A Devon Midwinter Murder

Devon Mysteries #7

by Stephanie Austin

With Christmas fast approaching, amateur sleuth Juno Browne helps organise a Christmas Fair to raise funds for a local animal sanctuary. The event is a success, but whilst Santa is handing out presents in the fairy-lit grotto, a murder is being committed in a dark corner of the garden. Juno discovers the body of Bob the Blacksmith, found clutching a horseshoe decorated with a sprig of elder. Suspicion falls on Bob's long-suffering wife, Jackie, and on Don Drummond, with whom Bob violently quarrelled in the past.


From this cloud of suspicion, Juno begins to make connections between Bob's murder and previous 'accidental' deaths, but her course is obstructed by those who insist on links to ancient folklore. Determined to take the evidence with a generous pinch of salt, Juno navigates pagan ceremonies and astrological connections that turn up yet more bodies and a deadly path to the truth.

Genres: Crime, Mystery

352 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2023

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Fast paced, the mystery had so many different threads and parts to it, and we got to see a lot more of Juno's history, which was exciting.

I've lost track of how many bodies Juno has discovered by now, but I do enjoy her slowly accepting the title of Amateur Sleuth, and she's now using that to her advantage where necessary. I also loved seeing her still heartbroken over Daniel - considering this book is only set six months after he left her, it's refreshing to see a slow journey of healing, and it's obvious that she's still hurting from the loss of the relationship even if she understood why - although seeing Ricky call her out on that, I did feel that pain too, I thought it was harsh.

It was lovely seeing other people develop further too - Sophie with her painting, Olly wanting a nice Christmas gift for Elizabeth, and Adam and Kate with baby Noah. I also still love Juno's relationship with Dean, their friendship just seems to go from strength to strength.

The mystery had me hooked - I had no idea who it could be at first, especially considering the older murders that then got tied in, but as the story progressed and it seemed to point to someone within Juno's old circle, it definitely got more and more tense. I did have my suspicions, and they were proved right, but the red herrings did keep me from feeling certain that I knew who it was.

The descriptions of Dartmoor and Ashburton in the winter - and the Victorian Christmas fair - have got me craving cold weather and Christmas now - this probably should have been one I held off on until the autumn at least, but I couldn't help it, I always want to know what Juno is up to next. A full five stars because I couldn't think of any issues with this book at all - apart from me being unable to put it down!

[Jolyon Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juno Browne at Christmas - what fun! If there were such a thing as cosy folk horror, this would be it. A great read at any time of year, but packs an extra festive punch when enjoyed in the winter months. Loved it.

[Lisa Grayston · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Daniel and Lottie though... :(

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Juno Brown Murder Mystery in this addictive series of novels.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every one.
We have connections with the area and even if you do not you will find the details interesting. There have been several places mentioned that we have not visited but I have compiled over the series a 'Must Visit' list and I think it had better be quite a long holiday. Stephany Austin must be a 'godsent' to the tourist trade in Devon.
The regular characters are with us, again, known and loved but one sadly still missing and I have my fingers crossed that he will be appearing in the follow up which I can see has been given a publishing date, so another to be added to my reading list.
Every book is a stand alone but I think anyone interested in a good adventure, well written, with plenty of twists and turns, should start with 'Dead in Devon' and be introduced to our wonderful heroine 'Juno' self appointed Domestic Goddess, who makes her living as dog walker, cleaner, carer, local shop owner with her mass of red hair and more determination than most. You will love her as much as I have come to do.

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character is Juno Browne, a 30-something woman who lives in the Dartmoor area, runs an antique shop, and a dog-walking business, and does cleaning for a few local people, and also finds time to be an amateur investigator, who is as usual a hindrance to the police, except for one, Dean Collins, with whom she seems to have a mutual if grudgingly respectful relationship - and no other relationship, as he's happily married and she is reeling from a previous romantic break-up. The story starts when a man is murdered during the Christmas fair, and when Juno is contacted, out of the blue, by an old astrologer friend, it looks like there could be a connection to some earlier deaths. After another attack, this time at the local wassailing, Juno and the police start to wonder if there's a repeat offender in their midst. I enjoyed this, it was quite well-written and the wintry atmosphere, and local rural traditions, were nicely described, and Juno comes across as a believable, and slightly cynical but likeable, character. 8/10

[Sall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt the begining was far too detailed and boring, to the point where I almost gave up on the book. That said once the book progressed I became more interested in the astrology and pagen/celtic aspeccts of the book and really enjoyed them. Sadly the killer was very predictable. I also found it irritiating that there were references to previous books that weren't explained for readers who hadn't read them. The problem with just picking up a book in the library is you don't always know it's one of a series or where it comes in that series and as such you aren't necessarily going to know a characters background nor do series readers want it explained at great length. A brilliant author has a knack of giving just enough information to explain to new readers without alienating serial readers.

[Ursula Liechti · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I thought it not very exciting and rather slow, but it turned out to be a really good book it also was pleasant to read of places and areas familiar. Juni the local dog walker , domestic angel and general help in the village. She also run her own little antic shop and shared a house with a young family. She helped police with a murder enquiry and it turned out to be connected with astrology. She had lots of friends in the village and she was also called the local Miss Msrble. It was a good story

[Bob Hiscocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. Look forward to the next one. Let's hope Daniel doesn't come back and the books keep coming !!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series set on the edge of Dartmoor. Juno is reminded of her early life with tarot readers etc. Difficult to put down. All the favourite characters are included.

[Theresa Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the latest installment of Juno Browne. Really didn't see the who done it coming! Wish Daniel would hurry back.

[Debbie Newey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally my favourite by far. Absolutely loved it. Twists and turns all in the right place. Recommend the whole series and I’m hoping for more very soon.

[Katie Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy holiday read. Love the puzzle of a murder mystery, even if it is the wrong season.

[NickeySummer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another murderous romp through the Devonshire countryside! Taking in wassaling, Morris men and Mummas. Great entertainment!

[Julie Footner-Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book based in Devon so I know the area. I've read a number of this series and they are really well written and enjoyable. This one was great and kept me guessing until the end.

[Radella Hardwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comfortable and cosy but eminently guessable

[Charlotte Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one.

[H Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one as much as the others.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another engrossing and interesting instalment in the amateur sleuthing life of Juno Browne.

[Taru Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite allright murder mystery. This is a book in a series of Devon murder mysteries... so that was sometimes confusing , it would have made facts clearer is I had started to listen/read this series in order. Still enjoyed this copy, I liked he discription of the certain traditional west country celtic traditions, that made me search more into the topic.

[Diane Singleton]

Another brilliant book by Stephanie Austin. Love the story lines, amazing how they intertwine.
Love the characters, but Absolutely love Juno's character. Hoping to see a reunion in next book? Looking forward to book 8. What am I going to do after book 8 ???