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A Georgina Drake Mystery #1
The Body at Rookery Barn
Outside, Rookery Barn glows in the mid-morning sunshine while fat bees flit lazily between the forget-me-nots. Inside, a body lies dead…
Widowed Georgina Drake has no regrets about moving to beautiful, sleepy Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk. Until she opens the door to her rental property and finds the dead body of her latest guest , irritable university professor Roland Garnett. And on top of that she’s suddenly hearing a woman’s voice through her hearing aids.
Completely shaken by the discovery, Georgina can hardly believe it when the police conclude that Professor Garnett was poisoned, with a dinner delivered by Georgina herself. Is she about to be accused of murder? Georgina needs to pull herself together, try to ignore the distracting voice, and clear her name!
Asking around, it seems Roland Garnett offended half the village during his three-week stay and made unwelcome advances to the rest. But who was provoked enough to poison him? Georgina’s best lead is the deadly oleander found in Roland’s system. Her gardener, Young Tom, had access to the plant, but before she can talk to him Tom becomes the killer’s next victim.
As the crimes mount up, so do the clues, but does Georgina have what it takes to follow them to their conclusion? Even when her amateur sleuthing puts her next in the killer’s sights…?
An addictive and completely gripping cosy crime novel. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Midsomer Murders .
Widowed Georgina Drake has no regrets about moving to beautiful, sleepy Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk. Until she opens the door to her rental property and finds the dead body of her latest guest , irritable university professor Roland Garnett. And on top of that she’s suddenly hearing a woman’s voice through her hearing aids.
Completely shaken by the discovery, Georgina can hardly believe it when the police conclude that Professor Garnett was poisoned, with a dinner delivered by Georgina herself. Is she about to be accused of murder? Georgina needs to pull herself together, try to ignore the distracting voice, and clear her name!
Asking around, it seems Roland Garnett offended half the village during his three-week stay and made unwelcome advances to the rest. But who was provoked enough to poison him? Georgina’s best lead is the deadly oleander found in Roland’s system. Her gardener, Young Tom, had access to the plant, but before she can talk to him Tom becomes the killer’s next victim.
As the crimes mount up, so do the clues, but does Georgina have what it takes to follow them to their conclusion? Even when her amateur sleuthing puts her next in the killer’s sights…?
An addictive and completely gripping cosy crime novel. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Midsomer Murders .
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
660 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hardy
803 books263 followersKate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.
She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!
Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.
She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!
Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 19, 2023
Freelance photographer Georgina Drake had only lived in Little Wenborough, Norfolk, for two years, but she loved the quaint, delightful area in Norfolk. Rookery Farm was her home, and the barn on her property she rented out to clients to supplement her income. Since her husband Stephen had died from a heart attack, her grief still clutched her. Leaving London was the right thing to do, and her two children, Bea and Will, agreed with her. Her mulling was interrupted by a woman's voice just as she was about to insert the key in the barn's door. Her latest client was to have left early, so she would clean for the next guests. But on entering the property, shock hit her. Dr Roland Garnett was dead...
DI Colin Bradshaw was in charge of the case, and immediately Georgina was on his suspect list. So were her friends, Francesca (Cesca) and Jodie. With the three women realising what would happen to their businesses if the real culprit wasn't found, they set to work to find who killed Dr Garnett. And they discovered there were very few who liked him, and plenty had motive. But with so many suspects, would they discover who the culprit was?
The Body at Rookery Barn is the 1st in the Georgina Drake mystery series by Kate Hardy and I enjoyed it very much. An intriguing mystery with a body of a person no one liked meant it was hard to pick the killer. But I did work it out ;) I didn't like the DI to begin with, but he grew on me! The imagery of the countryside, the beautiful gardens and the friendly folk from the village all made for an entrancing read, one which I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
DI Colin Bradshaw was in charge of the case, and immediately Georgina was on his suspect list. So were her friends, Francesca (Cesca) and Jodie. With the three women realising what would happen to their businesses if the real culprit wasn't found, they set to work to find who killed Dr Garnett. And they discovered there were very few who liked him, and plenty had motive. But with so many suspects, would they discover who the culprit was?
The Body at Rookery Barn is the 1st in the Georgina Drake mystery series by Kate Hardy and I enjoyed it very much. An intriguing mystery with a body of a person no one liked meant it was hard to pick the killer. But I did work it out ;) I didn't like the DI to begin with, but he grew on me! The imagery of the countryside, the beautiful gardens and the friendly folk from the village all made for an entrancing read, one which I recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2023
What a great start to a new series, a new genre for romance author Kate Hardy and it was fabulous, I loved meeting Georgina Drake, freelance photographer who has moved to the village of Little Wenborough a year ago after the loss of her husband, she has two adult children Will and Bea and now she has a beautiful property with a rental, the Rookery Barn, never did she expect to find the body of a guest.
Moving to Norfolk has been very good for Georgina, she has made some wonderful friends and is settling in well, but when she arrives to clean the barn after her guest has departed, someone is telling her not to enter, who and why, who is talking to her, upon opening the door she realises why, her guest is dead.
She is stunned and shaken by her discovery, she already knows that Dr. Roland Garnett was not a very nice man and to have a woman talking to her that she cannot see, what is happening, the police arrive and questions are asked it appears that Georgina was the last to see him alive and the one to find him dead and she now is a suspect.
Detective Inspector Colin Bradshaw is on the case, he needs to do find the killer and starts his investigation with gusto after the cause of death is revealed as poisoning and soon not only is Georgina a suspect but her close friends, Sybbie, Cesca and Jodie are as well and they decide that they need to clear their names and together they too are doing their own investigation, which then puts Georgina in danger.
Georgina and Colin are soon becoming friends and are also sharing clues and there are many suspects and working out who the killer is turns in many directions, will they get their man or woman?
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to join in solving the murder, and I am really looking forward to book two and getting back to the beautiful village of Little Wenborough and another mystery to solve, I loved the setting and the characters, a must read.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Moving to Norfolk has been very good for Georgina, she has made some wonderful friends and is settling in well, but when she arrives to clean the barn after her guest has departed, someone is telling her not to enter, who and why, who is talking to her, upon opening the door she realises why, her guest is dead.
She is stunned and shaken by her discovery, she already knows that Dr. Roland Garnett was not a very nice man and to have a woman talking to her that she cannot see, what is happening, the police arrive and questions are asked it appears that Georgina was the last to see him alive and the one to find him dead and she now is a suspect.
Detective Inspector Colin Bradshaw is on the case, he needs to do find the killer and starts his investigation with gusto after the cause of death is revealed as poisoning and soon not only is Georgina a suspect but her close friends, Sybbie, Cesca and Jodie are as well and they decide that they need to clear their names and together they too are doing their own investigation, which then puts Georgina in danger.
Georgina and Colin are soon becoming friends and are also sharing clues and there are many suspects and working out who the killer is turns in many directions, will they get their man or woman?
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to join in solving the murder, and I am really looking forward to book two and getting back to the beautiful village of Little Wenborough and another mystery to solve, I loved the setting and the characters, a must read.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
October 1, 2023
A Georgina Drake Mystery Book 1
Outside, rookery Barn glows in the mid-morning sunshine, while fat bees flit lazily between the forget-me-nots. Inside, a body lies dead....
Georgina Drake is a relative outsider in the Norfolk village where she moved to two years ago. One morning, she goes to clean the guest house on her property, only to hear a strange voice telling her not to go in. She thinks it's her new hearing aids playing up. When she goes into the guest house, Professor Roland Garrett, who had been staying there, is dead.
There were parts of the story that were a bit predictable. Georgina finds herself the main suspect in the professor's murder. We also get Doris, she died in the house fifty years ago, and now her ghost is helping Georgina. I was quickly pulled into this cosy murder mystery. The pace is steady. I like Georgina and the rest of the main characters. This is a well-written story. I'm looking forward to reading book two in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #StormPublishing and the author #KateHardy for my ARC of #TheBodyAtRookeryBarn in exchange for an honest review.
Outside, rookery Barn glows in the mid-morning sunshine, while fat bees flit lazily between the forget-me-nots. Inside, a body lies dead....
Georgina Drake is a relative outsider in the Norfolk village where she moved to two years ago. One morning, she goes to clean the guest house on her property, only to hear a strange voice telling her not to go in. She thinks it's her new hearing aids playing up. When she goes into the guest house, Professor Roland Garrett, who had been staying there, is dead.
There were parts of the story that were a bit predictable. Georgina finds herself the main suspect in the professor's murder. We also get Doris, she died in the house fifty years ago, and now her ghost is helping Georgina. I was quickly pulled into this cosy murder mystery. The pace is steady. I like Georgina and the rest of the main characters. This is a well-written story. I'm looking forward to reading book two in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #StormPublishing and the author #KateHardy for my ARC of #TheBodyAtRookeryBarn in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2023
What a cracking opening cosy mystery. The story is quiet predictable with a body being found and a who done it mystery alongside a ghost who helps the main character.
I loved the writing of the characters i could feel the development and longevity of them. I did gueese early on who did it and was really pleased with the final reveal.
This is a lovely opening book . I look forward to the next one. I think the ghost will keep me interested regardless of the next mystery.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for a solid 4 star read.
I loved the writing of the characters i could feel the development and longevity of them. I did gueese early on who did it and was really pleased with the final reveal.
This is a lovely opening book . I look forward to the next one. I think the ghost will keep me interested regardless of the next mystery.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for a solid 4 star read.
October 19, 2023
3.5
The Body at Rookery Barn is the first novel in a brand-new cozy mystery series by the prolific author Kate Hardy. This was a delightful read that came at the perfect time for me during this chilly season. It provided the ideal opportunity to snuggle up with a captivating mystery and a steaming cup of tea.
The story centers around Georgina Drake, a photographer, who experiences two shocking things when she receives her new hearing aids. Firstly, she uncovers a lifeless body in the rental cottage she owns, and secondly, she begins to hear the voice of a ghost that has been dwelling within the cottage's walls for the past half-century.
Georgina is both clever and quick-witted, and she quickly embarks on an investigation into the murder, driven by the fact that she's quickly becoming a prime suspect in the ongoing investigation. Additionally, she extends her aid to the ghost, Doris, in her quest to reunite with her loved ones, all while grappling with the mystery surrounding her own demise.
In conclusion, "The Body at Rookery Barn" proved to be an immensely enjoyable cozy mystery, and I eagerly await the release of the next installment in the series. The unresolved threads in Doris's story have left me eager for more, and I look forward to following Georgina's future adventures. She reminded me of Miss Marple, and that is a high compliment.
The Body at Rookery Barn is the first novel in a brand-new cozy mystery series by the prolific author Kate Hardy. This was a delightful read that came at the perfect time for me during this chilly season. It provided the ideal opportunity to snuggle up with a captivating mystery and a steaming cup of tea.
The story centers around Georgina Drake, a photographer, who experiences two shocking things when she receives her new hearing aids. Firstly, she uncovers a lifeless body in the rental cottage she owns, and secondly, she begins to hear the voice of a ghost that has been dwelling within the cottage's walls for the past half-century.
Georgina is both clever and quick-witted, and she quickly embarks on an investigation into the murder, driven by the fact that she's quickly becoming a prime suspect in the ongoing investigation. Additionally, she extends her aid to the ghost, Doris, in her quest to reunite with her loved ones, all while grappling with the mystery surrounding her own demise.
In conclusion, "The Body at Rookery Barn" proved to be an immensely enjoyable cozy mystery, and I eagerly await the release of the next installment in the series. The unresolved threads in Doris's story have left me eager for more, and I look forward to following Georgina's future adventures. She reminded me of Miss Marple, and that is a high compliment.
October 8, 2023
I was instantly drawn in by the title and the cover and I just had to read this book. The very first line of the book had me hooked. I had a feeling I knew what the voice she’s hearing was, but it still gave me a little bit of suspense. I had to keep reading until it was confirmed. It was like two mysteries in one. She had to find out what happened to Garnett and then also help the ghost find out more about why she died.
There were times where it felt like I was reading a cozy mystery and other times where it felt like a true crime or regular mystery. That was certainly okay with me! I thought it was a good balance of both. I also liked how it switched between Georgina and Inspector Colin Bradshaw. The first time it switched from Georgina to Colin I was not aware. I kept reading and I was like this does not sound like it is still Georgina. Once I got past that first switch, I was able to enjoy the book more.
I do hope there is more to Georgina’s story!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author Kate Hardy for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
There were times where it felt like I was reading a cozy mystery and other times where it felt like a true crime or regular mystery. That was certainly okay with me! I thought it was a good balance of both. I also liked how it switched between Georgina and Inspector Colin Bradshaw. The first time it switched from Georgina to Colin I was not aware. I kept reading and I was like this does not sound like it is still Georgina. Once I got past that first switch, I was able to enjoy the book more.
I do hope there is more to Georgina’s story!
I would like to thank NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author Kate Hardy for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this cosy mystery, I found it very intriguing and I loved the additional side story about the former inhabitants of Rookery Farm too. It gave this fabulous story another level of mystery.
I liked the character of Georgina, she was a character who had depth and someone you could imagine being friends with. I liked the community of friends that she has around her, who have helped her settle into her new life.
This was a real page turner and I couldn’t put it down!
I’m already looking forward to the second book from this series as I found the setting and characters to be so interesting and enjoyable.
I liked the character of Georgina, she was a character who had depth and someone you could imagine being friends with. I liked the community of friends that she has around her, who have helped her settle into her new life.
This was a real page turner and I couldn’t put it down!
I’m already looking forward to the second book from this series as I found the setting and characters to be so interesting and enjoyable.
December 7, 2023
4.5 stars
Kate Hardy’s ‘The Body at Rookery Farm’ is a delightful read! The characters are so engaging, and you can’t help but get invested in their story. The village setting adds this cozy yet mysterious atmosphere that really hooks you into the plot. The pacing too is right on point, keeping things exciting without going overboard with crazy twists. Overall, it’s a really enjoyable book that’ll keep you hooked till the end!
Kate Hardy’s ‘The Body at Rookery Farm’ is a delightful read! The characters are so engaging, and you can’t help but get invested in their story. The village setting adds this cozy yet mysterious atmosphere that really hooks you into the plot. The pacing too is right on point, keeping things exciting without going overboard with crazy twists. Overall, it’s a really enjoyable book that’ll keep you hooked till the end!
November 4, 2023
Wow what a fantastic read I couldn’t put it down brilliant characters and a fantastic storyline if you love murder mysteries you will love this
October 15, 2023
Georgina, middle aged, recently-widowed woman, owns a rental cottage in the English countryside where she finds her most recent, not very well-liked guest dead. As if that weren’t scary enough, she hears a voice warning her to “not open the door” and “call the police.” She’s convinced her new hearing aids are acting up, but it seems there’s really someone there — someone who claims to have died 50 years before. She’d better keep them talking til the police arrive…
This was THE cozy mystery I was looking for this season! Mysterious death? Check. Cozy cottage in a small town? Check. A ghost who’s stuck in the in-between because there’s something suspicious about the way she died? CHECK.
Love how we get both a resolution and an obvious cliffhanger for the next book, which I WILL be reading.
If you’re looking for a not-as-cheesy cozy mystery, give this one a try!
Tysm NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-arc!
This was THE cozy mystery I was looking for this season! Mysterious death? Check. Cozy cottage in a small town? Check. A ghost who’s stuck in the in-between because there’s something suspicious about the way she died? CHECK.
Love how we get both a resolution and an obvious cliffhanger for the next book, which I WILL be reading.
If you’re looking for a not-as-cheesy cozy mystery, give this one a try!
Tysm NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-arc!
March 20, 2025
This was for the most part a nice first entry in a new cozy mstery/paranormal mystery series. it's just barely paranormal, as the main character discovers she can hear a ghost talking.
The book features an "older" main character, Georgina Drake, whose husband died a few years ago. She's moved to a small community and rents out a restored barn to guests. When Georgina discovers her latest guest is dead, and that she's soon one of the main suspects in his murder, along with her best friends, she and her friends begin to investigate.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I figured out who our murderer was long before Georgina and the handsome police inspector Colin did.
I'll definitely read the next in the series, and wonder what will become of the ghost, Georgina, and Colin.
The book features an "older" main character, Georgina Drake, whose husband died a few years ago. She's moved to a small community and rents out a restored barn to guests. When Georgina discovers her latest guest is dead, and that she's soon one of the main suspects in his murder, along with her best friends, she and her friends begin to investigate.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I figured out who our murderer was long before Georgina and the handsome police inspector Colin did.
I'll definitely read the next in the series, and wonder what will become of the ghost, Georgina, and Colin.
October 24, 2023
After her husband dies suddenly photographer Georgina Drake moves from London to the beautiful, sleepy Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk. She’s getting used to being on her own & supplements her income by letting the converted diary next to her home. One day she opens the door to the barn and finds the dead body of her latest guest, irritable university professor Roland Garnett. And on top of that she’s suddenly hearing a woman’s voice through her hearing aids. Completely shaken by the discovery, Georgina can hardly believe it when the police conclude that Professor Garnett was poisoned, with a dinner delivered by Georgina herself. Roland Garnett offended half the village during his three-week stay and made unwelcome advances to the rest. Georgina’s best lead is the deadly oleander found in Roland’s system.
A new author to me & a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. I loved Georgie, who was intelligent, witty & observant, she’s making a new life for herself & has made some good friends. Her friends are a mix of ages & backgrounds but they all inter-react really well. I also liked DI Colin Bradshaw, he also had secrets, I look forward to seeing how his relationship with Georgie develops in future books. I did guess who the murderer was but it was more by luck than judgement. There was also the secondary mystery surrounding Doris, which looks to be an ongoing thread. A well written engrossing mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A new author to me & a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. I loved Georgie, who was intelligent, witty & observant, she’s making a new life for herself & has made some good friends. Her friends are a mix of ages & backgrounds but they all inter-react really well. I also liked DI Colin Bradshaw, he also had secrets, I look forward to seeing how his relationship with Georgie develops in future books. I did guess who the murderer was but it was more by luck than judgement. There was also the secondary mystery surrounding Doris, which looks to be an ongoing thread. A well written engrossing mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 22, 2023
If you love a good mystery that you can’t put down, this one’s for you. When Georgina Drake lost her husband two years earlier, she decides to move to a new place because of the sad memories. Little Wenborough is a small sleepy town in rural Norfolk, England. Perfect place to start over. She also a freelance photographer. She travels a lot for her work. Georgina uses her barn as a rental place for vacationers. When she goes to clean the place since her guest was supposed to leave, she finds the body of him. Since she’s the last to see him, she becomes a suspect along with her gardener, the woman who comes in and cleans, and the woman who cooks and delivers meals to her guest from her restaurant. Granted Professor Garnett, was not nice but didn’t deserve to die by a deadly Orleander poisoning. Who could have done it? Each one had a bad experience with him but knew he would be leaving soon. Between trying to clear their names to say and their businesses, Georgina finds she has a ghost. She’s the only one who can hear her. Can she help the ghost find her way back? The ghost who’s name is Doris and Georgina have become close, so she decides to help Doris too. Lots of crime keeps adding up but so do clues. Georgina and her friends become sleuths. DI Colin Bradshaw is not happy with them getting involved. There are so many people who dislike so much, can they figure out who it is? It has twist and turns and I loved that I couldn’t figure it out. Worth the read. Kate Hardy really did a great job with this book. My first read by her and it won’t be the last. I received this book for my honest review. I gave it voluntarily.
January 26, 2025
Brilliant Series Starter
Georgie Drake moved to a small East Anglian village after the sudden death of her husband. Although still devastated, she has begun to find her feet, make a few friends, join a keep fit class, and open a holiday home in her barn. But now she’s floundering. First of all, she got new hearing aids, then she began hearing the voice of her resident ghost, Doris, who I love, through them, and finally, she discovered a dead body in her barn! As the last person to see the victim alive she’s the main suspect, and that won't do. It won't do at all!
The first book in Kate Hardy's Georgina Drake Mystery Series is excellent. The main characters are fully formed, although there is obviously more to learn about them all, the descriptive language guides your imagination and there are just enough possible killers to confuse the reader as much as the dashing Chief Inspector tasked with investigating the case.
This is the start of what is a very good series and comes highly recommended.
Georgie Drake moved to a small East Anglian village after the sudden death of her husband. Although still devastated, she has begun to find her feet, make a few friends, join a keep fit class, and open a holiday home in her barn. But now she’s floundering. First of all, she got new hearing aids, then she began hearing the voice of her resident ghost, Doris, who I love, through them, and finally, she discovered a dead body in her barn! As the last person to see the victim alive she’s the main suspect, and that won't do. It won't do at all!
The first book in Kate Hardy's Georgina Drake Mystery Series is excellent. The main characters are fully formed, although there is obviously more to learn about them all, the descriptive language guides your imagination and there are just enough possible killers to confuse the reader as much as the dashing Chief Inspector tasked with investigating the case.
This is the start of what is a very good series and comes highly recommended.
November 4, 2023
Last updated on 04 Nov 2023
This book is a cozy mystery, a genre that I am not really very keen on. However, this book did not follow the usual route for this category ie using twee, stilted language and a group of amateur detectives trying to out-do the detectives. The plot was interesting and believable and I liked the characters. The amateurs do do some research into the case which was OK and not too drawn out.
I am also not keen on a supernatural element in a book, this was not overdone either. The book flowed well, the conversations were well written and it kept my interest throughout .
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more from this author
October 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cozy mystery novel. I loved the setting of the book with the quaint small town. Georgina was a sweet main character and brought so much to the mystery. This was a decent and fun read.
This was a cozy mystery novel. I loved the setting of the book with the quaint small town. Georgina was a sweet main character and brought so much to the mystery. This was a decent and fun read.
October 14, 2023
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
This was the first book in a new series - though it isnt clear if its Georgina's series or Colin, the policeman.
If I had realised that there was a 'ghost' connection then I probably would have passed this one by and I did find the whole 'Doris' side of the book unnecessary and really not needed. If another strand was needed then by all means include an historical murder but not through the medium of a ghost.
It is a cosy murder mystery and I had worked out the protagonist about 2/3rds through. But it was interesting to see how the threads came together and why the murderer chose their 'weapon'. It would have been nice maybe to have had a postscript with the outcome for the murderer.
I have a congenitally deaf daughter who over the years has had new hearing aids with ever increasing technology. So to have some input into how new aids alter hearing for a few days after receipt was an eye opener for me.
All in all a well researched book that was a joy to read
I look forward to more in the series but maybe leave Doris behind (though what happened to Trev would have been nice to know)
This was the first book in a new series - though it isnt clear if its Georgina's series or Colin, the policeman.
If I had realised that there was a 'ghost' connection then I probably would have passed this one by and I did find the whole 'Doris' side of the book unnecessary and really not needed. If another strand was needed then by all means include an historical murder but not through the medium of a ghost.
It is a cosy murder mystery and I had worked out the protagonist about 2/3rds through. But it was interesting to see how the threads came together and why the murderer chose their 'weapon'. It would have been nice maybe to have had a postscript with the outcome for the murderer.
I have a congenitally deaf daughter who over the years has had new hearing aids with ever increasing technology. So to have some input into how new aids alter hearing for a few days after receipt was an eye opener for me.
All in all a well researched book that was a joy to read
I look forward to more in the series but maybe leave Doris behind (though what happened to Trev would have been nice to know)
November 3, 2023
A cozy style murder mystery, lots secrets lots of emotions. Slightly repetitive dialogue at times but interesting. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy
November 12, 2023
Narrated by Tamsin Kennard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
by Kate Hardy ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this!
I loved the premise, the characters and I need book two now! Will they find Trev? Was it an accident or murder? and more importantly is love about to bloom?
by Kate Hardy ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this!
I loved the premise, the characters and I need book two now! Will they find Trev? Was it an accident or murder? and more importantly is love about to bloom?
October 19, 2023
A good, well-written, murder mystery including the paranormal. I found the characters likeable and entertaining. I also enjoyed the village community feel and the way they rallied together to exonerate themselves from persons of interest regarding the body found. Well recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2024
Easy to read, but I called it, somewhat predicted able. Though I'd like to know more about Doris and her history, so tbc.
October 15, 2023
Hearing voices and finding a dead body, the normal life of Geogina is not so normal anymore. This is a murder mystery with a paranormal twist and is the first book of the series. Got hooked to the writing style and the lives of the characters. I couldn't stop reading it and want to immediately get my hands on the next book of the series. Highly recommend!
October 12, 2023
From the cover design and description, I thought this looked and sounded like my type of book.
This was a Georgina Drake mystery, and I really liked it. From the beginning, it seemed to have just the right mixture of cosiness and suspense. I liked Georgina as a protagonist, and Doris was a very interesting character. This was a very light, easy read too. I found it light enough to read it one sitting; it's the type of book that I would pick up when I have a couple of hours to spare and want to relax with a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a Georgina Drake mystery, and I really liked it. From the beginning, it seemed to have just the right mixture of cosiness and suspense. I liked Georgina as a protagonist, and Doris was a very interesting character. This was a very light, easy read too. I found it light enough to read it one sitting; it's the type of book that I would pick up when I have a couple of hours to spare and want to relax with a book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
October 6, 2023
Georgina has moved to Norfolk after the death of her husband and now lives at The Rookery and rents the barn as a holiday let. Her current guest is an unpleasant man who even complains about the noise of the bird in the mornings! He’s obnoxious and alienates two young women who help Georgina with the holiday let. On the day he is to have left, Georgina finds his body. Was it just a heart attack or did someone murder him. There is a long list of potential suspects since he was truly an awful person.
Georgina also gets new hearing aids and suddenly is able to communicate with a ghost in her house. So she is now busy trying to clear herself and her friends of the murder and helping the ghost.
This was an entertaining cozy mystery and I enjoyed it very much. The characters are interesting and the mystery intriguing. I hope there are more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
Georgina also gets new hearing aids and suddenly is able to communicate with a ghost in her house. So she is now busy trying to clear herself and her friends of the murder and helping the ghost.
This was an entertaining cozy mystery and I enjoyed it very much. The characters are interesting and the mystery intriguing. I hope there are more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
May 30, 2024
Perfect, absolutely perfect. 1st book if Kate Hardy's that I have read and i have ordered to 2 following this one. Amongst poison and murder is the most beautiful story. I love Doris 🥰
October 11, 2023
I love a bit of amateur sleuthing and Georgina and her tribe of unlikely detectives are right up there as excellent characters.
I found Doris a little far fetched but that did not detract from my enjoyment of uncovering the murderer!
I found Doris a little far fetched but that did not detract from my enjoyment of uncovering the murderer!
September 29, 2023
The Body at Rookery Barn is a cozy mystery set in the UK. Its sweet, small-town vibes set the story up well with a little paranormal twist. Murder strikes and it’s up to the FMC to help solve the mystery of whodunnit.
The story was cute. I enjoyed reading it. It was slightly predictable and I expected the two storylines to be more in sync. I think the author could’ve written separate books about the competing stories, as it wasn’t necessary (and sometimes a little odd) for them to be intertwined. There was quite a bit of repetition throughout that could’ve been cut, but it was a promising start to the new series.
Overall, I suggest this read if you’re looking for a cute mystery without anything too creepy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.
Reviewed: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxwrs-6OVt-/
The story was cute. I enjoyed reading it. It was slightly predictable and I expected the two storylines to be more in sync. I think the author could’ve written separate books about the competing stories, as it wasn’t necessary (and sometimes a little odd) for them to be intertwined. There was quite a bit of repetition throughout that could’ve been cut, but it was a promising start to the new series.
Overall, I suggest this read if you’re looking for a cute mystery without anything too creepy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair review.
Reviewed: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxwrs-6OVt-/
September 25, 2023
Widow Georgina Drake opens the door of her rental property and finds the body of her latest guest, the very obnoxious professor Roland Garnett. She quickly becomes the main suspect when its discovered he was poisoned to death. Then there's Doris, the ghost of a young woman who died in the home fifty years ago, who Georgina can suddenly hear in her new hearing aids. Georgina is determined to find the real murderer to clear her name, and to also research the past to discover exactly how Doris died. I'm not usually a fan of ghost stories but this one had me hooked from page one! This was a well paced cozy with likeable and interesting main characters. This was a great start to a new series. I can't wait to read book two! My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC to read and review.
November 10, 2025
A murder with a ghost but not a ghost story or even a murder caused by a ghost [although I wondered by Georgina never questioned Doris about what she knew surrounding the murder]. Strong characters, which bodes well for future editions in this cozy murder series, and the audiobook narrator did a nice job. I'll be looking for the second book in this series to see what develops next.
September 18, 2023
I was really involved in this story as everything seemed very logical and it became a riddle to solve. Some really good characters and an excellent storyline. It was rather sad towards the end but ended on a high!
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