how someone can reconnect in a few days with a parent who abandoned them for 2 decades? All is forgiven in a weekend? Ridiculous.
The parts where Samantha's roaming around with her gun, acting like some sort of secret agent were cringeworthy. There were parts of this book I loved- although I'd guessed the Governor's identity early in the book I didn't guess the two characters who betrayed Nancy which was thrilling- this author writes fantastically well but this book missed the mark in it's main plotline.
The epilogue gives the impression that the series is over, it's sad that this book is the last one- Perhaps it's time to try another of Walters' series.
My final book for the Final Book Support Group Round 8- Most Anticipated Sequel.
I really enjoyed the previous two books- devoured them, adored the writing, the characters everything so much so that I've pushed the first book into the hands of many of my friends but also I preordered the ebook for the 3rd in the series but I'm really disappointed.
I love how cosy this series is- the family element of the characters and the closeness of relationships, set in the countryside with it's quirks, the book shop and the rich family at the top of the village that nobody trusts. Unfortunately this book went in a gritty direction with an organised crime storyline- not the cosy mystery I was expecting like the previous 2.
Nancy reconnecting with her mother who abandoned her due to her past connections with a crime gang I could kind of understand- although how someone can reconnect in a few days with a parent who abandoned them for 2 decades? All is forgiven in a weekend? Ridiculous.
The parts where Samantha's roaming around with her gun, acting like some sort of secret agent were cringeworthy. There were parts of this book I loved- although I'd guessed the Governor's identity early in the book I didn't guess the two characters who betrayed Nancy which was thrilling- this author writes fantastically well but this book missed the mark in it's main plotline.
The epilogue gives the impression that the series is over, it's sad that this book is the last one- Perhaps it's time to try another of Walters' series.
January 30, 2024
3.5 *.
Third (and final?) in this series, but the first one I’ve read. Although the characters are quite well established, it does work as a stand-alone for the most part, so it wasn’t too much of an issue getting started.
The writing was easy to read, although I hope it got one more round of copy editing before release - there were a few instances of grammar mistakes (bought/brought, drunk/drank, etc) - and it just needed a little tidy up in that regard. Dialogue also included a lot of using people’s names, which ended up sounding unrealistic in places, and sometimes felt unnatural.
It also carried on an awful lot longer than I anticipated once the murderer(s) were discovered.
I guessed the murderer initially, and had my suspicions confirmed about the Big Baddie, too, but it was still an enjoyable read for the most part and kept me entertained for a couple of days. The organised crime aspect was a bit darker than a typical cosy read, but it was done well enough.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Third (and final?) in this series, but the first one I’ve read. Although the characters are quite well established, it does work as a stand-alone for the most part, so it wasn’t too much of an issue getting started.
The writing was easy to read, although I hope it got one more round of copy editing before release - there were a few instances of grammar mistakes (bought/brought, drunk/drank, etc) - and it just needed a little tidy up in that regard. Dialogue also included a lot of using people’s names, which ended up sounding unrealistic in places, and sometimes felt unnatural.
It also carried on an awful lot longer than I anticipated once the murderer(s) were discovered.
I guessed the murderer initially, and had my suspicions confirmed about the Big Baddie, too, but it was still an enjoyable read for the most part and kept me entertained for a couple of days. The organised crime aspect was a bit darker than a typical cosy read, but it was done well enough.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
June 16, 2023
Love being reunited with Nancy, her grandmother Jane and best friend Jonathon as they solve another mystery in their little small town. The small little bookshop setting as their central location just makes me happy!
If you love Cozy Mysteries, check out this sweet little series.
If you love Cozy Mysteries, check out this sweet little series.
October 8, 2023
Excellent read. One of my favourite authors.
March 13, 2024
4.5 stars!
Didn’t realise this was a third book in the series when I picked it up.
This was a great binge read, but needed more character background/focus. (Maybe this was in previous books!
Didn’t realise this was a third book in the series when I picked it up.
This was a great binge read, but needed more character background/focus. (Maybe this was in previous books!
April 28, 2024
Absolutely brilliant.
February 26, 2023
Murder at the Village Church is the final part to the Dedley End trilogy and with this installment, Victoria Walters has truly excelled herself.
Once again, Nancy Hunter, her gran Jane and best friend Jonathan are in the thick of yet another murder mystery in the village of Dedley End. This time around, the story involves dangerous gang members as well as Nancy's search for her mother who abandoned her when she was a child. It soon emerges that the gang and Nancy's mother are linked. Nancy once again takes it upon herself to answer unanswered questions, ultimately leading to a compromise on not only her safety, but the well-being of her loved ones as well.
There were some terrific twists and turns in the story; it was action-packed, fast-paced and gripping.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, Nancy Hunter, her gran Jane and best friend Jonathan are in the thick of yet another murder mystery in the village of Dedley End. This time around, the story involves dangerous gang members as well as Nancy's search for her mother who abandoned her when she was a child. It soon emerges that the gang and Nancy's mother are linked. Nancy once again takes it upon herself to answer unanswered questions, ultimately leading to a compromise on not only her safety, but the well-being of her loved ones as well.
There were some terrific twists and turns in the story; it was action-packed, fast-paced and gripping.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2023
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Third book to The Dedley End Mysteries Series. Another murder happens in this quaint village’s locked church. With the ever present help of her grandmother and friends, Nancy sleuths to find clues and try to solve this murder. And how does this intertwine with her mother who left two decades ago?
I really enjoyed solving the murder with the characters, I couldn’t stop reading but there were moments where I would facepalm myself with Nancy’s decisions. A very plot-driven book where you would second guess every action made, accusing everyone of being the killer. Reading the previous books, I craved for more action and this one was definitely action-packed, maybe too much.
It all ends nicely, happy that I also got to partially make a correct guess on who the killer is. There was a pinch of romance sprinkled at the end that doesn’t really change much to the plot. But, I’m happy for the characters.
No spoilers, but with how the suspects were handled in the ending, there is still some room for another book to happen.
Third book to The Dedley End Mysteries Series. Another murder happens in this quaint village’s locked church. With the ever present help of her grandmother and friends, Nancy sleuths to find clues and try to solve this murder. And how does this intertwine with her mother who left two decades ago?
I really enjoyed solving the murder with the characters, I couldn’t stop reading but there were moments where I would facepalm myself with Nancy’s decisions. A very plot-driven book where you would second guess every action made, accusing everyone of being the killer. Reading the previous books, I craved for more action and this one was definitely action-packed, maybe too much.
It all ends nicely, happy that I also got to partially make a correct guess on who the killer is. There was a pinch of romance sprinkled at the end that doesn’t really change much to the plot. But, I’m happy for the characters.
No spoilers, but with how the suspects were handled in the ending, there is still some room for another book to happen.
December 26, 2023
More like a 2.5, nice plot, but story got a bit convoluted at the end with the MI5 being involved, and the explosion, all after the reveal of Mr Peabody and Pang being involved. Also soo predictable that Nancy and Jonathan got together which I found a bit irritating/boring. I enjoyed the other books in the series much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2023
i didn't expect to like it as much as i did! started this very randomly not hadn't heard about this ever before, not knowing what was this about and i actually really enjoyed it! yk, sometimes is better to pick up books that way.
this is a cozy mystery. this was my very first cozy mystery so i don't really know about this genre. but wow, i didn't expect it to be like that. i thought this was going to be just these two characters solving some little mysteries, nothing very serious. but this was actually so deep and some serious stuff.
i actually realised too late that this is actually the third and final book in a trilogy, but i found out that is an interconnected stand-alones series so you can read them as you please.
the mystery was actually very good and the main characters were very likeable. i loved the vibes of the small town in england during autumn, with the bookstore and the little cottages, everything very lovely. oh and also really enjoyed the found family!
if you like mysteries in general, i really recommend you picking this up!
this is a cozy mystery. this was my very first cozy mystery so i don't really know about this genre. but wow, i didn't expect it to be like that. i thought this was going to be just these two characters solving some little mysteries, nothing very serious. but this was actually so deep and some serious stuff.
i actually realised too late that this is actually the third and final book in a trilogy, but i found out that is an interconnected stand-alones series so you can read them as you please.
the mystery was actually very good and the main characters were very likeable. i loved the vibes of the small town in england during autumn, with the bookstore and the little cottages, everything very lovely. oh and also really enjoyed the found family!
if you like mysteries in general, i really recommend you picking this up!
June 23, 2023
Another truly painful read. Its only saving grace was how truly, absolutely camp the plot was. The overall plot is so completely absurd that it veers into comedic even though the subject matter is probably the most serious of the three books. Attempting to write about organised crime and gangs while keeping in with the cosy mystery genre was a bold move from Walters, and one that should not be repeated by any other author ever in the future (unless they want their story to read as ridiculous, AI generated crap).
My usual complaint about the Dedley End mysteries is that the characters have no depth, and that their dialogue is written so terribly I physically cringe when reading it, and that is a complaint I will carry over to this book. I also feel like these books were never, ever proof read before being published - for example, in MATVC, Nancy refers to the Clubhouse 13 building as being an ‘eighteen century townhouse’. Like, seriously? EIGHTEEN century? Not eighteenth?
Moreover, never have I felt more violently ill than when reading about any of Nancy and Jonathan’s romantic moments. Even though their romance was inevitable throughout the series, I feel like a bit of my soul died when they finally confessed their love for one another. Specifically, when Nancy said ‘Jonathan, shut up and kiss me please.’ when the poor guy is legit in hospital after being nearly blown to bits by a bomb.
Sadly, the best part of the whole book was when Hugh Windsor said ‘Well, well, well, we meet again, Nancy.’ That did actually make me laugh out loud so well done Victoria Walters on making me feel at least some joy throughout the entirety of this novel.
I will finish by saying I am glad to be free from the shackles of this series and I hope a fourth instalment is never released (but I’ll probably read it if it ever is).
My usual complaint about the Dedley End mysteries is that the characters have no depth, and that their dialogue is written so terribly I physically cringe when reading it, and that is a complaint I will carry over to this book. I also feel like these books were never, ever proof read before being published - for example, in MATVC, Nancy refers to the Clubhouse 13 building as being an ‘eighteen century townhouse’. Like, seriously? EIGHTEEN century? Not eighteenth?
Moreover, never have I felt more violently ill than when reading about any of Nancy and Jonathan’s romantic moments. Even though their romance was inevitable throughout the series, I feel like a bit of my soul died when they finally confessed their love for one another. Specifically, when Nancy said ‘Jonathan, shut up and kiss me please.’ when the poor guy is legit in hospital after being nearly blown to bits by a bomb.
Sadly, the best part of the whole book was when Hugh Windsor said ‘Well, well, well, we meet again, Nancy.’ That did actually make me laugh out loud so well done Victoria Walters on making me feel at least some joy throughout the entirety of this novel.
I will finish by saying I am glad to be free from the shackles of this series and I hope a fourth instalment is never released (but I’ll probably read it if it ever is).
March 14, 2023
Murder at the Village Church tells the story of Nancy and Jane, a granddaughter and grandmother who run a small village bookshop in the Cotswolds, and also solve crimes together. By this third book, they've already solved some and have become renowned for doing so. Nancy's mother left mysteriously when she was young and has never been in contact since, and things start to unfold when someone new moves to the village.
I will preface this review by saying that this book is the third and final instalment of the Dedley End series, but is the first one I have read. As a result there were obviously two books' worth of events and character development etc that I missed. Despite this, it's still very easy to pick up and understand. The author gives enough information for it to be understandable but not loads so as to avoid being too much for other readers who would've read the previous books in the series.
This book would be absolutely perfect for someone who loves a murder mystery; a cosy who dunnit but with a bit more to it. There is a lot more going on than just the titled "murder at the village church" and a lot more mystery to solve. The story has a lot of twists and is action packed and, for the most part, a fast paced page turner. At the same time as all of this, the story has a lot of really wholesome elements that show off family and community values. The setting is also gorgeous! I love the Cotswolds village it's set in, and the description of many of the buildings within the village really brought it all to life. The relationships between the characters were really lovely, particularly between Nancy and Jane and also between Nancy and Jonathan. The "good guy" characters were also really likeable, and the "bad guys" really made you hate them. The writing style is also really easy to follow, it gets to the point and isn't too wordy.
This book for me was enjoyable but nothing astounding - it's a book that is better suited to other people and not to my typical taste. The pacing was quite slow to begin with which is struggled with, but it is worth persisting with as the pace really picks up. I found some things quite unrealistic/unbelievable, some dialogue felt a bit off and personally I tend to prefer more complex writing styles. Some of it just was a bit too on the nose. I felt I also had guessed one of the key revelations quite a while before it was revealed, but nevertheless I found it to be a very fun read.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will preface this review by saying that this book is the third and final instalment of the Dedley End series, but is the first one I have read. As a result there were obviously two books' worth of events and character development etc that I missed. Despite this, it's still very easy to pick up and understand. The author gives enough information for it to be understandable but not loads so as to avoid being too much for other readers who would've read the previous books in the series.
This book would be absolutely perfect for someone who loves a murder mystery; a cosy who dunnit but with a bit more to it. There is a lot more going on than just the titled "murder at the village church" and a lot more mystery to solve. The story has a lot of twists and is action packed and, for the most part, a fast paced page turner. At the same time as all of this, the story has a lot of really wholesome elements that show off family and community values. The setting is also gorgeous! I love the Cotswolds village it's set in, and the description of many of the buildings within the village really brought it all to life. The relationships between the characters were really lovely, particularly between Nancy and Jane and also between Nancy and Jonathan. The "good guy" characters were also really likeable, and the "bad guys" really made you hate them. The writing style is also really easy to follow, it gets to the point and isn't too wordy.
This book for me was enjoyable but nothing astounding - it's a book that is better suited to other people and not to my typical taste. The pacing was quite slow to begin with which is struggled with, but it is worth persisting with as the pace really picks up. I found some things quite unrealistic/unbelievable, some dialogue felt a bit off and personally I tend to prefer more complex writing styles. Some of it just was a bit too on the nose. I felt I also had guessed one of the key revelations quite a while before it was revealed, but nevertheless I found it to be a very fun read.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at the Village Church is the third Dedley End cozy mystery by Victoria Walters. Released 13th April 2023 by Canelo, it's 330 pages and is 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
This is an enjoyable and fun British village cozy mystery set in the Cotswolds. The mystery (and romance subplot) are fairly obvious from early on, but it's well written and quirkily engaging. There are a number of whimsical/eccentric village characters, an appealing amateur sleuth, her best friend/romantic interest, and her grandmother.
This is definitely one for fans of light cozy mysteries. The settings, spelling, and vernacular are UK English, but it won't pose a problem for readers in the US. The language is squeaky clean and the violence isn't unnecessarily graphic. There's an odd twist at the very end of the book that seemed, frankly, tacked on, and some of the denouement and resolution will require a substantial suspension of disbelief, but overall it's appealing and well written.
Three and a half stars. The story is (mostly) self contained in this volume and it can be read as a standalone without any problems. It seems to possibly be the final installment in the series, and neither the author nor publisher have teased further volumes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at the Village Church is the third Dedley End cozy mystery by Victoria Walters. Released 13th April 2023 by Canelo, it's 330 pages and is 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. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
This is an enjoyable and fun British village cozy mystery set in the Cotswolds. The mystery (and romance subplot) are fairly obvious from early on, but it's well written and quirkily engaging. There are a number of whimsical/eccentric village characters, an appealing amateur sleuth, her best friend/romantic interest, and her grandmother.
This is definitely one for fans of light cozy mysteries. The settings, spelling, and vernacular are UK English, but it won't pose a problem for readers in the US. The language is squeaky clean and the violence isn't unnecessarily graphic. There's an odd twist at the very end of the book that seemed, frankly, tacked on, and some of the denouement and resolution will require a substantial suspension of disbelief, but overall it's appealing and well written.
Three and a half stars. The story is (mostly) self contained in this volume and it can be read as a standalone without any problems. It seems to possibly be the final installment in the series, and neither the author nor publisher have teased further volumes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 19, 2023
Locked Room Myster at its Finest!
Murder at the Village Church by Victoria Walters is an exceptional, and not to be missed, locked room mystery and third entry in the Dedley End Mysteries series. Typically, I do not read books out of order because there tend to be spoilers from previous entries and I don't want to spoil the series. So, reader beware, there are spoilers in this book that give away the outcome of some themes in the first two. Given this, I highly recommend that you buy all three books in the series and dive in…yes, the series is that good! The tension, the twists and turns were almost non-stop. I felt like every other chapter was divulging another part of the mystery that our dear amateur sleuths Nancy, Jonathan and Nancy's Aunt Jane were unprepared for. The imaginary murder board in my head couldn't keep up with the shifting suspicion and rich cast of characters, and red herrings…and I didn't mind one bit! In fact, there was one point when I decided to pull an all-nighter to finish the book because I couldn’t settle my mind enough to go to sleep. I kept thinking about the story and questioning how Nancy would get out of a particular situation, or if she would ever find her mother Susan Hunter. Would Sebastian Holmes reveal the real reason he was in Dedley End? And if he did, could he be trusted? This is a substantial story with real mystery teeth! Even if I had not been given an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for my honest review, I would encourage you to buy this book—actually, no I wouldn’t. I would encourage you to buy the whole series!
Murder at the Village Church by Victoria Walters is an exceptional, and not to be missed, locked room mystery and third entry in the Dedley End Mysteries series. Typically, I do not read books out of order because there tend to be spoilers from previous entries and I don't want to spoil the series. So, reader beware, there are spoilers in this book that give away the outcome of some themes in the first two. Given this, I highly recommend that you buy all three books in the series and dive in…yes, the series is that good! The tension, the twists and turns were almost non-stop. I felt like every other chapter was divulging another part of the mystery that our dear amateur sleuths Nancy, Jonathan and Nancy's Aunt Jane were unprepared for. The imaginary murder board in my head couldn't keep up with the shifting suspicion and rich cast of characters, and red herrings…and I didn't mind one bit! In fact, there was one point when I decided to pull an all-nighter to finish the book because I couldn’t settle my mind enough to go to sleep. I kept thinking about the story and questioning how Nancy would get out of a particular situation, or if she would ever find her mother Susan Hunter. Would Sebastian Holmes reveal the real reason he was in Dedley End? And if he did, could he be trusted? This is a substantial story with real mystery teeth! Even if I had not been given an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for my honest review, I would encourage you to buy this book—actually, no I wouldn’t. I would encourage you to buy the whole series!
September 10, 2025
Murder at the Village Church by Victoria Walters
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hera and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Nancy Hunter is on a mission to find her mother. Samantha Hunter walked out on her family and left the village of Dedley End over twenty years ago. For two decades, Nancy has thought her mother was dead…until she discovered she was spotted at a party at a country estate five months ago.
As Nancy delves into the mystery in her own family, the village of Dedley End is rocked by the appearance of Sebastian Holmes, recently released from a long stretch in prison for his part in a jewellery robbery in London. And when someone is found murdered in the local church, it seems that there may be more danger hiding in their sleepy Cotswold village…
Nancy and her grandmother Jane, Dedley End’s resident amateur sleuths and owners of a crime fiction bookshop, set about trying to solve the mystery of just who could be the killer, and how they managed a murder in a locked room – but what they don’t know is that finding the murderer might just bring them closer to finding Samantha. But does she want to be found? And what made her hide away for so many years?
My Opinion
Murder at the Village Church was an enjoyable novel but I would recommend reading the earlier books in the series first. A fast-paced plot with plenty of twists. A great mystery with very likeable characters.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hera and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Nancy Hunter is on a mission to find her mother. Samantha Hunter walked out on her family and left the village of Dedley End over twenty years ago. For two decades, Nancy has thought her mother was dead…until she discovered she was spotted at a party at a country estate five months ago.
As Nancy delves into the mystery in her own family, the village of Dedley End is rocked by the appearance of Sebastian Holmes, recently released from a long stretch in prison for his part in a jewellery robbery in London. And when someone is found murdered in the local church, it seems that there may be more danger hiding in their sleepy Cotswold village…
Nancy and her grandmother Jane, Dedley End’s resident amateur sleuths and owners of a crime fiction bookshop, set about trying to solve the mystery of just who could be the killer, and how they managed a murder in a locked room – but what they don’t know is that finding the murderer might just bring them closer to finding Samantha. But does she want to be found? And what made her hide away for so many years?
My Opinion
Murder at the Village Church was an enjoyable novel but I would recommend reading the earlier books in the series first. A fast-paced plot with plenty of twists. A great mystery with very likeable characters.
Rating 4/5
July 30, 2023
After a revelation in the last book, Nancy wants to find her mother. Her mother had abandoned her as a child and Nancy believed she was dead. Until Nancy discovered she had been sighted at a party five months ago.
As she begins her search, a new face arrives in Dedley End. Sebastian Holmes has just been released from a long stretch in prison, after crimes committed when in a gang.
As Nancy starts to uncover something Sebastian is hiding, another murder happens. But here is the twist…
It happened in a locked Church!
Now, not only has Nancy, Jane, Jonathan and Co got the mystery of her disappearing mother to solve, but now a murder in the village church.
This is my favourite book of the series so far. Again, the classic mystery trope aside, Nancy’s personal story is so lovely to read. I really like it when I can connect with the main character. In saying that, most people have to have that connection to like a book, but for me, it’s always been a gripping storyline. Like with Gallows Court I read last month. It was a 5* read and I wasn’t the biggest fan of one of the main characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope to hope that Victoria Walters decides to write a few more. I do suspect, giving the ending of the last book, that may not happen. But if she does, I’ll have them pre-ordered so fast!
As she begins her search, a new face arrives in Dedley End. Sebastian Holmes has just been released from a long stretch in prison, after crimes committed when in a gang.
As Nancy starts to uncover something Sebastian is hiding, another murder happens. But here is the twist…
It happened in a locked Church!
Now, not only has Nancy, Jane, Jonathan and Co got the mystery of her disappearing mother to solve, but now a murder in the village church.
This is my favourite book of the series so far. Again, the classic mystery trope aside, Nancy’s personal story is so lovely to read. I really like it when I can connect with the main character. In saying that, most people have to have that connection to like a book, but for me, it’s always been a gripping storyline. Like with Gallows Court I read last month. It was a 5* read and I wasn’t the biggest fan of one of the main characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and I hope to hope that Victoria Walters decides to write a few more. I do suspect, giving the ending of the last book, that may not happen. But if she does, I’ll have them pre-ordered so fast!
April 2, 2023
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
If you haven't read either of the other books in this series I would recommend you not start with this one (mostly because you'll be missing out on some good books). Although there is plenty of information and backstory provided here you may just feel a little out of the loop on what is going on at the time of this story. I have recently become a fan of the cozy mystery genre and this has been one of my favorites. I love following Nancy as she investigates the murders in her little village - and here we get a 2-for-1 deal on the mysteries. It's also about time she and Jonathan got it together! I liked that DCI Brown accepted and sought out Nancy's involvement, it was a nice change from the usual meddling amateur sleuth trope. There are definitely some clever twists (one I saw coming, one I did not) and resolution with the big bad villain caught me by surprise. The entire book will keep you on your toes! I loved how the author handled the reappearance of Nancy's mother - it wasn't an immediate reconciliation which made the situation so much more believable. I'm going to miss not getting to see these characters again, but after the year they had they deserve a break!
If you haven't read either of the other books in this series I would recommend you not start with this one (mostly because you'll be missing out on some good books). Although there is plenty of information and backstory provided here you may just feel a little out of the loop on what is going on at the time of this story. I have recently become a fan of the cozy mystery genre and this has been one of my favorites. I love following Nancy as she investigates the murders in her little village - and here we get a 2-for-1 deal on the mysteries. It's also about time she and Jonathan got it together! I liked that DCI Brown accepted and sought out Nancy's involvement, it was a nice change from the usual meddling amateur sleuth trope. There are definitely some clever twists (one I saw coming, one I did not) and resolution with the big bad villain caught me by surprise. The entire book will keep you on your toes! I loved how the author handled the reappearance of Nancy's mother - it wasn't an immediate reconciliation which made the situation so much more believable. I'm going to miss not getting to see these characters again, but after the year they had they deserve a break!
July 24, 2024
Following the adventures from the first two in the series, Nancy & Jane find themselves involved in yet another mystery. This time it involves Nancy directly, as she gets wind that her Mum, who she hasn't seen or spoken to since she was 6, has been spotted locally.
This was a fun final book in the Dedley End mysteries. It wrapped up plot points from the first two which I liked, and we finally made some head way with Nancy & Jonathan that we've been waiting for for so long!
These books are very easy reads. I had guessed some of the mystery though definitely not all of it, and enjoyed finding out more about the story with the characters. We got quite a dramatic turn in act 3 I wasn't expecting! It's not my favourite writing style ever; it's incredibly descriptive to a point where I think this could have been edited down a lot to be a novella and still been a fun read, possibly even more so than being interrupted so many times to stop and have a cup of tea. But it's very British and I think there is absolutely a market for that.
Still obsessed with the covers of this series!!
This was a fun final book in the Dedley End mysteries. It wrapped up plot points from the first two which I liked, and we finally made some head way with Nancy & Jonathan that we've been waiting for for so long!
These books are very easy reads. I had guessed some of the mystery though definitely not all of it, and enjoyed finding out more about the story with the characters. We got quite a dramatic turn in act 3 I wasn't expecting! It's not my favourite writing style ever; it's incredibly descriptive to a point where I think this could have been edited down a lot to be a novella and still been a fun read, possibly even more so than being interrupted so many times to stop and have a cup of tea. But it's very British and I think there is absolutely a market for that.
Still obsessed with the covers of this series!!
May 16, 2023
Ever since Nancy's mother disappeared when she was a child she has longed to find out why & what happened to her. Maybe that's why she & her grandmother, Jane, run a bookshop devoted to crime both fact & fiction. The pair of them have gained a reputation as sleuths, having solved some mysteries in the past. Although Nancy has never given up looking for her mother, the trail seems to have gone cold- until she finds a picture of her at an event. This quest is never far from her mind. When a renowned jewel robber buys a house in the village after being released from jail tongues wag. He seems charming though & appears to have some information as to the whereabouts of Nancy's mother. When a body is found inside a locked church Jane, Nancy & her friend Jonathan are once again on the hunt for a killer.
This is the third book in a trilogy. I haven't read the others but it didn't really matter. I enjoyed the setting & the characters. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This is the third book in a trilogy. I haven't read the others but it didn't really matter. I enjoyed the setting & the characters. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
April 19, 2023
The third book in Victoria Walter’s Dedley End series Murder at the Village Church is just as good as the first two and had me hooked from the start.
Nancy is on a mission to solve the mystery of her missing mother after twenty years. But the arrival of known criminal Sebastian Holmes and a murder in the locked village church sees Nancy, her grandmother Jane and best friend Jonathan put their detective skills to use once more. As they dig further could they all be related, her mother, the murder in the church and Sebastian Holmes’ arrival in Dedley End.
As with the previous books in the series, this story is filled with twists and turns that leaving you guessing right to the end.
I love this series for its cosy murder mystery feels (think Midsummer Murder), how easy they are to read and yet keep you completely hooked.
This series has introduced me to genre of book that I wouldn’t typically read but have found I have enjoyed more and more.
I hope there’s more to come from Victoria.
Nancy is on a mission to solve the mystery of her missing mother after twenty years. But the arrival of known criminal Sebastian Holmes and a murder in the locked village church sees Nancy, her grandmother Jane and best friend Jonathan put their detective skills to use once more. As they dig further could they all be related, her mother, the murder in the church and Sebastian Holmes’ arrival in Dedley End.
As with the previous books in the series, this story is filled with twists and turns that leaving you guessing right to the end.
I love this series for its cosy murder mystery feels (think Midsummer Murder), how easy they are to read and yet keep you completely hooked.
This series has introduced me to genre of book that I wouldn’t typically read but have found I have enjoyed more and more.
I hope there’s more to come from Victoria.
April 29, 2023
Murder at the Village Church by Victoria Walters in the third installment in her The Deadly End Mystery series.
This series relies on character development as well as the mystery. In each new book we find out new information about both main and side characters. There is also a set of recurring individuals who appear in every book and I think it is what separates this series from others of its genre.
In this volume Nancy finds out new things about her mother from most unexpected source and they reveal mind shattering facts that completely change everything she thought she knew so far.
I like these novels because they feature smart, sensible and easily relatable, down to earth people and situations.
I adore their bookstore and how heavily it features in each and very book,
They are steady paced, the language is easy to read and mysteries are always intriguing and endings satisfactorily compleated.
This series relies on character development as well as the mystery. In each new book we find out new information about both main and side characters. There is also a set of recurring individuals who appear in every book and I think it is what separates this series from others of its genre.
In this volume Nancy finds out new things about her mother from most unexpected source and they reveal mind shattering facts that completely change everything she thought she knew so far.
I like these novels because they feature smart, sensible and easily relatable, down to earth people and situations.
I adore their bookstore and how heavily it features in each and very book,
They are steady paced, the language is easy to read and mysteries are always intriguing and endings satisfactorily compleated.
December 25, 2023
Nancy Hunter is on a mission to find her mother. She has heard that her mom Samantha Hunter was spotted in the village after leaving suddenly twenty years ago. But where is her mom now?
The arrival of a convicted criminal Sebastian Holmes leads to further mysteries. He seems to have information about Nancy's missing mom but is unable to share details.
When someone is murdered at the local church, Nancy, her grandma Jane and family friend Jonathan face unexpected dangers. And the mystery and danger only deepens.
I enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships between Nancy and Jane and Nancy and Jonathan. And the bookstore setting is a winner.
Even though this is book three in a series, it can stand alone. The author includes plenty of references to past storylines.
The writing is mostly showing but some telling in places. And the story ending is predictable rather than surprising. The story is cute and cozy, though.
The arrival of a convicted criminal Sebastian Holmes leads to further mysteries. He seems to have information about Nancy's missing mom but is unable to share details.
When someone is murdered at the local church, Nancy, her grandma Jane and family friend Jonathan face unexpected dangers. And the mystery and danger only deepens.
I enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships between Nancy and Jane and Nancy and Jonathan. And the bookstore setting is a winner.
Even though this is book three in a series, it can stand alone. The author includes plenty of references to past storylines.
The writing is mostly showing but some telling in places. And the story ending is predictable rather than surprising. The story is cute and cozy, though.
March 3, 2023
Nancy is finally ready to try and find the mother who left her so long ago. While looking for Samantha, a local returns home from a long stretch in prison. Soon after a body is found in the church.
On go the sleuthing hats as Nancy and Jane try to find out what happened, not only with Samantha, but with the murder. Perhaps the murder may just be related to Samantha somehow…and open a whole new can of worms.
This is one of my favorite British cozy series. Having been raised by my own grandmother, I feel like I’m visiting with her as I visit with Nancy and Jane. Each entry has a really great mystery and I can’t wait for my next visit back to Deadly End.
On go the sleuthing hats as Nancy and Jane try to find out what happened, not only with Samantha, but with the murder. Perhaps the murder may just be related to Samantha somehow…and open a whole new can of worms.
This is one of my favorite British cozy series. Having been raised by my own grandmother, I feel like I’m visiting with her as I visit with Nancy and Jane. Each entry has a really great mystery and I can’t wait for my next visit back to Deadly End.
August 4, 2025
The story was great, probably my favorite book from the series, but it has so many flaws!!!! Many grammar mistakes, syntactic errors etc. Like I said, the story itself is good, but so predictable. I was actually shocked they didn't found out who killed Seb faster? There were too many plot twists, which made the story unbearable.
Also, reintroducing every character at the beginning of the book is still a big no for me. Why? Why do I need to be reminded of every single detail from their life? Why do you feel the need to remind me that Nancy's dad is dead and that she already solved two investigations? Pointless. If I want a reminder, I should just reread the first two books.
Also, reintroducing every character at the beginning of the book is still a big no for me. Why? Why do I need to be reminded of every single detail from their life? Why do you feel the need to remind me that Nancy's dad is dead and that she already solved two investigations? Pointless. If I want a reminder, I should just reread the first two books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
The third visit to Dedley End where Jane and Nancy are attempting to solve the mystery of a death in the locked church. I loved how the previous books had laid the roots and stem of the story and this book provided the wonderful blossom. Thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn’t predict what was happening which had me more gripped as the book went on. An absolutely brilliant book on its own, you don’t have to have read the previous two but what a waste of two other brilliant books if you don’t. Very worthy 5 star review.
April 14, 2023
A fun cozy with good characters. Nancy and Jane, grandmother and granddaughter, have a great connection and work well with Nancy's friend, Jonathan to solve mysteries. This one hits particularly close to home because it involves the disappearance of Nancy's mother from two decades before. Cozies don't usually involve organized crime but this one pulls it off with lots of action while staying true to the cozy feel and has a heart-warming ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 26, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an arc of this from NetGalley, and since as I was waiting to get my hands on a copy, imagine my delight! I have really enjoyed this series and these characters. This book appears to be the last of series and it closes it very well. Nancy solves her largest remaining life mystery, with her Gran and Jonathan by her side. The plot was well thought out and there were some really good twists in this novel. A truly fun cozy mystery series that’s worth the read.
March 3, 2023
A little slow at the start, this cozy mystery picks up speed as the story progresses. With a good locked room mystery at its heart, love of family and the strength of those family ties shines through. I definitely recommend this for lovers of cozy mysteries. This is the third in the series of the Dedley End Mysteries.
MurderAtTheVillageChurch#NetGalley#Canelo
MurderAtTheVillageChurch#NetGalley#Canelo
March 12, 2023
I wasn't sure at the start - the writing seemed a bit simplistic and it was a slowish beginning but it picked up pace and complexity as it progressed. So by the end it was a satisfying and enjoyable read. It's worth sticking it out. (Although I figured out early on who the baddies were) I received this as an advance copy from the author via NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily.
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