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Devon Mysteries #8
Death on Dartmoor Edge: The page-turning cosy crime series
Juno Browne is overworked and underpaid, staff absences are making running her shop difficult, and her elderly client, Maisie, is demanding more of her time. However, she is not the only one with problems. Her friend Elizabeth is being blackmailed, and dear Ricky's errant nephew is on the run from criminals in London.
Juno's attempts to help take her from an isolated manor house on Dartmoor to London's glittering theatreland. Can she avoid being fatally entangled in threads of deceit and murder?
Juno's attempts to help take her from an isolated manor house on Dartmoor to London's glittering theatreland. Can she avoid being fatally entangled in threads of deceit and murder?
- GenresFiction
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2025
20 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 29, 2025
Another good one
July 19, 2025
I was fully on board and into everything going on in this book, up until Juno lost her mind in the last few chapters and Daniel was involved in everything - that ruined it for me a little, but apart from that it wasn't a bad story.
Juno seems to be getting on with her life - she's still upset about Daniel, but she's making the most of her life and enjoying herself. I get that a break up can feel like the end of the world, but also she was only with him for around 6 months, if that? Because so much of their relationship developed between books, we didn't really get the depth and connection we should have had, so the breakup never felt as painful as it should have done - and it was the most sensible choice for Daniel at the time, since he was still grieving his dead wife, and is well aware that Juno meets danger head-on every time; in fact she often actively courts it.
What I did really enjoy in this book was finding out more about Elizabeth's past, and seeing how her relationships with Olly and Tom have developed - Olly especially got to me when he tearfully said to Juno that he doesn't want things to change. I just want to give that damn boy a hug, and I'm surprised he's not wanted to follow Juno's footsteps and become some kind of criminal investigator yet.
We also got to see a lot more of Ricky and Morris's past and relationship in this book, which was as savage and charming as I hoped it would be. I did feel sorry for Freddy getting mixed up in everything, but since he ultimately wasn't an important character then his death wasn't really a blow beyond being just another body Juno had found.
What did put me off with this book was the coincidence of Elizabeth's loan sharks, Freddy's theatre gangsters, and Daniel's new 'employers' all being the same people. I understand why the story went that way, but after 7 previous books of clever plotting and scheming, this felt too neat - everything coming down in one fell swoop just because they were all done by the same people? It seemed too unrealistic.
Juno's going straight to Raven's Tor Manor was also very off-putting. I get that seeing Daniel again threw her, especially in the circumstances, but knowing how dangerous all those people were and yet she just went headlong into it, seemingly taking as many risks as possible, just to confront him? This is way beyond any stunt she's pulled previously, and it felt childish, almost like she was trying to get Daniel's attention by jumping into the most danger she can find.
I'm not sure how I feel about them getting back together - Daniel clearly went off the rails a bit, and needs to find himself again, and if Juno is prepared to wait for him to work on himself then fair play to her, but I think she needs to really assess the relationship and what she actually wants before she gets back into it, and not just get swept up in the romance of it all. For someone usually so level-headed and practical, it was a little odd to see her behaving the way she does every time Daniel is around.
Overall, a 3.5 rounded down to three - hasn't put me off getting the next one, but I'm hoping the next book goes back to the basics of Juno finding a body or two and solving the murders before the police can.
Juno seems to be getting on with her life - she's still upset about Daniel, but she's making the most of her life and enjoying herself. I get that a break up can feel like the end of the world, but also she was only with him for around 6 months, if that? Because so much of their relationship developed between books, we didn't really get the depth and connection we should have had, so the breakup never felt as painful as it should have done - and it was the most sensible choice for Daniel at the time, since he was still grieving his dead wife, and is well aware that Juno meets danger head-on every time; in fact she often actively courts it.
What I did really enjoy in this book was finding out more about Elizabeth's past, and seeing how her relationships with Olly and Tom have developed - Olly especially got to me when he tearfully said to Juno that he doesn't want things to change. I just want to give that damn boy a hug, and I'm surprised he's not wanted to follow Juno's footsteps and become some kind of criminal investigator yet.
We also got to see a lot more of Ricky and Morris's past and relationship in this book, which was as savage and charming as I hoped it would be. I did feel sorry for Freddy getting mixed up in everything, but since he ultimately wasn't an important character then his death wasn't really a blow beyond being just another body Juno had found.
What did put me off with this book was the coincidence of Elizabeth's loan sharks, Freddy's theatre gangsters, and Daniel's new 'employers' all being the same people. I understand why the story went that way, but after 7 previous books of clever plotting and scheming, this felt too neat - everything coming down in one fell swoop just because they were all done by the same people? It seemed too unrealistic.
Juno's going straight to Raven's Tor Manor was also very off-putting. I get that seeing Daniel again threw her, especially in the circumstances, but knowing how dangerous all those people were and yet she just went headlong into it, seemingly taking as many risks as possible, just to confront him? This is way beyond any stunt she's pulled previously, and it felt childish, almost like she was trying to get Daniel's attention by jumping into the most danger she can find.
I'm not sure how I feel about them getting back together - Daniel clearly went off the rails a bit, and needs to find himself again, and if Juno is prepared to wait for him to work on himself then fair play to her, but I think she needs to really assess the relationship and what she actually wants before she gets back into it, and not just get swept up in the romance of it all. For someone usually so level-headed and practical, it was a little odd to see her behaving the way she does every time Daniel is around.
Overall, a 3.5 rounded down to three - hasn't put me off getting the next one, but I'm hoping the next book goes back to the basics of Juno finding a body or two and solving the murders before the police can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
I wanted to read this book as I have spent time on the Moors and in Ashburton specifically, where the story takes place. I can picture the quaint antique store and beautiful scenery where the murders take place. The characters are easy to like, or dislike if they are the bad guys, and the story is a delightful read on a cool, rainy day, with a pot of tea and cakes. Would read another Austin book if I chanced upon one again at a charity shop.
December 30, 2024
Please, please, please don’t ever stop writing these books!! It’s like catching up with your best friend on their life, their family, their antics and all the joy and grief of the last year!! I want to be able to catch up with ‘Miss Browne with an E’ until we are both grey and old!! Love these books, will forever be my favourites and read time and time again 🥰
January 27, 2025
A fun read. Good use of the locality. A likeable heroine with a great cast of people and dogs.
October 21, 2025
Crime mystery set on the edge of DARTMOOR
This is no. 8 in the Devon Mystery series and once again we catch up with Juno Browne, an all-round Domestic Goddess, who can turn her hand to most things, whilst also running “Old Nick’s Emporium” (a shop left to her by a Mr Nikolai, a client of hers who unfortunately got murdered due to his greed).
A rather unpleasant man bowls up at her shop, demanding to see one of the people who works there, but strangely he refers to the person in question by a different name. A link is, however, established and nefarious intentions are mooted.
Juno is protective of her staff and her natural sleuthing prowess kicks in. There is something very untoward and the trail takes her her to Bovey Tracey (known as Buvvy) which is a mere 9 miles to travel, and it has a glass marble factory, its own whisky distillery and The Cheese Shed (p77 of the hard copy if you want to drool over wonderful cheese selections). The author clearly has a fondness for the little town.
We are introduced to a medley of dear friends and delightful acquaintances, and the local acting community is peppered with characters who have Juno’s back.
And then there is news of a murder…
If you love the books by Julie Wassmer – whose main character Pearl is also a delightful, part-time investigator in the local community (Whitstable and environs) – then this will be right up your street. Charming and full of local colour, this is a quick and entertaining, a heart-warming read that has the reader rooting for the people of Ashburton with kind-hearted Juno at the heart.
This is no. 8 in the Devon Mystery series and once again we catch up with Juno Browne, an all-round Domestic Goddess, who can turn her hand to most things, whilst also running “Old Nick’s Emporium” (a shop left to her by a Mr Nikolai, a client of hers who unfortunately got murdered due to his greed).
A rather unpleasant man bowls up at her shop, demanding to see one of the people who works there, but strangely he refers to the person in question by a different name. A link is, however, established and nefarious intentions are mooted.
Juno is protective of her staff and her natural sleuthing prowess kicks in. There is something very untoward and the trail takes her her to Bovey Tracey (known as Buvvy) which is a mere 9 miles to travel, and it has a glass marble factory, its own whisky distillery and The Cheese Shed (p77 of the hard copy if you want to drool over wonderful cheese selections). The author clearly has a fondness for the little town.
We are introduced to a medley of dear friends and delightful acquaintances, and the local acting community is peppered with characters who have Juno’s back.
And then there is news of a murder…
If you love the books by Julie Wassmer – whose main character Pearl is also a delightful, part-time investigator in the local community (Whitstable and environs) – then this will be right up your street. Charming and full of local colour, this is a quick and entertaining, a heart-warming read that has the reader rooting for the people of Ashburton with kind-hearted Juno at the heart.
September 19, 2024
The plot
Juno, an antique shop owner, part time dog walker and Domestic Goddess has a new case to investigate. Juno’s friend, Elizabeth, is being blackmailed and Ricky’s Nephew has got himself involved with some very dubious characters. Juno sets out to investigate – from London’s starry theatre land to rural Devon, this case is full of twists and turns…
The Review
A delightful novel that put the cosy into crime with a warm cast of rather eccentric characters. Juno was an excellent sleuth, always actively working on her investigation, (sometimes putting herself in danger). I could see her running her own investigation bureau. I love how the narrative drew me in and had me puzzling over each clue alongside Juno. For me, what stood out was the deep connections Juno had with those around her and because the criminal activity was about those closest to her, the plot didn’t seem far-fetched or over theatrical! The plot also had a natural, easy flow and all the details came together like a lovely devon cream tea.
Alongside the main story line, Juno’s messy personal life intrigued me as much as the plot. I also could clearly picture the Devon Landscape, including Torquay, a place I enjoy visiting. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, so I didn’t immediately click as to who the characters all were. Some of them obviously have a well established relationship to Juno, and for that reason, I’d recommend starting at the beginning of the series with Dead in Devon. Oh and I’d like to hang out at the Antiques shop, hopefully Juno would bring Bill the cat.
Juno, an antique shop owner, part time dog walker and Domestic Goddess has a new case to investigate. Juno’s friend, Elizabeth, is being blackmailed and Ricky’s Nephew has got himself involved with some very dubious characters. Juno sets out to investigate – from London’s starry theatre land to rural Devon, this case is full of twists and turns…
The Review
A delightful novel that put the cosy into crime with a warm cast of rather eccentric characters. Juno was an excellent sleuth, always actively working on her investigation, (sometimes putting herself in danger). I could see her running her own investigation bureau. I love how the narrative drew me in and had me puzzling over each clue alongside Juno. For me, what stood out was the deep connections Juno had with those around her and because the criminal activity was about those closest to her, the plot didn’t seem far-fetched or over theatrical! The plot also had a natural, easy flow and all the details came together like a lovely devon cream tea.
Alongside the main story line, Juno’s messy personal life intrigued me as much as the plot. I also could clearly picture the Devon Landscape, including Torquay, a place I enjoy visiting. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, so I didn’t immediately click as to who the characters all were. Some of them obviously have a well established relationship to Juno, and for that reason, I’d recommend starting at the beginning of the series with Dead in Devon. Oh and I’d like to hang out at the Antiques shop, hopefully Juno would bring Bill the cat.
September 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Big hearted Juno is pulled in all directions covering her shifts at her antique store as well as her “domestic goddess” and dog walking duties. Of course her detective skills come into play when friend Elizabeth starts getting menacing threats and visits associated with her dead husband’s gambling debts. Coincidentally a visitor to friends Ricky and Morris ties in to Elizabeth’s problems. As usual Juno leaps in and gets into quite a few tight situations, but it all comes right in the end, especially when a long waited acquaintance appears in the nick of time.
A typical cosy, easy to recommend, no sex or language to offend. No graphic details.
A good series that continues to please, it’s not necessary to read in order, but some things might make more sense if you do so. Thank you to NetGalley, and Allison & Busby for the advance digital copy. I enjoyed it very much.
A typical cosy, easy to recommend, no sex or language to offend. No graphic details.
A good series that continues to please, it’s not necessary to read in order, but some things might make more sense if you do so. Thank you to NetGalley, and Allison & Busby for the advance digital copy. I enjoyed it very much.
September 21, 2024
Juno is a Jill of all trades and is quite busy trying to juggle it all. She also keeps an eye on Maisie an elderly, demanding lady and is soon entangled with her friends nephew newly arrived from London with a murky past. Arriving in a hamper of used costumes was eccentric, but his story of escaping and the reason he did so, was even more so.
Ashburton and Torquay were delightfully described, Dartmoor ditto. The moors seem a very apt area if you do not want much attention drawn to anything nefarious you are up to. It’s quite desolate and lonely but seems very lovely as well.
Juno is the central character in the story and she is pivotal in the detection and solving of the crimes. The story was varied involving blackmail, as well as a large scale smuggling operation carried out in an unusual manner. Plus two murders.
Altogether a good read.
Ashburton and Torquay were delightfully described, Dartmoor ditto. The moors seem a very apt area if you do not want much attention drawn to anything nefarious you are up to. It’s quite desolate and lonely but seems very lovely as well.
Juno is the central character in the story and she is pivotal in the detection and solving of the crimes. The story was varied involving blackmail, as well as a large scale smuggling operation carried out in an unusual manner. Plus two murders.
Altogether a good read.
October 4, 2024
Many thanks to Netgalley for this arc. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Juno Browne is involved in another mystery. This time her friend Elizabeth is involved in the mystery and she finally sees David her lost love and is reunited. Juno discovers something odd at Dartmor Manor which involves cannabis and cocaine and a crime family. Juno of course investigates and ends up getting discovered by the bad Gus and David helps her after unknowingly getting involved after simply trying to help someone who is a member of a crime family. The plot was very good but not one of my favorite cozy mysteries. I would suggest reading previous books in the series before jumping in.
Juno Browne is involved in another mystery. This time her friend Elizabeth is involved in the mystery and she finally sees David her lost love and is reunited. Juno discovers something odd at Dartmor Manor which involves cannabis and cocaine and a crime family. Juno of course investigates and ends up getting discovered by the bad Gus and David helps her after unknowingly getting involved after simply trying to help someone who is a member of a crime family. The plot was very good but not one of my favorite cozy mysteries. I would suggest reading previous books in the series before jumping in.
July 31, 2024
The latest in the Juno Browne series was one of my favorites. Juno yet again gets tied up in a murder mystery while trying to help a friend. This time the mystery involves organized crime, the theater, and eventually a one regular character who has largely been absent from the last couple of books. The mystery is well-written as usual, with updates on some of the regular characters and a potentially big change for Juno. The ending is more resolved than some in the series, although there is still some uncertainty that will have me anxiously awaiting the next entry. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own.
September 19, 2024
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
I have read the first 4 books in the series and jumped at the chance to read this one.
I did feel however feel that I had missed some important facts about Juno and her friends lives by missing the intervening books - though if this was the first one you picked up then it would be easy to follow the narrative.
As always the books are well written, the author cleverly managed to weave two stories together but you didn't feel they were disparate entities.
It was certainly thought provoking in it's content.
I hope there will be more in the series to come.
I have read the first 4 books in the series and jumped at the chance to read this one.
I did feel however feel that I had missed some important facts about Juno and her friends lives by missing the intervening books - though if this was the first one you picked up then it would be easy to follow the narrative.
As always the books are well written, the author cleverly managed to weave two stories together but you didn't feel they were disparate entities.
It was certainly thought provoking in it's content.
I hope there will be more in the series to come.
April 13, 2025
Stephanie Austin delights yet again in this cosy mystery set in Devon. The images she portrays in her writing sets the readers imagination onto the landscape of Dartmoor well.
The main character, Miss Browne 'with an e', is an amateur sleuth finding out who murdered two people she knew. Working her way around drugs and violent gangs from London keeps the novel interesting.
Another good novel that follows in the same format as her earlier novels.
The main character, Miss Browne 'with an e', is an amateur sleuth finding out who murdered two people she knew. Working her way around drugs and violent gangs from London keeps the novel interesting.
Another good novel that follows in the same format as her earlier novels.
January 15, 2026
In retrospect not a good idea to read seven or eight books in the same series right after each other because it’s the law of diminishing returns.
I still liked it a lot: excellent setting and writing, some brilliant characters. But a bit too much coincidence and also a really unbelievable character development towards the end.
But if you haven’t sated yourself on these books, and want some really well written cosy crime with a slightly dark edge, I highly recommend this series.
I still liked it a lot: excellent setting and writing, some brilliant characters. But a bit too much coincidence and also a really unbelievable character development towards the end.
But if you haven’t sated yourself on these books, and want some really well written cosy crime with a slightly dark edge, I highly recommend this series.
September 18, 2024
Stephanie Austin delivers another entertaining and compelling mystery that kept me reading and having fun. Well plotted, full of surprising twists, it kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 23, 2024
Lithuania is not Eastern Europe (this bugged me massively) and Daniel's backstory is appallingly weak, feeble and disappointing. He would have never done those things, he would have never leave Lottie with his sister in law. Weak writing, I expected much better on his back story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
authentic Dartmoor described articulately
Cracking believable storytelling with added bonus of local countryside knowledge-describing Devon and towns like Torquay with honesty colour and feeling
Cracking believable storytelling with added bonus of local countryside knowledge-describing Devon and towns like Torquay with honesty colour and feeling
May 4, 2025
first time for this author will look for more
May 28, 2025
so good to catch up with Juno. glad Daniem is back and I so need a Ricky and Morris my life 💖
July 10, 2025
Another good read from Stephanie. Cosy crime, with familiar characters and a good plot. 😊
July 22, 2025
Another delightful mystery set in Devon. Looking forward to reading more.
July 30, 2025
Been a great series of books....now to wait until next year for the next installment!
September 9, 2025
found it really easy to get into. didn't want to put the book down.
January 29, 2025
Another great read. I've read all 8 books now and really Loved the series. I'm sad that it's finished. I only have time to read at night. I have a friend reading atm and she's up to Bk 7.
I want more please???
I want more please???
September 23, 2024
A other great read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews