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Julia Bird Mysteries #5
A Country Wedding Murder
The joyous crowd applauds as the happy couple strides down the aisle. This Cotswolds country wedding has everything – friends and family, beautiful flowers and… murder?
When Julia Bird’s ex-husband Peter and his lovely partner Christopher decide to get married in Berrywick, Julia is delighted – after all, who doesn't love a country wedding? Little does Julia know that normally calm and collected Christopher will turn into a full-on Groomzilla – and that by the end of the night, someone will end up dead.
The morning after the big day, the jolly nuptial mood turns grim when Julia discovers the lifeless body of the caterer, Desmond. Someone locked him in the cold truck and the poor man froze to death. Now looking for a murderer, all eyes are on Christopher who, mid-tantrum, had publicly threatened to kill him. Convinced that Christopher is innocent, Julia vows to find the real culprit.
Julia soon discovers Desmond had a long list of enemies as she races against the clock to clear Christopher’s name. Could his death be the work of the respected wedding planner who was heard exchanging choice words with the victim? Or perhaps it was his wife – ‘til death do them part – who didn’t shed a single tear at his funeral?
But just when Julia thinks she’s cracked the case, her prime suspect is found dead with a knife in their back. Can Julia find the murderer before they strike again?
An utterly gripping, charming cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries.
When Julia Bird’s ex-husband Peter and his lovely partner Christopher decide to get married in Berrywick, Julia is delighted – after all, who doesn't love a country wedding? Little does Julia know that normally calm and collected Christopher will turn into a full-on Groomzilla – and that by the end of the night, someone will end up dead.
The morning after the big day, the jolly nuptial mood turns grim when Julia discovers the lifeless body of the caterer, Desmond. Someone locked him in the cold truck and the poor man froze to death. Now looking for a murderer, all eyes are on Christopher who, mid-tantrum, had publicly threatened to kill him. Convinced that Christopher is innocent, Julia vows to find the real culprit.
Julia soon discovers Desmond had a long list of enemies as she races against the clock to clear Christopher’s name. Could his death be the work of the respected wedding planner who was heard exchanging choice words with the victim? Or perhaps it was his wife – ‘til death do them part – who didn’t shed a single tear at his funeral?
But just when Julia thinks she’s cracked the case, her prime suspect is found dead with a knife in their back. Can Julia find the murderer before they strike again?
An utterly gripping, charming cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2024
1359 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Katie Gayle
19 books154 followersKatie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. Unlike their sleuth Epiphany Bloom, neither of them have ever stolen a cat from the vet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 10, 2024
When Julia Bird discovered the frozen dead body of the caterer from the wedding the night before, all she had wanted to do was go home to a cup of tea and her dog Jake. But when Detective Hayley Gibson arrived at The Swan, where the wedding had taken place, there would be no one leaving quickly. With several suspects needing to be eliminated - or not - Hayley forbid the happy couple leave. Almost everyone else lived in Berrywick, but they weren't to leave town. Julia and her good friend, Dr Sean O'Connell, put their heads together to try to find the murderer.
In the meantime Jess, Julia's daughter, had arrived home for the wedding, and would head back to Hong Kong after two weeks. Julia was delighted to have her staying in her home, and Jake, Julia's chocolate lab, was ecstatic to see Jess after the long two years she'd been away. As they tried to help Hayley discover who had killed the caterer, the partner in his business was discovered murdered. Back to square one! Would they discover the culprit so Berrywick could go back to being the lovely, quiet little village it always was?
A Country Wedding Murder is the 5th in the Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle and I enjoyed it. Fun, entertaining, with lots of twists and turns, I didn't pick the killer at all! I'm looking forward to the next in the series, especially to catch up with the adorable Jake. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
In the meantime Jess, Julia's daughter, had arrived home for the wedding, and would head back to Hong Kong after two weeks. Julia was delighted to have her staying in her home, and Jake, Julia's chocolate lab, was ecstatic to see Jess after the long two years she'd been away. As they tried to help Hayley discover who had killed the caterer, the partner in his business was discovered murdered. Back to square one! Would they discover the culprit so Berrywick could go back to being the lovely, quiet little village it always was?
A Country Wedding Murder is the 5th in the Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle and I enjoyed it. Fun, entertaining, with lots of twists and turns, I didn't pick the killer at all! I'm looking forward to the next in the series, especially to catch up with the adorable Jake. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2024
The fifth book in the Julia Bird mysteries series - the third one that I have read. One of these days I must go back and read the two I have missed.
Julia Bird is attending the wedding of her ex-husband to his new partner, Christopher. There are a few issues going on but no one expects to find the caterer's frozen corpse in a refrigerated truck the next morning. Christpher is initially a suspect so Julia turns on full sleuth mode and works to discover the killer.
This series stands out for its characters especially Julia herself, but also romantic interest Sean and even more importantly Jake the chocolate labrador. He deserves a book to himself.
Great series, excellent read, four stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Julia Bird is attending the wedding of her ex-husband to his new partner, Christopher. There are a few issues going on but no one expects to find the caterer's frozen corpse in a refrigerated truck the next morning. Christpher is initially a suspect so Julia turns on full sleuth mode and works to discover the killer.
This series stands out for its characters especially Julia herself, but also romantic interest Sean and even more importantly Jake the chocolate labrador. He deserves a book to himself.
Great series, excellent read, four stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 3, 2024
Julia Bird is soon to attend the wedding of her ex-husband Peter. With only a few glitches, the wedding takes place and the happy couple look forward to their future together. However, the next morning, the body of the caterer is discovered. His name was Desmond and he was shut in his refrigerator truck for an extended period of time, thus the man froze to death. Definitely foul play and Julia is determined to seek answers.
Peter's new husband Christopher is one of the very first suspects that the police look into, and Julia is now bound and determined to prove Christopher's innocence, while also finding the actual killer. Just as Julia and the local police close in on the most likely suspect, another murder occurs, and they just might be back at square one.
While all of this is going on, Julia is delighted that her daughter Jess is in town for the wedding. The two have a lot of time to make up for, and Julia strives to get closer to Jess. Julia and Jess's relationship makes this cozy mystery even more engaging as this adds another layer to a series that has been enjoyable right from the very start. Also, Julia's warm relationship with the local doctor Sean is also nice to read. Oh, this review would be remiss if I were not to mention Jake, Julia's wonderful chocolate Labrador Retriever. It was quite humorous to almost see Jake with a conscience when it came to his loyalty to Julia while clearly enamored with Jess. Yes, a fun story throughout.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Peter's new husband Christopher is one of the very first suspects that the police look into, and Julia is now bound and determined to prove Christopher's innocence, while also finding the actual killer. Just as Julia and the local police close in on the most likely suspect, another murder occurs, and they just might be back at square one.
While all of this is going on, Julia is delighted that her daughter Jess is in town for the wedding. The two have a lot of time to make up for, and Julia strives to get closer to Jess. Julia and Jess's relationship makes this cozy mystery even more engaging as this adds another layer to a series that has been enjoyable right from the very start. Also, Julia's warm relationship with the local doctor Sean is also nice to read. Oh, this review would be remiss if I were not to mention Jake, Julia's wonderful chocolate Labrador Retriever. It was quite humorous to almost see Jake with a conscience when it came to his loyalty to Julia while clearly enamored with Jess. Yes, a fun story throughout.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 14, 2024
A Country Wedding Murder is the 5th book in the Julia Bird Mysteries and it is another great addition to the series. Julia moved to Berrywick when she and her husband Peter got divorced. She has settled in nicely with her cottage, her dog, her friends, her beau, and a volunteer job. Her ex-husband Peter is getting married to Christopher and because their daughter Jess will be visiting her mom while home from Hong Kong, they decide to get married there. The wedding is going well, until someone has an allergic reaction to nuts and Christopher loses it on the caterer. The wedding continues, a bit subdued, but the rest of the night goes off without a hitch. The next morning when Julia and Sean try to leave The Swan, they are boxed in by the catering van. When they try to find the owner to move it, they find out that he is dead in the van. Was it an accident or was he murdered? Once it is determined that he was killed, Christopher becomes one of the main suspects. Julia jumps in to help DI Hayley Gibson, not only to clear Christopher, but just because she is a bit nosey (her words).
I am really enjoying this series. Julia is a great character. She used to be a social worker, so is really good at listening, observing and deducing. People just seem to open up to her, so she is able to get information that the police don't always find. It was nice to have her daughter, Jess, in this one. She has been mentioned in previous books and Julia felt their relationship was strained, but when they get together, it is a wonderful mother/daughter relationship. This mystery was not an easy one to solve. There were several suspects, but when one of them turns up dead, it is back to the drawing board. I thought I had it figured out at one point, but had to wait until the end to see if I was right. The secondary characters are all great, well developed and playing important roles in the story. I have to mention the dogs. Both Jake, Julia's dog and Leo, Sean's dog are important characters in their lives and I love that they are just as important as their friends. A Country Wedding Murder is a well plotted and developed cozy mystery with great characters, some romance, family and friends, making it an enjoyable book and series. If you are a cozy mystery lover, I recommend the Julia Bird Mysteries.
I am really enjoying this series. Julia is a great character. She used to be a social worker, so is really good at listening, observing and deducing. People just seem to open up to her, so she is able to get information that the police don't always find. It was nice to have her daughter, Jess, in this one. She has been mentioned in previous books and Julia felt their relationship was strained, but when they get together, it is a wonderful mother/daughter relationship. This mystery was not an easy one to solve. There were several suspects, but when one of them turns up dead, it is back to the drawing board. I thought I had it figured out at one point, but had to wait until the end to see if I was right. The secondary characters are all great, well developed and playing important roles in the story. I have to mention the dogs. Both Jake, Julia's dog and Leo, Sean's dog are important characters in their lives and I love that they are just as important as their friends. A Country Wedding Murder is a well plotted and developed cozy mystery with great characters, some romance, family and friends, making it an enjoyable book and series. If you are a cozy mystery lover, I recommend the Julia Bird Mysteries.
December 31, 2023
The Swan in Berrywick is hosting an autumn wedding, and Julia Bird is enjoying herself quite a lot! Her ex-husband, Peter is marrying his partner, Christopher, and even better their daughter Jess, is home from Hong Kong for the celebrations. Unfortunately, by the following morning, a body has been discovered, a guest has been hospitalised, and Julia is looking for clues!
With more suspects than expected, it isn't long before DI Hayley Gibson is asking Julia's opinion and gratefully accepting the information she seems to uncover quite easily. As they move closer to identifying a main suspect, the discovery of another body changes everything. Can they close the case before more people are put in danger, or is it already too late?
Five books in, this series get better and better. Julia is a great main protagonist, and the addition of her daughter Jess added a whole new dimension to the storyline. I hope she will return soon. The promise of more books to come was very welcome and I will be waiting for them eagerly.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment as I have the whole series. Recommended.
With more suspects than expected, it isn't long before DI Hayley Gibson is asking Julia's opinion and gratefully accepting the information she seems to uncover quite easily. As they move closer to identifying a main suspect, the discovery of another body changes everything. Can they close the case before more people are put in danger, or is it already too late?
Five books in, this series get better and better. Julia is a great main protagonist, and the addition of her daughter Jess added a whole new dimension to the storyline. I hope she will return soon. The promise of more books to come was very welcome and I will be waiting for them eagerly.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment as I have the whole series. Recommended.
March 24, 2024
In A Country Wedding Murder by Katie Gayle, readers are transported to the Cotswold countryside where the idyllic setting of a wedding is overshadowed by a shocking crime. When retired social worker Julia Bird finds the caterer dead the morning after attending a wedding, Julia finds herself thrust into the midst of a puzzling mystery.
Full review https://romancebookfest.com/2024/03/a...
Full review https://romancebookfest.com/2024/03/a...
March 1, 2024
This is the fifth book in this series all about Julia Birds Mysteries.
Julia’s ex is getting married, a nice country wedding at the Swan. The next morning a body is found, the mystery surrounding the death starts. There is quite a few suspects, but they all are innocent. DI Hayley Gibson is the detective in charge and wants to find the killer quickly.
This is an exciting read that keeps you guessing who the killer is. Julia is a likable character and she’s great at finding clues around the murders. The book is well written and is another great book in this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
Julia’s ex is getting married, a nice country wedding at the Swan. The next morning a body is found, the mystery surrounding the death starts. There is quite a few suspects, but they all are innocent. DI Hayley Gibson is the detective in charge and wants to find the killer quickly.
This is an exciting read that keeps you guessing who the killer is. Julia is a likable character and she’s great at finding clues around the murders. The book is well written and is another great book in this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
March 18, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Country Wedding Murder' by Katie Gayle.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Katie Gayle, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th March 2024.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the fifth book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series. I have also read the first book in the series 'An English Garden Murder', third book in this series 'A Village Fete Murder' and fourth book in this series 'Murder At The Inn'. I would highly recommend each and every one of them and all books in this series can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 32 chapters. The chapters are medium to long in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Yet another fantastic success Katie Gayle congratulations!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Julia, Sean, Leo and Jack each and every time .The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, a wedding, mayhem, mystery, a rat, tension, twists, romance, friendship and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals, chickens, one Jake, one Leo and a rat to be precise and included a book club was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours. I must say I absolutely adored the growing friendship between the cute and mischievous Jake and Leo and the not to be messed with bossy chicken Henny Penny!!!! I love the fact that we get to spend time with Julia's daughter Jess in this book. I absolutely loved meeting her, she is another amazing character and I was sad to see her go. It was lovely seeing her bond with book club member Dylan grow and hopefully Jess will return and things will carry on from where they were with them in this book. I enjoyed seeing Dylan's character develop and seeing him coming out of his shell. Although it was hard for Julia to see her ex husband Peter getting married to Christopher she was mature and kind to them both and it is a nice change to see in a book, ex partners getting along. It was also nice to get to know them more throughout the storyline. As always I enjoyed meeting DI Hayley Gibson too.
Grab your copy and join Julia on her murder mystery, pub visits, wedding disasters, charity shop volunteering and animal antics where there's a mix of romance, jealousy, heartbreak, anger, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cozy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Katie's next fantastic success!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
Although this is the fifth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake, Sean, Hayley, Henny Penny and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters into the first book in this series 'An English Garden Murder' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. Julia has a habit of coming across bodies and then getting involved with trying to solve the mystery to the annoyance of her friend (for now 😂) and DI Hayley Gibson. I love the fact that Julia refuses to back down on her digging even though she know she will get in trouble!! She is such a strong female role model. I also loved meeting Sean (007) again and find him to be such a true gentleman. I have loved watching his and Julie's relationship develop and I'm looking forward to watching it continuing to do so. DI Helen can be very grumpy at times especially when she has to tell Julia off but it's nice to see her soft side come out too and watching the friendship develop between them even more so in this book. I also enjoyed meeting Julia's daughter Jess and getting to know her better along with Julia's ex husband Peter and his new husband Christopher. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), Leo, Henny Penny, Tabitha and many, many more!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!
Congratulations Kate and Gail on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
261 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ACountryWeddingMurder #JuliaBirdMysteries #KatieGayle #KatieGayleBooks #katesidley #gailschimmel #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
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Review for 'A Country Wedding Murder' by Katie Gayle.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Katie Gayle, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 13th March 2024.
This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the fifth book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series. I have also read the first book in the series 'An English Garden Murder', third book in this series 'A Village Fete Murder' and fourth book in this series 'Murder At The Inn'. I would highly recommend each and every one of them and all books in this series can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 32 chapters. The chapters are medium to long in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that leave you hearing the chickens clucking, Jake barking and it most definitely leaves you wanting to visit!!! The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
Yet another fantastic success Katie Gayle congratulations!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!
I absolutely loved reading this book which took place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". This series is one of the best ones I have ever read and I love getting stuck into the mysteries with Julia, Sean, Leo and Jack each and every time .The storyline is multilayered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, a wedding, mayhem, mystery, a rat, tension, twists, romance, friendship and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals, chickens, one Jake, one Leo and a rat to be precise and included a book club was right down my street being a huge book and animal lover myself. It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours. I must say I absolutely adored the growing friendship between the cute and mischievous Jake and Leo and the not to be messed with bossy chicken Henny Penny!!!! I love the fact that we get to spend time with Julia's daughter Jess in this book. I absolutely loved meeting her, she is another amazing character and I was sad to see her go. It was lovely seeing her bond with book club member Dylan grow and hopefully Jess will return and things will carry on from where they were with them in this book. I enjoyed seeing Dylan's character develop and seeing him coming out of his shell. Although it was hard for Julia to see her ex husband Peter getting married to Christopher she was mature and kind to them both and it is a nice change to see in a book, ex partners getting along. It was also nice to get to know them more throughout the storyline. As always I enjoyed meeting DI Hayley Gibson too.
Grab your copy and join Julia on her murder mystery, pub visits, wedding disasters, charity shop volunteering and animal antics where there's a mix of romance, jealousy, heartbreak, anger, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cozy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Katie's next fantastic success!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
Although this is the fifth book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake, Sean, Hayley, Henny Penny and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters into the first book in this series 'An English Garden Murder' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. Julia has a habit of coming across bodies and then getting involved with trying to solve the mystery to the annoyance of her friend (for now 😂) and DI Hayley Gibson. I love the fact that Julia refuses to back down on her digging even though she know she will get in trouble!! She is such a strong female role model. I also loved meeting Sean (007) again and find him to be such a true gentleman. I have loved watching his and Julie's relationship develop and I'm looking forward to watching it continuing to do so. DI Helen can be very grumpy at times especially when she has to tell Julia off but it's nice to see her soft side come out too and watching the friendship develop between them even more so in this book. I also enjoyed meeting Julia's daughter Jess and getting to know her better along with Julia's ex husband Peter and his new husband Christopher. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), Leo, Henny Penny, Tabitha and many, many more!!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!
Congratulations Kate and Gail on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
261 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ACountryWeddingMurder #JuliaBirdMysteries #KatieGayle #KatieGayleBooks #katesidley #gailschimmel #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited
@ACountryWeddingMurder @JuliaBirdMysteries @KatieGayle @KatieGayleBooks @katesidley @gailschimmel @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @KindleUnlimited @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited
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February 25, 2024
How many of us would track down a murderer to clear the name of our ex-husband's new spouse? Probably not many, but that's all part of Julia's charm, and the reason for her putting on her sleuthing shoes for the fifth time.
A mix-up with the catering which could have had fatal consequences causes Christopher, the new spouse of Julia's ex, Peter, to blow up at the caterer. When the caterer is later found dead, Christopher becomes the prime suspect.
Gayle gives us lots of robust characters and a wonderful taste of village life in Berrywick. Julia has integrated herself into the community in the process of building her post-divorce retirement life, and that helps with her investigations. This time, we get a better sense of where she came from, as her daughter has come to stay for the wedding, and Julia is interacting more with her ex due to the case.
Julia has also settled into a romantic relationship with the local doctor, Sean, and made some strong friendships with the local librarian, Tabitha, and police detective Hayley. As always, there's Jake the failed service dog, who provides not only comic relief, but clues, and, it must be confessed, messes.
Why you should read this series: This series is everything a cozy should be. Berrywick isn't St. Mary Mead, and Julia isn't Miss Marple, but there's a comfort and simplicity I find in English village cozies that I enjoy.
Why you might not want to: I can't imagine any reason you wouldn't want to, if you like cozies.
I received an advance copy from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
A mix-up with the catering which could have had fatal consequences causes Christopher, the new spouse of Julia's ex, Peter, to blow up at the caterer. When the caterer is later found dead, Christopher becomes the prime suspect.
Gayle gives us lots of robust characters and a wonderful taste of village life in Berrywick. Julia has integrated herself into the community in the process of building her post-divorce retirement life, and that helps with her investigations. This time, we get a better sense of where she came from, as her daughter has come to stay for the wedding, and Julia is interacting more with her ex due to the case.
Julia has also settled into a romantic relationship with the local doctor, Sean, and made some strong friendships with the local librarian, Tabitha, and police detective Hayley. As always, there's Jake the failed service dog, who provides not only comic relief, but clues, and, it must be confessed, messes.
Why you should read this series: This series is everything a cozy should be. Berrywick isn't St. Mary Mead, and Julia isn't Miss Marple, but there's a comfort and simplicity I find in English village cozies that I enjoy.
Why you might not want to: I can't imagine any reason you wouldn't want to, if you like cozies.
I received an advance copy from Bookouture via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
December 7, 2023
A Country Wedding Murder is the fifth book in the Julia Bird mysteries, Who murdered the caterer? When the main suspect is also murdered, the race is on to find the murderer. This was a nice light read with plenty of plot twists and numerous suspects that kept me up reading late into the night. 4/5 Stars..
My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for sharing this with me.
My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for sharing this with me.
March 27, 2024
This is a witty cozy novel. It is littered with quirky humour. Clever. It is plot driven rather than character driven and for many readers, that is sufficient. It could have been a great read. However, as I read, I could not escape the feeling that the writer was not English and that just perhaps, 'she' had never been to the Cotswolds. I wondered if the writer was American. There was something about the dialogue which did not seem English. I have since discovered that Katie Gayle is a writing duo from South Africa. I was hoping for the setting to resonate with that delightful Cotswold's charm. It doesn't. I never felt that I was there. A strong sense of place is what I am looking for in a 'cozy,' since I am reading light fiction as an escape.
The 'sleuth,' Julia Bird, is supposed to be in her early 60's which begs the question of how her daughter could be a university undergraduate. That must have been a very late life pregnancy. Then too, Julia doesn't 'feel' like a person in her 60's. She feels much younger than that, as does her lover Sean. The reason? These writers are very young. They can do better and maybe they will. I hope so.
The 'sleuth,' Julia Bird, is supposed to be in her early 60's which begs the question of how her daughter could be a university undergraduate. That must have been a very late life pregnancy. Then too, Julia doesn't 'feel' like a person in her 60's. She feels much younger than that, as does her lover Sean. The reason? These writers are very young. They can do better and maybe they will. I hope so.
March 8, 2024
A Country Wedding Murder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ When Julia Bird’s ex-husband Peter and his lovely partner Christopher decide to get married in Berrywick, Julia is delighted – after all, who doesn't love a country wedding? Little does Julia know that normally calm and collected Christopher will turn into a full-on Groomzilla – and that by the end of the night, someone will end up dead.”
This was a really good cozy mystery. This series is a good one and I really enjoy the characters. I like how the bigger picture plot is written. With this mystery I really didn’t have a clue about who the killer was until towards the end which is awesome! Can’t wait until the next one comes out. Great series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ When Julia Bird’s ex-husband Peter and his lovely partner Christopher decide to get married in Berrywick, Julia is delighted – after all, who doesn't love a country wedding? Little does Julia know that normally calm and collected Christopher will turn into a full-on Groomzilla – and that by the end of the night, someone will end up dead.”
This was a really good cozy mystery. This series is a good one and I really enjoy the characters. I like how the bigger picture plot is written. With this mystery I really didn’t have a clue about who the killer was until towards the end which is awesome! Can’t wait until the next one comes out. Great series!
October 5, 2024
Another enjoyable mystery in the Julia Bird series. This one lost a star for lack of proofreading - a character (a suspect in the murder) was mostly called Goldie, but twice was called Gloria. Other little things were also in need of checking but that was the most obvious one.
September 23, 2024
Another great cozy mystery by Katie Gayle. Love the characters. Love the storylines.
June 5, 2024
Let me say first that I have enjoyed all the Julia Bird books up to this point. Five stars. This latest one was not at the same level with respect to plot. The characters are great, and Jess was a fine addition. The story kept me going, but the denouement was a little cliché and disappointing.
January 21, 2024
I love Julia Bird. She's a wonderful character and good fun to while away a few hours with. That said, if she were a real person, I'd be thinking long and hard about inviting her to any important events I was arranging as, wherever Julia goes, it seems like trouble, or more accurately, murder, is not far away. She's like a present day Jessica Fletcher, only not a novelist, and rather than living in Cabot Cove, she's in the Cotswolds with a madcap dog and a very judgmental chicken. And as you can imagine, it means these books are a whole lot of fun.
In A Country Wedding Murder, the calamitous event in question is the wedding of Julia's ex-husband Peter to his fiance, Christopher. Whilst maybe a little bit strange for Julia, she's loved up herself with dishy local Doctor, Sean O'Connor, and the occasion gives her plenty of reason to celebrate too, as her daughter, Jess, is home from Japan for a few weeks to attend the wedding. Everything seems to be perfect, at least until Julia, Sean and Jess discover the caterer's body doing a good imitation of a popsicle, and trainee Groomzilla, Christopher, becomes the number one suspect.
What I love about this series is that, whilst the subject matter may be quite serious - murder is no laughing matter after all - the authors manage to balance humour, lightness and that sense of jeopardy perfectly, keeping all of the relevant clues hidden until the perfect moment for reveal, and infusing so much mystery that it keeps me completely hooked from start to finish. The act of murder seems incongruous with the picture perfect setting, and yet it all makes perfect sense, and keeping those moments of jollity, in spite of the occasional demise of a few characters, makes the whole series completely engaging.
The authors do a perfect job of creating that small village feeling, everyone knowing each other's business and that feeling of connectivity that happens in such a small and close knit community. It also means a great opportunity for local gossip to seep into the investigation, and provides Julia with plenty of opportunity to obtain precious clues about what might be going on, a far more complicated case than it might have first appeared.
The author's actually tackle a few important issues in the story too, handling them with sensitivity, and not exaggerating them just for effect. There are a few red herrings scattered along the way, diverting everyone's attention away from the truth, foxing even the ever vigilant and capable DI Hayley Gibson. Speaking of whom, I do love her and DC Walter Farmer as characters, although in Farmer's case it's often more in an aww, bless, way, as he means well, but often stumbles on important information, rather than finding his way there by design.
If you love a good old cosy murder mystery, one that has plenty of suspects, a beautiful setting, and a whole load of heart and humour, you really should pick this up. If you're a cosy crime fan and you've not read any of the series yet ,you're missing out on a real treat. It's not often I venture to the lighter side of crime, but I wouldn't miss reading these books as they are just so much fun. Definitely recommended.
In A Country Wedding Murder, the calamitous event in question is the wedding of Julia's ex-husband Peter to his fiance, Christopher. Whilst maybe a little bit strange for Julia, she's loved up herself with dishy local Doctor, Sean O'Connor, and the occasion gives her plenty of reason to celebrate too, as her daughter, Jess, is home from Japan for a few weeks to attend the wedding. Everything seems to be perfect, at least until Julia, Sean and Jess discover the caterer's body doing a good imitation of a popsicle, and trainee Groomzilla, Christopher, becomes the number one suspect.
What I love about this series is that, whilst the subject matter may be quite serious - murder is no laughing matter after all - the authors manage to balance humour, lightness and that sense of jeopardy perfectly, keeping all of the relevant clues hidden until the perfect moment for reveal, and infusing so much mystery that it keeps me completely hooked from start to finish. The act of murder seems incongruous with the picture perfect setting, and yet it all makes perfect sense, and keeping those moments of jollity, in spite of the occasional demise of a few characters, makes the whole series completely engaging.
The authors do a perfect job of creating that small village feeling, everyone knowing each other's business and that feeling of connectivity that happens in such a small and close knit community. It also means a great opportunity for local gossip to seep into the investigation, and provides Julia with plenty of opportunity to obtain precious clues about what might be going on, a far more complicated case than it might have first appeared.
The author's actually tackle a few important issues in the story too, handling them with sensitivity, and not exaggerating them just for effect. There are a few red herrings scattered along the way, diverting everyone's attention away from the truth, foxing even the ever vigilant and capable DI Hayley Gibson. Speaking of whom, I do love her and DC Walter Farmer as characters, although in Farmer's case it's often more in an aww, bless, way, as he means well, but often stumbles on important information, rather than finding his way there by design.
If you love a good old cosy murder mystery, one that has plenty of suspects, a beautiful setting, and a whole load of heart and humour, you really should pick this up. If you're a cosy crime fan and you've not read any of the series yet ,you're missing out on a real treat. It's not often I venture to the lighter side of crime, but I wouldn't miss reading these books as they are just so much fun. Definitely recommended.
March 16, 2024
4.2 Stars
One Liner: Such a fun read!
Julia Bird is delighted that her ex-husband Peter and his partner Christopher are marrying in her village, Berrywick. However, Christopher turns out to be a groom-zilla! Nevertheless, the wedding goes well until there’s a spat with the caterer, Desmond.
Everything seemed fine the next morning. However, Julia finds Desmond’s dead body, and it is clearly a murder. With Christopher on the suspect list, she has to put on her sleuthing hat again and find the killer.
The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
The book should work as a standalone, but I recommend reading book #1 to get a better idea. It will also help you see the character growth in Julia and understand her relationship and dynamic with her ex-husband. It is refreshing to read non-toxic relationships between exes.
Christopher is a typical groom-zilla but still comes across as a sweetie. The poor guy wants his wedding to be perfect. Who can say no?
Jess, Julia’s daughter, is visiting for the first time since Julia moved to Berrywick. Must say that I like Jess very much. She is the right mix of fun and serious, childish and mature, which makes her easy to connect with.
Now, Jake, our adorable chocolate lab, should get a special mention. He is turning out to be a lover boy! In the last book, Jake gives all his attention to Henny Penny, the boss chicken. Now, he is mesmerized by Jess and can’t take his eyes off her. And with Jess pampering her Jakey boy, there’s no stopping him!
Little Sebastian also makes a guest entry. I love this tail-less monkey who asks Jake if he is a good boy, lol. Leave the two alone for a few minutes, and there will be loads of cleaning up to do!
Julia and Hayley are becoming closer friends, even if Hayley wouldn’t admit it. Sean is a perfect partner, as always, being there for Julia without crowding her space and offering support without being loud.
The mystery is solid. I like that Julia and the readers get the clues at the same time. This does make it tough when Julia takes time to connect the dots, but hey, readers have more sleuthing experience.
The reveal, when it comes, seems a natural progression of the case and not something that appears out of nowhere.
To summarize, A Country Wedding Murder is an entertaining and delightful mystery with dead bodies, food, sleuthing, suspects, laughter, and a touch of contemplation. The pacing is steady, which makes this a breezy read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ACountryWeddingMurder
One Liner: Such a fun read!
Julia Bird is delighted that her ex-husband Peter and his partner Christopher are marrying in her village, Berrywick. However, Christopher turns out to be a groom-zilla! Nevertheless, the wedding goes well until there’s a spat with the caterer, Desmond.
Everything seemed fine the next morning. However, Julia finds Desmond’s dead body, and it is clearly a murder. With Christopher on the suspect list, she has to put on her sleuthing hat again and find the killer.
The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
The book should work as a standalone, but I recommend reading book #1 to get a better idea. It will also help you see the character growth in Julia and understand her relationship and dynamic with her ex-husband. It is refreshing to read non-toxic relationships between exes.
Christopher is a typical groom-zilla but still comes across as a sweetie. The poor guy wants his wedding to be perfect. Who can say no?
Jess, Julia’s daughter, is visiting for the first time since Julia moved to Berrywick. Must say that I like Jess very much. She is the right mix of fun and serious, childish and mature, which makes her easy to connect with.
Now, Jake, our adorable chocolate lab, should get a special mention. He is turning out to be a lover boy! In the last book, Jake gives all his attention to Henny Penny, the boss chicken. Now, he is mesmerized by Jess and can’t take his eyes off her. And with Jess pampering her Jakey boy, there’s no stopping him!
Little Sebastian also makes a guest entry. I love this tail-less monkey who asks Jake if he is a good boy, lol. Leave the two alone for a few minutes, and there will be loads of cleaning up to do!
Julia and Hayley are becoming closer friends, even if Hayley wouldn’t admit it. Sean is a perfect partner, as always, being there for Julia without crowding her space and offering support without being loud.
The mystery is solid. I like that Julia and the readers get the clues at the same time. This does make it tough when Julia takes time to connect the dots, but hey, readers have more sleuthing experience.
The reveal, when it comes, seems a natural progression of the case and not something that appears out of nowhere.
To summarize, A Country Wedding Murder is an entertaining and delightful mystery with dead bodies, food, sleuthing, suspects, laughter, and a touch of contemplation. The pacing is steady, which makes this a breezy read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ACountryWeddingMurder
January 9, 2026
This charming English murder mystery was everything I hope for in a cosy crime novel. Set against the idyllic backdrop of the Cotswolds, the story balances picturesque village life with a satisfyingly dark undercurrent. The author’s depiction of the setting is particularly effective — it’s all honey-coloured stone, quiet lanes, and social niceties that barely conceal long-held grudges and secrets.
One of the highlights of this instalment was the deeper exploration of the main character’s family. Meeting more of their relatives added warmth, humour, and emotional depth, while also expanding the pool of potential suspects in an organic way. Family dynamics, old resentments, and unspoken tensions were woven neatly into the mystery, making the personal stakes feel higher than ever.
The central crime — a murder at a wedding — was a brilliant choice. The contrast between what should have been a joyful celebration and the sudden violence created immediate intrigue, and the closed-circle feel of the guest list heightened the suspense. As the investigation unfolded, the clues were cleverly placed, and the pacing kept the story engaging throughout.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, I did find myself suspicious of the murderer fairly early on. The hints were subtle rather than obvious, but they added up quickly enough that my instincts proved correct well before the final reveal. Even so, this didn’t diminish my enjoyment; if anything, it was satisfying to see the solution unfold and confirm my suspicions.
Overall, this was a delightful, comforting read with just the right mix of charm, intrigue, and gentle menace. A strong addition to the series, particularly for readers who enjoy classic village mysteries, family drama, and crimes hidden beneath the surface of polite English society.
One of the highlights of this instalment was the deeper exploration of the main character’s family. Meeting more of their relatives added warmth, humour, and emotional depth, while also expanding the pool of potential suspects in an organic way. Family dynamics, old resentments, and unspoken tensions were woven neatly into the mystery, making the personal stakes feel higher than ever.
The central crime — a murder at a wedding — was a brilliant choice. The contrast between what should have been a joyful celebration and the sudden violence created immediate intrigue, and the closed-circle feel of the guest list heightened the suspense. As the investigation unfolded, the clues were cleverly placed, and the pacing kept the story engaging throughout.
That said, while I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, I did find myself suspicious of the murderer fairly early on. The hints were subtle rather than obvious, but they added up quickly enough that my instincts proved correct well before the final reveal. Even so, this didn’t diminish my enjoyment; if anything, it was satisfying to see the solution unfold and confirm my suspicions.
Overall, this was a delightful, comforting read with just the right mix of charm, intrigue, and gentle menace. A strong addition to the series, particularly for readers who enjoy classic village mysteries, family drama, and crimes hidden beneath the surface of polite English society.
January 23, 2024
In this 5th Julia Bird mystery, we meet Julia's daughter, who is visiting from Hong Kong. She's there for the wedding of her father/Julia's ex-husband, Peter. Peter and Christopher, the husband-to-be, have remained friends with Julia and helped her move to the Cotswolds when she went there from London. They fell in love with the place and decided to have their wedding there. It's Christopher's first wedding, and he gets a bit 'Groomzilla' about it all, both before and after the wedding. When someone is found dead, Christopher is a suspect. Julia investigates with help from her daughter, her friends, and of course, the fabulous Jake the dog. There's also another mystery running through the book, which Julia is puzzled about--is it or is it not related.
I love this series and I loved this book just as much as the previous four. It's not necessary to have read them in order, but I have enjoyed seeing the evolution of the characters and their relationships, seeing how Jake matures and how his friendship with Henny Penny the chicken endures. Jake featured a lot in this book and his antics made me laugh out loud. It was nice to 'meet' Julia's daughter --their relationship had been strained at times in the past. Her presence added a new dimension to the cast of characters. As a cozy mystery, I give the book 5 stars. It's an enjoyable read with some interesting twists, a fun cast of quirky characters, developing relationships of various sorts, a cute village, and of course, Jake.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy of this book.
I love this series and I loved this book just as much as the previous four. It's not necessary to have read them in order, but I have enjoyed seeing the evolution of the characters and their relationships, seeing how Jake matures and how his friendship with Henny Penny the chicken endures. Jake featured a lot in this book and his antics made me laugh out loud. It was nice to 'meet' Julia's daughter --their relationship had been strained at times in the past. Her presence added a new dimension to the cast of characters. As a cozy mystery, I give the book 5 stars. It's an enjoyable read with some interesting twists, a fun cast of quirky characters, developing relationships of various sorts, a cute village, and of course, Jake.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy of this book.
January 23, 2024
This is one of my favourite cosy crime series and this new book lives up the standards of the previous books.
Retired social work, Julia Bird keeps finding herself involved in murder investigations despite her best intentions. This time the murder occurs at the marriage of her ex-husband to his new partner and once again, Julia is there when the body is discovered.
One of the reasons that I enjoy this series so much is the character of Julia. She is completely believable and her relationships with the other characters in the book, including her growing friendship with D I Hayley Gibson make these books stand out from others in this field. I really enjoyed Julia’s mixed feelings about her ex-husband’s remarriage and her renewed relationship with her daughter.
The mystery is an enjoyable puzzle. The various suspects are ruled out one by one and it begins to look as though the police have no further leads until the final clue leads them all to the right place.
My one minor regret is that once the murderer was uncovered, the book was over very quickly. We had several chapters setting the scene at the beginning but the climax of the book actually felt a bit rushed.
Despite this, it was still a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cosy crime with a believable set of characters and lovely setting.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers, Bookouture, for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Retired social work, Julia Bird keeps finding herself involved in murder investigations despite her best intentions. This time the murder occurs at the marriage of her ex-husband to his new partner and once again, Julia is there when the body is discovered.
One of the reasons that I enjoy this series so much is the character of Julia. She is completely believable and her relationships with the other characters in the book, including her growing friendship with D I Hayley Gibson make these books stand out from others in this field. I really enjoyed Julia’s mixed feelings about her ex-husband’s remarriage and her renewed relationship with her daughter.
The mystery is an enjoyable puzzle. The various suspects are ruled out one by one and it begins to look as though the police have no further leads until the final clue leads them all to the right place.
My one minor regret is that once the murderer was uncovered, the book was over very quickly. We had several chapters setting the scene at the beginning but the climax of the book actually felt a bit rushed.
Despite this, it was still a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cosy crime with a believable set of characters and lovely setting.
My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers, Bookouture, for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 20, 2024
Favorite Quotes:
Julia took a pancake topped with a grilled prawn. It was warm and spicy, with a hint of lime, and she had to restrain herself from falling on the tray and tossing the delicious morsels into her mouth like smarties.
The Buttered Scone operated as a kind of vortex, drawing in all Berrywick’s information– gossip, if you prefer the term– at improbable speed. It paid to be a little careful, as any information you let slip would be pulled in and just as rapidly disseminated, and before you knew it, your own careless comment or whispered confidence would be all over the village.
Hayley looked around the tearoom, which was a known gossip mill, constantly absorbing and releasing local intel, almost as if it was an organism breathing in and out.
Julia waved to Flo and made the international sign for the bill– a squiggling hand movement, fingers and thumb pressed together, as if she was signing a bill with a pen. In a few years’ time, would they all be making a swipe gesture, Julia wondered.
My Review:
This was a fun and pleasurable yet compelling read that kept me engaged and casting multiple “who done it” theories throughout perusal. Julia is a knowable and authentic character and her creators keep adding a few more quirky layers to their cast of villagers while also softening Julia’s edges. The writing is easy to follow and engaging with a clever and well-plotted murder mystery that was essentially unsolvable until the last few chapters. I have enjoyed each installment of this amusing series and am already looking forward to the next.
Julia took a pancake topped with a grilled prawn. It was warm and spicy, with a hint of lime, and she had to restrain herself from falling on the tray and tossing the delicious morsels into her mouth like smarties.
The Buttered Scone operated as a kind of vortex, drawing in all Berrywick’s information– gossip, if you prefer the term– at improbable speed. It paid to be a little careful, as any information you let slip would be pulled in and just as rapidly disseminated, and before you knew it, your own careless comment or whispered confidence would be all over the village.
Hayley looked around the tearoom, which was a known gossip mill, constantly absorbing and releasing local intel, almost as if it was an organism breathing in and out.
Julia waved to Flo and made the international sign for the bill– a squiggling hand movement, fingers and thumb pressed together, as if she was signing a bill with a pen. In a few years’ time, would they all be making a swipe gesture, Julia wondered.
My Review:
This was a fun and pleasurable yet compelling read that kept me engaged and casting multiple “who done it” theories throughout perusal. Julia is a knowable and authentic character and her creators keep adding a few more quirky layers to their cast of villagers while also softening Julia’s edges. The writing is easy to follow and engaging with a clever and well-plotted murder mystery that was essentially unsolvable until the last few chapters. I have enjoyed each installment of this amusing series and am already looking forward to the next.
December 4, 2023
I do enjoy these Julia Bird mysteries. There's always a danger that the stories will get too predictable and boring by book four. That's far from the case here. Yes, they are of a type and you might just be able to work out what's going to happen and 'whodunnit' but it doesn't matter, because these are well-written and entertaining books. I love going back and seeing what Julia, Sean, Jake and her other friends are getting up to.
This time we get to meet Julia's daughter Jess. Although she has been overseas in Hong Kong for quite some time and no doubt intends to return, I suspect we might see some more of her in the not-too-distant future.
Having said that it is possible to work out 'whodunnit' I have to admit that this time I didn't. I'd managed to put some parts of the puzzle together, but I followed too many red herrings and ended up completely on the wrong track. I did finally figure it out in the last little bit, but it was very close to the end and just as Julia was realising the same thing, so I don't think that I can really claim that one.
This was a really enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to my next visit to see Julia and her friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
This time we get to meet Julia's daughter Jess. Although she has been overseas in Hong Kong for quite some time and no doubt intends to return, I suspect we might see some more of her in the not-too-distant future.
Having said that it is possible to work out 'whodunnit' I have to admit that this time I didn't. I'd managed to put some parts of the puzzle together, but I followed too many red herrings and ended up completely on the wrong track. I did finally figure it out in the last little bit, but it was very close to the end and just as Julia was realising the same thing, so I don't think that I can really claim that one.
This was a really enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to my next visit to see Julia and her friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
December 11, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this cozy mystery.
Julia Bird has lived in her Cotswold village for two years now. In this, her fifth mystery, she's happy because her daughter Jess has come home from Japan for her father's wedding, which he and Christopher are holding in Berrywick. It's being held at the Swan hotel and Christopher is being a groomzilla about the day. One of the guests suffers from a nut allergy and falls down ill after eating some, but Sean the doctor is able to help him recover. Christopher is angry with the caterer who was told of the allergy, but Desmond swears that no nuts were in any of the dishes.
The next morning, Desmond's catering van is blocking the back parking lot of the hotel so Julia cannot get her car out. She and Jess see the keys are in the ignition but the driver is nowhere to be seen. They open the back door and his body tumbles out, frozen to death. How did he manage to lock himself in the van, and why were the controls turned down as low as they could go?
Julia learns things about the caterer that the police don't, and even finds evidence in his clothes that the police had obtained, and then released back to the widow. I think the police force is this village is very lucky to have her there to help them in the investigations. I love these books so much, and look forward to the next!
Julia Bird has lived in her Cotswold village for two years now. In this, her fifth mystery, she's happy because her daughter Jess has come home from Japan for her father's wedding, which he and Christopher are holding in Berrywick. It's being held at the Swan hotel and Christopher is being a groomzilla about the day. One of the guests suffers from a nut allergy and falls down ill after eating some, but Sean the doctor is able to help him recover. Christopher is angry with the caterer who was told of the allergy, but Desmond swears that no nuts were in any of the dishes.
The next morning, Desmond's catering van is blocking the back parking lot of the hotel so Julia cannot get her car out. She and Jess see the keys are in the ignition but the driver is nowhere to be seen. They open the back door and his body tumbles out, frozen to death. How did he manage to lock himself in the van, and why were the controls turned down as low as they could go?
Julia learns things about the caterer that the police don't, and even finds evidence in his clothes that the police had obtained, and then released back to the widow. I think the police force is this village is very lucky to have her there to help them in the investigations. I love these books so much, and look forward to the next!
January 12, 2024
I really enjoy Katie Gayle’s books: the three about the scatty young woman, Epiphany (Pip) Bloom; and the slightly longer series (so far) of her Julia Bird books. This fifth one in the latter series, A Country Wedding Murder, sees Julia’s ex-husband marrying his new (male) partner. We also meet Julia’s daughter, Jess, as she comes back from Hong Kong for her dad’s wedding. Of course, since this is a Julia Bird mystery, there is a dead body to round off the event.
Although this is described as a cozy mystery, there is an element of domestic abusive behaviour. It’s strange, isn’t it, how I can happily accept murder as a highly acceptable element in a so-called “cozy” mystery, yet feel distressed when abuse is involved? I guess it’s because murder is, thankfully, something very few of us encounter outside books, but we know that abuse could actually be happening behind our neighbours’ doors.
As always with Katie Gayle, the book is well-written. There are red herrings; various suspects; and a satisfying denouement. I love the range of tone that Katie Gayle brings to these books. Not only are Julia Bird’s behaviour, language, and mannerisms note-perfect for a middle-aged woman; the character of her daughter, Jess, is just right for a young university student. All in all, a highly satisfying read.
#ACountryWeddingMurder #NetGalley
Although this is described as a cozy mystery, there is an element of domestic abusive behaviour. It’s strange, isn’t it, how I can happily accept murder as a highly acceptable element in a so-called “cozy” mystery, yet feel distressed when abuse is involved? I guess it’s because murder is, thankfully, something very few of us encounter outside books, but we know that abuse could actually be happening behind our neighbours’ doors.
As always with Katie Gayle, the book is well-written. There are red herrings; various suspects; and a satisfying denouement. I love the range of tone that Katie Gayle brings to these books. Not only are Julia Bird’s behaviour, language, and mannerisms note-perfect for a middle-aged woman; the character of her daughter, Jess, is just right for a young university student. All in all, a highly satisfying read.
#ACountryWeddingMurder #NetGalley
February 25, 2024
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
This is another great Julia Bird mystery! I haven't yet read all of them, but I can say that I have loved all of the ones I have read. Julia is so easy to like in large part because she's just a normal, everyday kind of person. She's in a new stage in her life and embracing those changes while also being able to reflect back on her prior life. In this book she gets to see her ex-husband remarry and spend time with her daughter (Jess) who has been in Hong Kong for school. I especially appreciate how the author makes everyone so down to earth. Julia and Jess's relationship is pretty typical - there is no question how much they love one another but they're not the over-the-top best friends that have been so common in recent pop culture. The little mini-romance between Jess and Dylan was also really sweet. There didn't seem to be as much of Sean here and I would have happily had more with him and Julia. As for the mystery, it had me guessing until the end and was definitely not obvious until it was obvious to everyone. I really liked how Julia did have moments of being a little nosy, but most of the information she gets was just a matter of her being in the right place at the right time.
This is another great Julia Bird mystery! I haven't yet read all of them, but I can say that I have loved all of the ones I have read. Julia is so easy to like in large part because she's just a normal, everyday kind of person. She's in a new stage in her life and embracing those changes while also being able to reflect back on her prior life. In this book she gets to see her ex-husband remarry and spend time with her daughter (Jess) who has been in Hong Kong for school. I especially appreciate how the author makes everyone so down to earth. Julia and Jess's relationship is pretty typical - there is no question how much they love one another but they're not the over-the-top best friends that have been so common in recent pop culture. The little mini-romance between Jess and Dylan was also really sweet. There didn't seem to be as much of Sean here and I would have happily had more with him and Julia. As for the mystery, it had me guessing until the end and was definitely not obvious until it was obvious to everyone. I really liked how Julia did have moments of being a little nosy, but most of the information she gets was just a matter of her being in the right place at the right time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Julia's ex husband Peter is getting married to his new partner Christopher but a death after the wedding ceremony leaves one of the grooms as a suspect...
A Country Wedding Murder is the 5th book in the Julia Bird cosy murder mystery series. There are no major spoilers but there are some mentions of outcomes from earlier books as they refer to peripheral characters.
It's a slightly odd feeling for Julia as she is happy for her ex and delighted her daughter has come home. Luckily she has her own relationship with doctor Sean, but the wedding does bring some mixed emotions and thoughts about the past. This is quickly overshadowed when the caterer is found dead in his refrigerated van after Christopher threatened him. Julia wants to support him so begins to investigate.
The case isn't straight forward and Julia uncovers a range of suspects and motives which is heightened when another body is found. The style of writing is easy to read and there is little forensic detail. I enjoyed meeting other characters again to give Julia and the setting some added depth. Meanwhile the personal relationships strengthen our support of Julia as she proceeds to investigate.
A Country Wedding Murder is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
A Country Wedding Murder is the 5th book in the Julia Bird cosy murder mystery series. There are no major spoilers but there are some mentions of outcomes from earlier books as they refer to peripheral characters.
It's a slightly odd feeling for Julia as she is happy for her ex and delighted her daughter has come home. Luckily she has her own relationship with doctor Sean, but the wedding does bring some mixed emotions and thoughts about the past. This is quickly overshadowed when the caterer is found dead in his refrigerated van after Christopher threatened him. Julia wants to support him so begins to investigate.
The case isn't straight forward and Julia uncovers a range of suspects and motives which is heightened when another body is found. The style of writing is easy to read and there is little forensic detail. I enjoyed meeting other characters again to give Julia and the setting some added depth. Meanwhile the personal relationships strengthen our support of Julia as she proceeds to investigate.
A Country Wedding Murder is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
March 13, 2024
When Julia Bird’s ex-husband Peter and his lovely partner Christopher decide to get married in Berrywick, Julia is delighted after all, who doesn't love a country wedding even if the normally calm and collected Christopher turns into a full-on ‘Groomzilla’. The morning after the big day Julia discovers the lifeless body of the caterer, Desmond. Someone locked him in the cold truck and the poor man froze to death. Christopher is the prime suspect but Julia soon discovers Desmond had a long list of enemies as she races against the clock to clear Christopher’s name. Then Desmond’s business partner is found murdered.
The fifth outing for Julia & whilst it’s easily read on its own the band of characters have made the series fun & entertaining. Jess, Julia’s daughter is visiting from Hong Kong, where she’s studying & I liked the mother daughter relationship. An entertaining cosy mystery with twists, turns & red herrings. I also like Julia’s relationship with the no nonsense Hayley. I mustn’t forget Jake the adorable chocolate Labrador who steals every scene. A well written engrossing murder mystery
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The fifth outing for Julia & whilst it’s easily read on its own the band of characters have made the series fun & entertaining. Jess, Julia’s daughter is visiting from Hong Kong, where she’s studying & I liked the mother daughter relationship. An entertaining cosy mystery with twists, turns & red herrings. I also like Julia’s relationship with the no nonsense Hayley. I mustn’t forget Jake the adorable chocolate Labrador who steals every scene. A well written engrossing murder mystery
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 24, 2024
A cozy story of a murder at a country wedding in the Cotswolds, if a death can be described as “cozy”.
Much of this story is highly unrealistic, such as the fact that Julia, a retired social worker, appears to take over the murder investigation from Detective Inspector Hayley Gibson, interviewing possible suspects and following clues she manages to personally unearth. The fact that the murder takes place at the wedding of her ex-husband to his new male partner, Christopher, makes the story even more unlikely. The visit of Julia’s daughter, Jess, from Hong Kong, and her blossoming romance, plus the constant presence of Julia’s lovable dog, Jake, are employed by the author as devices to win over the hearts of her readers.
However despite some quirky humour, and descriptions of the beautiful Cotswold countryside, I found much of the dialogue irritating, with characters constantly stating the obvious, and although several possible suspects were presented, it came as no surprise when the murderer was revealed.
Personally, I did not find this book compelling reading, only light, fluffy escapism. Not memorable, a story to read and rapidly forget.
Much of this story is highly unrealistic, such as the fact that Julia, a retired social worker, appears to take over the murder investigation from Detective Inspector Hayley Gibson, interviewing possible suspects and following clues she manages to personally unearth. The fact that the murder takes place at the wedding of her ex-husband to his new male partner, Christopher, makes the story even more unlikely. The visit of Julia’s daughter, Jess, from Hong Kong, and her blossoming romance, plus the constant presence of Julia’s lovable dog, Jake, are employed by the author as devices to win over the hearts of her readers.
However despite some quirky humour, and descriptions of the beautiful Cotswold countryside, I found much of the dialogue irritating, with characters constantly stating the obvious, and although several possible suspects were presented, it came as no surprise when the murderer was revealed.
Personally, I did not find this book compelling reading, only light, fluffy escapism. Not memorable, a story to read and rapidly forget.
February 7, 2024
Julia's ex is marrying Christopher. Her daughter, Jess is in Berrywick for the wedding. On the happy day the ceremony, meticulously micromanaged by Christopher, is going well until one of the guests suffers an anaphylactic shock. There is another shock the next morning when the body of the caterer is found frozen to death in his refrigerated van. Inspector Hayley and Julia realize it's murder rather than an accident. Christopher, who threatened the caterer is the first suspect but soon others come under suspicion and Julia and Hayley find themselves in a dangerous situation when they corner the killer.
This is a great series focusing on Julia's life in a small English village, her budding romance with the local doctor, volunteering at the charity shop and going to book club and quiz night. But, like Midsummer Murders, there's always a murder. The details of village life are charmingly portrayed and the characters are like old friends; as is Jake, Julia's dog who failed guide dog training but loves chickens.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for another early visit to Berrywick.
This is a great series focusing on Julia's life in a small English village, her budding romance with the local doctor, volunteering at the charity shop and going to book club and quiz night. But, like Midsummer Murders, there's always a murder. The details of village life are charmingly portrayed and the characters are like old friends; as is Jake, Julia's dog who failed guide dog training but loves chickens.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for another early visit to Berrywick.
February 20, 2024
Julia’s ex is getting married and Christoper has planned every detail to be just as perfect as he wants. But things don’t go as smoothly as he had hoped. First a guest has an allergic reaction to the food and Christopher rips the caterer a new one. When the caterer is found frozen to deal in his truck, all eyes turn to Christopher.
With a groom on the primary suspect list, Julia is determined to clear Christopher’s name. After all, why shouldn’t her ex have his happily ever aft3er? But this could put Julia in the killer’s cross hairs and be an unhappily ever after for her if she doesn’t get it right first.
I adore British cozies…they’re just cozier! Throw in a wedding and I’m totally hooked. This series is a particular favorite of mine and I love Julia. She’s no shrinking violet and she isn’t afraid to go out and look for what she needs to solve a case. A truly great female protagonist!
With a groom on the primary suspect list, Julia is determined to clear Christopher’s name. After all, why shouldn’t her ex have his happily ever aft3er? But this could put Julia in the killer’s cross hairs and be an unhappily ever after for her if she doesn’t get it right first.
I adore British cozies…they’re just cozier! Throw in a wedding and I’m totally hooked. This series is a particular favorite of mine and I love Julia. She’s no shrinking violet and she isn’t afraid to go out and look for what she needs to solve a case. A truly great female protagonist!
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