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West Wales Murder Mysteries #4
A Body at the Farmhouse
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . . Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
It’s not exactly how a groom would expect to find his bride on their wedding day. Early that morning, David Griffiths discovers his wife-to-be’s body hanging in the stables at the idyllic farmhouse where they were due to pledge ’til death do us part.
It appears to be a clear-cut case of suicide. But Detective Norman is not convinced. Why would a vibrant, successful young woman take her own life on her wedding day?
Everyone says Tilly had a heart of gold. So who would want to kill her?
Detective Norman’s investigations reveal that Tilly wasn’t quite the happy-go-lucky person she appeared to be — and she isn’t the only family member hiding a dark secret.
Tilly’s older brother, her best friend, the groom the list of suspects quickly grows. Can Detective Norman and his team uncover the culprit before more wedding guests meet a grisly end?
It’s not exactly how a groom would expect to find his bride on their wedding day. Early that morning, David Griffiths discovers his wife-to-be’s body hanging in the stables at the idyllic farmhouse where they were due to pledge ’til death do us part.
It appears to be a clear-cut case of suicide. But Detective Norman is not convinced. Why would a vibrant, successful young woman take her own life on her wedding day?
Everyone says Tilly had a heart of gold. So who would want to kill her?
Detective Norman’s investigations reveal that Tilly wasn’t quite the happy-go-lucky person she appeared to be — and she isn’t the only family member hiding a dark secret.
Tilly’s older brother, her best friend, the groom the list of suspects quickly grows. Can Detective Norman and his team uncover the culprit before more wedding guests meet a grisly end?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2023
843 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
54 books236 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 11, 2023
A Body at the Farmhouse is a twisty and clever police procedural set in the Welsh countryside. It's the forth book in the West Wales Murder Mysteries series but works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel. Despite the name of the series, there's not a whole lot in this book that screams “set in Wales” other than a few Welsh names scattered throughout. This was a bit disappointing to me since I haven't read many books set there and was hoping for something more quintessentially Welsh, but it was still an entertaining read nonetheless.
Without a doubt, my favorite part of this novel was the characters. They were all well-written, likable and multifaceted, and I loved that they all had a great rapport and seemed to enjoy working together. The plot itself was nothing terribly ingenious, but it had several twists and turns and kept me guessing right up until the very end. The mystery was complex but not at all confusing, even with a large cast of characters and multiple red herrings thrown in along the way. There's no gore or major violence or sex scenes, making this book a great option for someone looking for a “clean” murder mystery.
A Body at the Farmhouse is the first I've read from this author but I definitely plan to go back and read the previous books in this series. P.F. Ford is obviously a talented writer and I look forward to learning more about Detective Sergeant Norman and his crew.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with a copy of this novel to review!
Without a doubt, my favorite part of this novel was the characters. They were all well-written, likable and multifaceted, and I loved that they all had a great rapport and seemed to enjoy working together. The plot itself was nothing terribly ingenious, but it had several twists and turns and kept me guessing right up until the very end. The mystery was complex but not at all confusing, even with a large cast of characters and multiple red herrings thrown in along the way. There's no gore or major violence or sex scenes, making this book a great option for someone looking for a “clean” murder mystery.
A Body at the Farmhouse is the first I've read from this author but I definitely plan to go back and read the previous books in this series. P.F. Ford is obviously a talented writer and I look forward to learning more about Detective Sergeant Norman and his crew.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with a copy of this novel to review!
March 7, 2024
Author P.F. Ford lost this body (AKA me!) after West Wales Murder Mysteries #2.
"A Body at the Farmhouse" is Book #4 of the author's West Wales Murder Mysteries/Rejoiner series.
"A Body on the Beach" (Book #1) was a 5-star read for me.
Unfortunately, the last two books in this series were not in the same league as books #1 and #2.
This book was a DNF at 60%.
I listened to the audiobook read by Andy Cresswell who did a superb job with the narration.
July 12, 2023
I received an ARC of A Body at the Farmhouse from NetGalley and publisher Joffe Books in exchange for an honest review. A Body at the Farmhouse is the 4th installment in a series of police procedural murder mysteries set on the coast of Wales. The body of Tilly Rotherby is discovered on the morning of her wedding leaving many suspects and a slew of secrets to be uncovered! It’s up to recently un-retired Detective Norman and his crew to solve the crime.
Not realizing this was the 4th installment in a series, I was quite confused with the lack of character description and setup in the beginning. Had I known that, I would’ve at least read the first installment beforehand though, this book is able to be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the twists and tension Ford created as well as getting the know the characters traits and fun quirks but the style of writing isn’t my cup of tea. I enjoy reading what the characters are thinking rather than strictly dialogue and brief descriptions setting the scenes.
I was disappointed by the lack of setting description as I was excited to read about a small coastal town in Wales.
Overall, the plot was well thought out and I enjoyed following the footsteps of the team as they worked together to solve the crimes. I didn’t have it all figured out by the end which is also a plus for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!
Not realizing this was the 4th installment in a series, I was quite confused with the lack of character description and setup in the beginning. Had I known that, I would’ve at least read the first installment beforehand though, this book is able to be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the twists and tension Ford created as well as getting the know the characters traits and fun quirks but the style of writing isn’t my cup of tea. I enjoy reading what the characters are thinking rather than strictly dialogue and brief descriptions setting the scenes.
I was disappointed by the lack of setting description as I was excited to read about a small coastal town in Wales.
Overall, the plot was well thought out and I enjoyed following the footsteps of the team as they worked together to solve the crimes. I didn’t have it all figured out by the end which is also a plus for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC!
August 11, 2025
Book #4 in the DCI Southall series.
March 28, 2025
2 stars
I am not sure if it's me or the quality of this series significantly dropped.
The amount of inappropriate comments the DIs are making to the people they are questioning is ridiculous. Then we have detectives that cry like babies. And people that treat the detectives like door mats. Absolutely baffling.
They hardly do any follow ups or verification of anything, when this should be the very first thing (confirming all statements and alibis for everyone). They go and question people and make accusations on pure hearsay. If the village people say this, then it must be so....
I am not sure if it's me or the quality of this series significantly dropped.
The amount of inappropriate comments the DIs are making to the people they are questioning is ridiculous. Then we have detectives that cry like babies. And people that treat the detectives like door mats. Absolutely baffling.
They hardly do any follow ups or verification of anything, when this should be the very first thing (confirming all statements and alibis for everyone). They go and question people and make accusations on pure hearsay. If the village people say this, then it must be so....
July 5, 2023
I received a free copy of, A Body at the Farmhouse, by P.F. Ford, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book four of the The west Wales Murder series. David Griffiths thought he would marry his beautiful fiance Tilly, until she is found hanged on her wedding day, everyone thinks its suicide. could it be? Detective Norman is out of retirement to solve this case, where everybody has a secret. A well written book, I really enjoyed it.
July 1, 2023
Llangwelli. DI Sarah Southall and DS Norman are called out to a crime scene. That of a possible suicide by farm owner Tilly Rotherby, found on the day of her wedding. But it soon becomes apparent that it is now a murder inquiry. The team investigate but the motive is elusive and the case becomes more complicated.
A well-written and entertaining modern mystery, with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A well-written and entertaining modern mystery, with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2023
Unputdownable!
When a woman is found dead in the stables on her property in West Wales, the police are very sure that they know who killed her, but proving it is more complicated and leads them in several directions. DI Southall, DS Norman and their team unearth more than just a murder.
An excellent who-dunnit with brilliant characters, lots of suspects and plenty of twists and turns. P.F.Ford writes unputdownable crime stories which I cannot recommend highly enough.
When a woman is found dead in the stables on her property in West Wales, the police are very sure that they know who killed her, but proving it is more complicated and leads them in several directions. DI Southall, DS Norman and their team unearth more than just a murder.
An excellent who-dunnit with brilliant characters, lots of suspects and plenty of twists and turns. P.F.Ford writes unputdownable crime stories which I cannot recommend highly enough.
July 1, 2023
I am failiar wijh the author's books and I am enjoying this Welsh series.
It has a nice flow with opening to know the characters. A wedding to find they were married two weeks before. A suicide that didt feel like one.
Her bedroom had locked closets with different size men's clothing in it.
There are secrets in this story and readers will enjoy finding out why this young woman life was taken. Given arc by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review
It has a nice flow with opening to know the characters. A wedding to find they were married two weeks before. A suicide that didt feel like one.
Her bedroom had locked closets with different size men's clothing in it.
There are secrets in this story and readers will enjoy finding out why this young woman life was taken. Given arc by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review
September 21, 2023
This is my first read by P. F. Ford, and they did not disappoint in their writing!
I do so love a good police procedural! This was a very fun (for me) and mysterious story that threw a few twists I wasn't expecting!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I do so love a good police procedural! This was a very fun (for me) and mysterious story that threw a few twists I wasn't expecting!
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2023
A local heiress is found dead in a stable on the eve of her wedding. Made to look like suicide, but soon some discrepancies point to murder. There is no lack of dubious characters as suspects, and the victim herself was involved in some shady matters, so the team has their work cut out for them. A tighter plot than the previous instalment and the Welsh countryside features more strongly in the setting. A solid read and the team is starting to come together nicely.
November 10, 2024
Unlike many other reviewers i liked this book and found it gripping. The storyline was interesting and not straight forward. Characters still growing
June 23, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This was my first book in the Detective Norman series and I was pleasantly surprised. Normally I'm not a big fan of police procedurals as I like a lot of background of the characters' private lives, but this one gave a lot of clues as to the police team's and the others' personalities.
The mystery is pretty good and I would never have guessed the ending. Detective Norman is a very likeable man and I had a lot of empathy for him vis-a-vis his anxieties ... been there!
Definitely recommended.
This was my first book in the Detective Norman series and I was pleasantly surprised. Normally I'm not a big fan of police procedurals as I like a lot of background of the characters' private lives, but this one gave a lot of clues as to the police team's and the others' personalities.
The mystery is pretty good and I would never have guessed the ending. Detective Norman is a very likeable man and I had a lot of empathy for him vis-a-vis his anxieties ... been there!
Definitely recommended.
July 7, 2023
A Body at the Farmhouse
Another great crime mystery from P. F. Ford! I’ve read all this author’s books and I especially enjoy the rejoiner series with Norman. This book is one of the best. In Ford’s books, you can always expect a complex crime to figure out, relatable characters, and settings that make those of us in USA want to visit. I highly recommend all his books.
Another great crime mystery from P. F. Ford! I’ve read all this author’s books and I especially enjoy the rejoiner series with Norman. This book is one of the best. In Ford’s books, you can always expect a complex crime to figure out, relatable characters, and settings that make those of us in USA want to visit. I highly recommend all his books.
July 6, 2023
As good as I expected
I felt I waited a long time for this but very well worth the wait. A really complex plot, some surprising twists but most importantly the main characters are so appealing, I hope there are more books to come in this series.
I felt I waited a long time for this but very well worth the wait. A really complex plot, some surprising twists but most importantly the main characters are so appealing, I hope there are more books to come in this series.
June 30, 2023
Book Title: A Body at the Farmhouse
Series: West Wales Murder Mystery #4
Author: P.F. (Pete) Ford
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 5, 2023
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages 304
Although this is story number four in this series. Reviews mention it can read as a stand-alone.
Story starts when Detective Sergeant Norman and Detective Constable Catren Morgan are called in to investigate a hanging at Matilda “Tilly” Rotherby’s estate. It appears Tilly hung herself the night before her wedding reception in the barn in an apparent suicide. She was discovered in the early morning by David Griffiths the groom.
However committing suicide the night before her wedding causes our investigators to suspect it wasn’t suicide.
They interview Mr. Griffiths as well as sixteen year old Carys Howells who lives with her mother in a nearby cottage looks after the horses on weekends. As Carys was getting ready to feed the horses she entered the barn and found Tilly. She dropped what she was doing and ran home and her mother who called the first responders.
After interviewing Mr. Griffiths as well as Carys the investigators find what they saw was a bit different. Someone is lying – is it the groom?
Now things get far more involved
This story was great. I read a lot of thrillers and love to try to solve whodunit ~ I wasn’t anywhere close.
I certainly am looking forward to the ‘West Wales Mysteries #5!!
BTW: I also enjoyed the ~ “Glossary of English Usage for U.S. Readers.”
I often look up words that I am not positive of the meaning. In this case the word was ’Portakabin”. The Dictionary changed it to ~portage~ the carrying of a boat with cargo between two navigable waters. Example: The return journey was made much simpler by portage”.
I, of course laughed as I was closer with my thinking.
Want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 5, 2023.
Series: West Wales Murder Mystery #4
Author: P.F. (Pete) Ford
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 5, 2023
My Rating: 4.3 Stars
Pages 304
Although this is story number four in this series. Reviews mention it can read as a stand-alone.
Story starts when Detective Sergeant Norman and Detective Constable Catren Morgan are called in to investigate a hanging at Matilda “Tilly” Rotherby’s estate. It appears Tilly hung herself the night before her wedding reception in the barn in an apparent suicide. She was discovered in the early morning by David Griffiths the groom.
However committing suicide the night before her wedding causes our investigators to suspect it wasn’t suicide.
They interview Mr. Griffiths as well as sixteen year old Carys Howells who lives with her mother in a nearby cottage looks after the horses on weekends. As Carys was getting ready to feed the horses she entered the barn and found Tilly. She dropped what she was doing and ran home and her mother who called the first responders.
After interviewing Mr. Griffiths as well as Carys the investigators find what they saw was a bit different. Someone is lying – is it the groom?
Now things get far more involved
This story was great. I read a lot of thrillers and love to try to solve whodunit ~ I wasn’t anywhere close.
I certainly am looking forward to the ‘West Wales Mysteries #5!!
BTW: I also enjoyed the ~ “Glossary of English Usage for U.S. Readers.”
I often look up words that I am not positive of the meaning. In this case the word was ’Portakabin”. The Dictionary changed it to ~portage~ the carrying of a boat with cargo between two navigable waters. Example: The return journey was made much simpler by portage”.
I, of course laughed as I was closer with my thinking.
Want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 5, 2023.
February 14, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Body at the Farmhouse is an engaging procedural and the Nonstop Reader4th book in the West Wales mysteries by P.F. Ford. Released 5th July 2023 by Joffe, it's 304 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 and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a well written and engaging procedural mystery set in Wales. It's an ensemble cast, and the author does a very good job of rendering the characters distinctly and sympathetically. It's the fourth book in the series, but works perfectly well as a standalone; some minor spoilers with character development and interrelationships will be slightly spoiled if read out of order.
The plotting is straightforward, and although most readers will likely work out "whodunnit" before the denouement, it's still thoroughly readable and engaging. The language is PG, nothing overly rough or egregious.
It would make a nice buddy read, and with 5 books available (on KU), it would also make a good series binge read.
Four stars. Well written and worth a look, especially for fans of Pauline Rowson, Peter Robinson, and Peter James.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Body at the Farmhouse is an engaging procedural and the Nonstop Reader4th book in the West Wales mysteries by P.F. Ford. Released 5th July 2023 by Joffe, it's 304 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 and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a well written and engaging procedural mystery set in Wales. It's an ensemble cast, and the author does a very good job of rendering the characters distinctly and sympathetically. It's the fourth book in the series, but works perfectly well as a standalone; some minor spoilers with character development and interrelationships will be slightly spoiled if read out of order.
The plotting is straightforward, and although most readers will likely work out "whodunnit" before the denouement, it's still thoroughly readable and engaging. The language is PG, nothing overly rough or egregious.
It would make a nice buddy read, and with 5 books available (on KU), it would also make a good series binge read.
Four stars. Well written and worth a look, especially for fans of Pauline Rowson, Peter Robinson, and Peter James.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 29, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of A Body at the Farmhouse, the fourth novel in West Wales Murder Mysteries series featuring DS Norman Norman.
Tilly Rotherby is found hanging in a barn on her property on her wedding day. There is something about the scene that isn’t quite right for suicide so the team open a murder investigation and soon have a list of potential suspects, because Tilly’s life wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Body at the Farmhouse, which is a fun read with a good mystery attached. I have not read this series before, but am acquainted with Norman from the author’s other series so I wasn’t walking in to the read blind, even if it is a long time since I read a few of them.
The plot held my attention as the team investigated the various suspects, uncovering all sorts of nefarious secrets and some hidden family dynamics. It’s interesting, but not particularly deep or complex, not that it has to be as it’s entertaining and has enough going on to keep the reader occupied. There are aspects that I would have liked more of an explanation for, but that’s a niggle rather than a criticism and is more than made up for in the unexpected solution, which is clever and a bit sad.
The main attraction in the novel for me is the characters in the team. They are a small close knit team with a great dynamic and some fun, realistic banter. They feel like real people in the workplace with some windups and a bit of cheek. It helps that the novel is told from their point of view, disposing the reader to like and root for them.
A Body at the Farmhouse is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Tilly Rotherby is found hanging in a barn on her property on her wedding day. There is something about the scene that isn’t quite right for suicide so the team open a murder investigation and soon have a list of potential suspects, because Tilly’s life wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Body at the Farmhouse, which is a fun read with a good mystery attached. I have not read this series before, but am acquainted with Norman from the author’s other series so I wasn’t walking in to the read blind, even if it is a long time since I read a few of them.
The plot held my attention as the team investigated the various suspects, uncovering all sorts of nefarious secrets and some hidden family dynamics. It’s interesting, but not particularly deep or complex, not that it has to be as it’s entertaining and has enough going on to keep the reader occupied. There are aspects that I would have liked more of an explanation for, but that’s a niggle rather than a criticism and is more than made up for in the unexpected solution, which is clever and a bit sad.
The main attraction in the novel for me is the characters in the team. They are a small close knit team with a great dynamic and some fun, realistic banter. They feel like real people in the workplace with some windups and a bit of cheek. It helps that the novel is told from their point of view, disposing the reader to like and root for them.
A Body at the Farmhouse is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 2, 2023
In a shocking turn of events, Matilda (aka Tilly) Rotherby is found hanging in the stables of her home - on the day of her planned wedding - by none other than the man who was to have been her husband, David Griffiths.
Detective Sergeant Norman - who has come out of retirement and is working in a rainy Welsh village - is called to the scene, along with his colleague.
Since Tilly appears to have been widely liked, and few brides tend to commit suicide on the eve of their wedding reception, Norman is inclined to think that there is more to the story.
As his investigation progresses, inconsistencies begin to appear in the various narratives of those interviewed and Norman's suspicions deepen.
This is a good solid mystery and great fun too. There are red herrings aplenty, and the police team members are well-drawn, have good chemistry and are very relatable. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Detective Sergeant Norman - who has come out of retirement and is working in a rainy Welsh village - is called to the scene, along with his colleague.
Since Tilly appears to have been widely liked, and few brides tend to commit suicide on the eve of their wedding reception, Norman is inclined to think that there is more to the story.
As his investigation progresses, inconsistencies begin to appear in the various narratives of those interviewed and Norman's suspicions deepen.
This is a good solid mystery and great fun too. There are red herrings aplenty, and the police team members are well-drawn, have good chemistry and are very relatable. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 7, 2023
A clever mystery set in Wales. This is the fourth in the series, but works very well as a standalone. Having not read the first three, I did not feel at a disadvantage. The story follows a closely knit group of police officers who have been assigned to a case involving a young woman found hanging in a barn. Once the pathologist determines it is murder, not suicide, the group work seamlessly together to fit the pieces of this crime. Many suspects abound as it is determined that the victim was not a nice person. Adding to the confusion, the day of the murder was to be the victim’s wedding day. It seems the groom probably did the crime, but whoa, he gets killed as well. Intricately plotted I was totally surprised by the ending, not at all what I suspected.
No language, sex, or violence, safe to recommend to all ages. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for this advance copy. I do recommend, it is a good read.
No language, sex, or violence, safe to recommend to all ages. Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for this advance copy. I do recommend, it is a good read.
July 3, 2023
A solid police procedural set in a small village in Wales, this book is part of a series, but it's the first novel I read by the author. The book can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed it so much, I plan to go back and read the previous ones in the series. I love the Welsh countryside as a setting and the murder mystery is fast-paced, keeps the reader guessing, but I was especially fond of the wide range of well-designed characters that make up the police team. These characters made all the difference between just another cozy mystery series and one that truly stands out as your next favorite. For readers who prefer clean reads or just not in the mood for more at the time, I don't recall any language and there were no steamy romantic scenes here, just a good old police procedural.
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July 25, 2023
A Body at the Farmhouse by P.F. Ford is a compelling and intricately plotted crime novel that will satisfy fans of the genre. From the very first page, the author sets a gripping tone, drawing readers into a world filled with mystery, secrets, and shocking revelations.
The story revolves around the murder of Tilly Rotherby, a young woman found dead on her wedding day in the farmhouse barn. Detective Constable Morgan and Detective Sergeant Norman are assigned to the case, and their investigation takes them deep into the complex dynamics of the Rotherby family. With a carefully crafted backstory involving inheritance, property disputes, and a horse racing stable, the author establishes a rich tapestry of motives and potential suspects.
The pacing of the novel is skillfully executed, with each chapter revealing new clues and developments that keep readers engrossed and eager to uncover the truth. P.F. Ford’s writing style is concise and engaging, allowing the story to flow smoothly and maintaining a sense of tension throughout. The characters in A Body at the Farmhouse are well-developed and multi-dimensional. From the enigmatic Tilly Rotherby to her older brother Giles, and the mysterious groom David Griffiths, each character brings their own complexity to the narrative. As the detectives delve deeper into the lives of the suspects, layers of deceit and hidden agendas are peeled back, adding depth and intrigue to the overall story.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its atmospheric setting. The old country estate, with its farmhouses and cottages, provides a haunting backdrop for the unfolding investigation. As readers are taken inside the farmhouse, the interior is described as immaculate and expensive. Then there is the vivid description of the rural landscape, which immerses readers in the surroundings and creates a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that heightens the suspense.
Throughout the novel, P.F. Ford expertly plants twists and turns, ensuring that readers are kept guessing until the final pages. The resolution of the mystery is satisfying, tying up loose ends and delivering a surprising revelation that will leave readers both satisfied and craving more.
Overall, A Body at the Farmhouse is a superbly crafted novel that delivers a captivating and immersive reading experience. With its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting. P.F. Ford has created a standout addition to the genre. Fans of suspenseful mysteries will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this compelling tale of murder and deception.
The story revolves around the murder of Tilly Rotherby, a young woman found dead on her wedding day in the farmhouse barn. Detective Constable Morgan and Detective Sergeant Norman are assigned to the case, and their investigation takes them deep into the complex dynamics of the Rotherby family. With a carefully crafted backstory involving inheritance, property disputes, and a horse racing stable, the author establishes a rich tapestry of motives and potential suspects.
The pacing of the novel is skillfully executed, with each chapter revealing new clues and developments that keep readers engrossed and eager to uncover the truth. P.F. Ford’s writing style is concise and engaging, allowing the story to flow smoothly and maintaining a sense of tension throughout. The characters in A Body at the Farmhouse are well-developed and multi-dimensional. From the enigmatic Tilly Rotherby to her older brother Giles, and the mysterious groom David Griffiths, each character brings their own complexity to the narrative. As the detectives delve deeper into the lives of the suspects, layers of deceit and hidden agendas are peeled back, adding depth and intrigue to the overall story.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its atmospheric setting. The old country estate, with its farmhouses and cottages, provides a haunting backdrop for the unfolding investigation. As readers are taken inside the farmhouse, the interior is described as immaculate and expensive. Then there is the vivid description of the rural landscape, which immerses readers in the surroundings and creates a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that heightens the suspense.
Throughout the novel, P.F. Ford expertly plants twists and turns, ensuring that readers are kept guessing until the final pages. The resolution of the mystery is satisfying, tying up loose ends and delivering a surprising revelation that will leave readers both satisfied and craving more.
Overall, A Body at the Farmhouse is a superbly crafted novel that delivers a captivating and immersive reading experience. With its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting. P.F. Ford has created a standout addition to the genre. Fans of suspenseful mysteries will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this compelling tale of murder and deception.
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July 24, 2023I enjoyed this mystery a lot and now want to read the rest of the books in the series! As someone who started with this book, I can verify that it definitely worked as a standalone read.
The characters were all well developed and the mystery had lots of twists and turns without feeling overdone. It also wasn't confusing or overwhelming, which can be a hard balance to strike! Definitely unpredictable enough to keep you reading, but still a solid police procedural.
The main character's relationship with his younger colleagues (he either came out of retirement or is close to it) is humorous and feels very authentic.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review,
The characters were all well developed and the mystery had lots of twists and turns without feeling overdone. It also wasn't confusing or overwhelming, which can be a hard balance to strike! Definitely unpredictable enough to keep you reading, but still a solid police procedural.
The main character's relationship with his younger colleagues (he either came out of retirement or is close to it) is humorous and feels very authentic.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review,
August 4, 2023
Not a bad book, though I couldn't get into it at first. Part of a series, this is the first one I have read by this author, consequently I did not know much about the characters of the detectives and although there are hints and throwaway remarks about past events, this passed me by. I like to get to know the characters but in this book the characters were a little two dimensional for me. The story did not grab me at first either, though it started to pick up more later on. The evidence and reasons for the crimes did not quite gel .
Not bad, but with the same crimes and perpetrators could be better with a few tweaks and a bit more background information.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Not bad, but with the same crimes and perpetrators could be better with a few tweaks and a bit more background information.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 26, 2024
Southall, Norman (Faye), Catren Morgan, DC Winter, Frost, Dr Bridger,
Death of bride by hanging. At first thought it was suicide, but determined it was murder.
Her fiance/husband, David Griffiths, they secretly married 2 weeks prior? David was also a conman. Said he was a developer of windmill farms.
Her brother who was disinherited by her father, Giles Rotherby. (sister and brother were close......)
Jimmy Denman, part-time employee at horse stables - threw a horse shoe at Griffiths that knocked him out, but it was Carys who hit him with the shovel and KILLED him. She thought he was her father and he laughed at her when she confronted him.
She also KILLED Tilly. Her mom is Ffion Howells
Death of bride by hanging. At first thought it was suicide, but determined it was murder.
Her fiance/husband, David Griffiths, they secretly married 2 weeks prior? David was also a conman. Said he was a developer of windmill farms.
Her brother who was disinherited by her father, Giles Rotherby. (sister and brother were close......)
Jimmy Denman, part-time employee at horse stables - threw a horse shoe at Griffiths that knocked him out, but it was Carys who hit him with the shovel and KILLED him. She thought he was her father and he laughed at her when she confronted him.
She also KILLED Tilly. Her mom is Ffion Howells
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
This was a random choice from Hoopla for something to listen to as I worked on holiday chores. For that purpose, it was OK. The plot is interesting enough, even if the characters are underdeveloped and not very interesting. The written text did not translate well at all to audio format. The constant repetition of the dialogue tags led to long series of sentences that ended in “X said” “Y said” “X said” “Y replied” “X said” … Perhaps in print the eye would skip over the repetition, but the ear cannot ignore them. It became a game for me to count how many times they would repeat in a single scene, thus removing me from any sense of being present in the narrative. I won’t be seeking out any more titles in the series.
October 28, 2023
I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main character was Norman.
Norman is an Detective that was retired he has came back. His boss has sent him and his partner out to a seaside town to look into a murder that happened. The dead person that was found is a young woman and she was getting married on that day. They are not sure what happened but it looks like she hurt herself. But Norman doesn't think so.
This was fun to read. It had action, adventure and suspense throughout. It had a few giggles within. It was fun trying to solve this mystery within.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Norman is an Detective that was retired he has came back. His boss has sent him and his partner out to a seaside town to look into a murder that happened. The dead person that was found is a young woman and she was getting married on that day. They are not sure what happened but it looks like she hurt herself. But Norman doesn't think so.
This was fun to read. It had action, adventure and suspense throughout. It had a few giggles within. It was fun trying to solve this mystery within.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
January 27, 2024
I have not read the first three books in this series and I think that might have helped me enjoy this book more. This is book 4 in the West Wales Murder Mysteries. Detective Norman is an old fashioned police officer who has returned to duty following a short stint of retirement. His first case back is a bride found dead on her wedding day. It looks like a suicide, hanging, but Detective Norman isn't so sure. As he begins his investigation the groom turns up dead a few days later. Good old fashioned police work, set in Wales.
July 9, 2023
Another good read from P.F. Ford
This is the !omg awaited forth book in this series, but it works just as well as a stand alone story. Apart from Sgt Norman Norman it's a quite young team, but they all have a very strong work ethic and despite the serious nature of the crimes they still find for good natured banter and some gallows humour.
There are a few red herrings that meant it kept me guessing right up to the end The book features son e very unsavoury characters.
This is the !omg awaited forth book in this series, but it works just as well as a stand alone story. Apart from Sgt Norman Norman it's a quite young team, but they all have a very strong work ethic and despite the serious nature of the crimes they still find for good natured banter and some gallows humour.
There are a few red herrings that meant it kept me guessing right up to the end The book features son e very unsavoury characters.
October 25, 2023
This was #4 in a series and it is written as if you need to to read the other three first. Took me forever
to figure out the characters and their relationships. And I expected more Welsh dialogue and was surprised by several items that sounded very American such as one character's constant use of "Jeez". I read lots of UK mysteries and don't ever remember anyone using that term. Maybe it's me but I didn't really enjoy it.
to figure out the characters and their relationships. And I expected more Welsh dialogue and was surprised by several items that sounded very American such as one character's constant use of "Jeez". I read lots of UK mysteries and don't ever remember anyone using that term. Maybe it's me but I didn't really enjoy it.
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