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Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm #1
Digging up Secrets
Harriet Bailey has just inherited her beloved grandfather’s home and veterinary practice in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. But she’s barely unpacked when one of her elderly clients, Meredith Bennett, is rushed to the hospital with a head injury. Harriet agrees to care for Meredith’s springer spaniel, Huntley, while Meredith recovers. When Huntley makes a fuss in the yard behind the clinic, Harriet rushes to see what’s wrong—and finds that he has unearthed the take from a forty-year-old jewel heist.
Harriet’s late grandfather, Dr. Harold Bailey, becomes the main suspect in the theft, but Harriet refuses to believe that the well-regarded veterinarian and esteemed local artist burgled Ravenglen Manor. She has to find the real culprit and restore the Bailey family’s good reputation. Can Harriet prove Grandad Harold’s innocence and solve this decades-old cold case? More importantly, can she prove herself to her new community of White Church Bay?
Harriet’s late grandfather, Dr. Harold Bailey, becomes the main suspect in the theft, but Harriet refuses to believe that the well-regarded veterinarian and esteemed local artist burgled Ravenglen Manor. She has to find the real culprit and restore the Bailey family’s good reputation. Can Harriet prove Grandad Harold’s innocence and solve this decades-old cold case? More importantly, can she prove herself to her new community of White Church Bay?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
About the author
Elizabeth Penney
96 books565 followersElizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 27, 2024
4 stars, personally.
About this book:
“Harriet Bailey has just inherited her beloved grandfather’s home and veterinary practice in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. But she’s barely unpacked when one of her elderly clients, Meredith Bennett, is rushed to the hospital with a head injury. Harriet agrees to care for Meredith’s springer spaniel, Huntley, while Meredith recovers. When Huntley makes a fuss in the yard behind the clinic, Harriet rushes to see what’s wrong—and finds that he has unearthed the take from a forty-year-old jewel heist.
Harriet’s late grandfather, Dr. Harold Bailey, becomes the main suspect in the theft, but Harriet refuses to believe that the well-regarded veterinarian and esteemed local artist burgled Ravenglen Manor. She has to find the real culprit and restore the Bailey family’s good reputation. Can Harriet prove Grandad Harold’s innocence and solve this decades-old cold case? More importantly, can she prove herself to her new community of White Church Bay?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm” series.
Spiritual Content- Proverbs 3:5-6 at the beginning and read later in the book; A few other Scriptures are referenced, remembered, read, & mentioned; Prayers; Church going; Talks about God, trusting Him, & His will; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Harriet wanted to be sure that she was following God’s will for her life and thought moving to England was it, but questions it when something happens (later, she’s reminded that God is watching over here and feels peace); Mentions of prayers, praying, blessings over food, & being Blessed; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & devotionals; Mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, & pastors; A mention of a hymn;
*Note: The phrase “the nearer to heaven, the heavier sin’s burden” is said when referring to the possible guilt of an elderly person; A mention of Harriet praying and soul searching prior to moving; A mention of a couple being soulmates; A mention of luck.
Negative Content- A bit of eye rolling; Harriet’s grandfather passed away prior to the book starting & she misses him (light grief shown on page); Harriet helps a dog who has signs of heatstroke (the family’s children are concerned that their dog may die); All about many mentions of stolen items, thieves, thieving rings, thefts, robberies/burglaries, crimes, & criminals; Mentions of people being attacked, hit, threatened, tied-up, & stolen from; Mentions of prowlers; Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of rumors, gossip, & eavesdropping; Mentions of animals being ill (including cancer, hyperthyroidism, lumps/lipoma, skin infections, colic, & a dog with wheeled rear legs because of an accident) & surgery; A few mentions of deaths of loved ones & grief; A few mentions of guilt & threats; A few mentions of the possibility of a dog biting someone (an intruder); A mention of a man’s wife passing away; A mention of a snuffbox; A mention of a dead animal;
*Note: Mentions of a car brand; A few mentions of painters (John Frederick Herring, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, & John Emms); A mention of writers (the Brontë sisters & James Russell Lowell); A mention of Harriet’s “youth, newness, and even her gender” being strikes against her in her field.
Sexual Content- A man is told to take a hint that maybe a woman doesn’t want him bothering her; A few mentions of dating & dates; A few mentions of break-ups & broken engagements; A mention of a young woman’s active dating life.
-Harriet Bailey, age 33
P.O.V. of Harriet
271 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I was pleasantly surprised to see this book available on Kindle Unlimited! Majors thanks to the author and publisher for this because sometimes it’s very hard to find Guidepost books.
It was neat to read about Harriet because of her recently moving to England to run her late grandfather’s veterinary clinic. Also because she’s younger than the majority of Guidepost mysteries’ leading ladies it had a different feel to this series already compared to other series. I’ll admit that I was very curious about who the potential love interest could be and looked at every male name mentioned closer. ;)
Overall, I thought it was a good start to the start of a new mystery series and I’m looking forward to continuing the series soon!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“Harriet Bailey has just inherited her beloved grandfather’s home and veterinary practice in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. But she’s barely unpacked when one of her elderly clients, Meredith Bennett, is rushed to the hospital with a head injury. Harriet agrees to care for Meredith’s springer spaniel, Huntley, while Meredith recovers. When Huntley makes a fuss in the yard behind the clinic, Harriet rushes to see what’s wrong—and finds that he has unearthed the take from a forty-year-old jewel heist.
Harriet’s late grandfather, Dr. Harold Bailey, becomes the main suspect in the theft, but Harriet refuses to believe that the well-regarded veterinarian and esteemed local artist burgled Ravenglen Manor. She has to find the real culprit and restore the Bailey family’s good reputation. Can Harriet prove Grandad Harold’s innocence and solve this decades-old cold case? More importantly, can she prove herself to her new community of White Church Bay?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm” series.
Spiritual Content- Proverbs 3:5-6 at the beginning and read later in the book; A few other Scriptures are referenced, remembered, read, & mentioned; Prayers; Church going; Talks about God, trusting Him, & His will; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Harriet wanted to be sure that she was following God’s will for her life and thought moving to England was it, but questions it when something happens (later, she’s reminded that God is watching over here and feels peace); Mentions of prayers, praying, blessings over food, & being Blessed; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & devotionals; Mentions of churches, church going, services, sermons, & pastors; A mention of a hymn;
*Note: The phrase “the nearer to heaven, the heavier sin’s burden” is said when referring to the possible guilt of an elderly person; A mention of Harriet praying and soul searching prior to moving; A mention of a couple being soulmates; A mention of luck.
Negative Content- A bit of eye rolling; Harriet’s grandfather passed away prior to the book starting & she misses him (light grief shown on page); Harriet helps a dog who has signs of heatstroke (the family’s children are concerned that their dog may die); All about many mentions of stolen items, thieves, thieving rings, thefts, robberies/burglaries, crimes, & criminals; Mentions of people being attacked, hit, threatened, tied-up, & stolen from; Mentions of prowlers; Mentions of lies, lying, & deception; Mentions of rumors, gossip, & eavesdropping; Mentions of animals being ill (including cancer, hyperthyroidism, lumps/lipoma, skin infections, colic, & a dog with wheeled rear legs because of an accident) & surgery; A few mentions of deaths of loved ones & grief; A few mentions of guilt & threats; A few mentions of the possibility of a dog biting someone (an intruder); A mention of a man’s wife passing away; A mention of a snuffbox; A mention of a dead animal;
*Note: Mentions of a car brand; A few mentions of painters (John Frederick Herring, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, & John Emms); A mention of writers (the Brontë sisters & James Russell Lowell); A mention of Harriet’s “youth, newness, and even her gender” being strikes against her in her field.
Sexual Content- A man is told to take a hint that maybe a woman doesn’t want him bothering her; A few mentions of dating & dates; A few mentions of break-ups & broken engagements; A mention of a young woman’s active dating life.
-Harriet Bailey, age 33
P.O.V. of Harriet
271 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I was pleasantly surprised to see this book available on Kindle Unlimited! Majors thanks to the author and publisher for this because sometimes it’s very hard to find Guidepost books.
It was neat to read about Harriet because of her recently moving to England to run her late grandfather’s veterinary clinic. Also because she’s younger than the majority of Guidepost mysteries’ leading ladies it had a different feel to this series already compared to other series. I’ll admit that I was very curious about who the potential love interest could be and looked at every male name mentioned closer. ;)
Overall, I thought it was a good start to the start of a new mystery series and I’m looking forward to continuing the series soon!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
March 28, 2025
Loving this series.
Well done!
Well done!
November 18, 2024
Very cool mystery and I loved the strong friendship bond between Polly and Harriet.
August 21, 2024
I was looking for some cozy mysteries to read in KU and someone suggested this series. This series is set in Yorkshire England. Harriet is a vet who has taken over the practice after her grandfather passed away. She left America and a broken relationship and is starting a fresh. I love how through out the book we see glimpses of her memories of her grandfather. She use to spend summers in England.
The book starts with Harriet looking after a dog after his owner is injured. The dog Huntley digs up a treasure and the mystery starts. This is also a mystery without a death which I love also. What makes the book even better for me is it has a faith element which gives more depth to the book.
I love the characters, and the setting adds to the charm of this book and series. I had different ideas about the mystery but have to say I was kept guessing right to the end. The author has set this series up well with a strong book one. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
The book starts with Harriet looking after a dog after his owner is injured. The dog Huntley digs up a treasure and the mystery starts. This is also a mystery without a death which I love also. What makes the book even better for me is it has a faith element which gives more depth to the book.
I love the characters, and the setting adds to the charm of this book and series. I had different ideas about the mystery but have to say I was kept guessing right to the end. The author has set this series up well with a strong book one. I am looking forward to the next books in the series.
April 14, 2026
While this was a sweet story, it was so boring until near the end when everything got wrapped up.
Harriet is taking over the veterinarian practice that her grandfather ran. She had been living and working in Connecticut but moved to England where he had lived. When a dog finds treasure filled with stolen jewels and items that have been missing since 1983, Harriet is doing whatever she can to make sure her grandfather's name is protected. That means she is going to find out who is behind it all.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, and it took me some time, but nothing really made me yearn to read it and I almost gave up twice before pushing through. I did like the few times scriptures had come up, and I found Harriet to be a really good character. Things just moved terribly slowly, and the writing didn't draw me in.
Content: threats made or heard, someone is injured and another is tied up at one point, there is theft and invasions into homes.
Harriet is taking over the veterinarian practice that her grandfather ran. She had been living and working in Connecticut but moved to England where he had lived. When a dog finds treasure filled with stolen jewels and items that have been missing since 1983, Harriet is doing whatever she can to make sure her grandfather's name is protected. That means she is going to find out who is behind it all.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, and it took me some time, but nothing really made me yearn to read it and I almost gave up twice before pushing through. I did like the few times scriptures had come up, and I found Harriet to be a really good character. Things just moved terribly slowly, and the writing didn't draw me in.
Content: threats made or heard, someone is injured and another is tied up at one point, there is theft and invasions into homes.
August 6, 2024
Digging Up Secrets, the first book in a new Guideposts series called Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm, is everything readers can expect from this type of story. Appealing setting - Yorkshire, in this case. Interesting village characters, one of whom is clergy. Coziness, both in setting and mystery. And most important of all, faith lived out.
This was a comfort read for me and I loved every minute of reading. Harriet has returned to her grandfather's home on Cobble Hill Farm to continue his veterinary practice and there's lots to love there. The mystery, which involves a cold-case jewelry robbery at a nearby manor, is well crafted.
Just a good, comfortable read overall. I'm thrilled that Guideposts is offering it through Kindle Unlimited and hope they will do this with other series.
This was a comfort read for me and I loved every minute of reading. Harriet has returned to her grandfather's home on Cobble Hill Farm to continue his veterinary practice and there's lots to love there. The mystery, which involves a cold-case jewelry robbery at a nearby manor, is well crafted.
Just a good, comfortable read overall. I'm thrilled that Guideposts is offering it through Kindle Unlimited and hope they will do this with other series.
March 8, 2026
Wonderful start to a cozy mystery series written by multiple authors. In this introductory novel, Elizabeth Penney sets the stage for the series with her beautiful descriptions as an American veterinarian builds a new life in Yorkshire, England. I got modern-day James Herriot vibes which I loved. One of my favourite occupations to read about.
Just as Harriet is settling into her new practice (inherited from her deceased Grandfather) an elderly client is attacked and left for dead. When Harriet discovers literal buried treasure in her own back garden, she can't help but wonder if the two things are connected. A forty year old cold case has the police concentrating on Harriet's beloved grandfather so, of course she has to do her own sleuthing to clear his name.
Great characters - I love that Harriet has a small but loyal team of eager 'sleuths' to back her up. Smart amateur investigating ensues (love that she didn't have any TSTL moments) and provides the perfect opportunity for Harriet to get to know her new neighbours and clients. Just the right mix of cozy and mystery.
Just as Harriet is settling into her new practice (inherited from her deceased Grandfather) an elderly client is attacked and left for dead. When Harriet discovers literal buried treasure in her own back garden, she can't help but wonder if the two things are connected. A forty year old cold case has the police concentrating on Harriet's beloved grandfather so, of course she has to do her own sleuthing to clear his name.
Great characters - I love that Harriet has a small but loyal team of eager 'sleuths' to back her up. Smart amateur investigating ensues (love that she didn't have any TSTL moments) and provides the perfect opportunity for Harriet to get to know her new neighbours and clients. Just the right mix of cozy and mystery.
October 6, 2024
Harriet Bailey has inherited her grandfather's veterinary practice and home in Yorkshire. She will have to prove herself and her abilities to the community. When one of the practice's clients is injured and hospitalized Harriet agrees to care for her springer spaniel Huntley. Huntley digs up jewelry from a heist forty years before. It seems it was her beloved grandfather that committed the crime. Harriet does not believe this and Elizabeth Penny has Harriet Digging Up Secrets to clear her granddad.
November 7, 2024
3.5 rounded to 4 stars - This first book in the Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm has left me wanting to read more. Harriet Bailey is a young veterinarian who moves from Connecticut to take over her grandfather's practice in Yorkshire, England after he dies. She has recently broken off an engagement, so in many ways, this represents a new start in life. Her aunt Jinny, a physician, lives next door and is an important character in the story. The series, each written by a different author is published by Guideposts and is a comforting read.
February 22, 2026
3.5
I didn't know much about this book when I started to read it. I am not just not a fan of books set in other countries, so just about returned it to library when I found out it was set in England. But decided to give it a try. The characters were fine, but the storyline itself didn't have much depth as the mystery was about who stole the jewels. And you pretty much could guess who that was. Was definitely a "fluff" read.
I didn't know much about this book when I started to read it. I am not just not a fan of books set in other countries, so just about returned it to library when I found out it was set in England. But decided to give it a try. The characters were fine, but the storyline itself didn't have much depth as the mystery was about who stole the jewels. And you pretty much could guess who that was. Was definitely a "fluff" read.
May 2, 2026
This series from Guideposts caught my interest, since it has to do with a veterinarian, and in Yorkshire no less. It's not James Herriot, but I still enjoyed reading about a female American vet taking over her grandfather's practice in England. The mystery was a bit tedious at times, and I didn't enjoy the interactions with most of the police, but I enjoyed most of the characters, especially the animals.
May 23, 2026
Digging Up Secrets by Elizabeth Penney is the first installment in a new cozy series from Guideposts, the Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm. It features an amateur sleuth, Dr. Harriet Bailey, a veterinarian and an American transplant in England.
Harriet has come to England to take over her grandfather’s veterinarian clinic and live in his beautiful farm estate in the Yorkshire countryside, next door to her Aunt Jinny Garrett, who is a medical doctor. Together with her friend and vet assistant Polly, the local detective Van, and Aunt Jinny, they solve the mystery at Ravenglen Manor.
Penney knows how to weave a cozy mystery. Clues and red herrings abound in Digging Up Secrets. The main characters’ backstories help the reader understand them and their actions. They add to the complexity of the plot. And if you love animals, dogs, cats, and horses, then you will enjoy this mystery series. Have a beautiful weekend!
Harriet has come to England to take over her grandfather’s veterinarian clinic and live in his beautiful farm estate in the Yorkshire countryside, next door to her Aunt Jinny Garrett, who is a medical doctor. Together with her friend and vet assistant Polly, the local detective Van, and Aunt Jinny, they solve the mystery at Ravenglen Manor.
Penney knows how to weave a cozy mystery. Clues and red herrings abound in Digging Up Secrets. The main characters’ backstories help the reader understand them and their actions. They add to the complexity of the plot. And if you love animals, dogs, cats, and horses, then you will enjoy this mystery series. Have a beautiful weekend!
September 4, 2024
Intriguing
An intriguing start to a new to me series.
Set in the Yorkshire countryside, an American vet takes over her deceased grandfather’s practice. While caring for a patient, a tin of jewels is found. With help from the local police a hunt for the rest of the jewels and the who and why is on the vet schedule.
A comforting read with no excessive gore or language.
An intriguing start to a new to me series.
Set in the Yorkshire countryside, an American vet takes over her deceased grandfather’s practice. While caring for a patient, a tin of jewels is found. With help from the local police a hunt for the rest of the jewels and the who and why is on the vet schedule.
A comforting read with no excessive gore or language.
July 18, 2025
What a great start to this series that I’m excited to continue on with! I love so many things about this book: the setting, the fact that the main character is a vet and all the animals she takes care of, and the cozy (non murder) mystery elements to this series. Really enjoyed Harriet’s character, and Polly and Aunt Jinny were great loyal companions. Looking forward to reading book 2!
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March 4, 2026Who buy an sail
mountin nt come down easly
go after road
at cold days many happen
many secret open
soul dig for rest
belife make gd path
open many road
hard wounder to dig after truth
migrat heart after heart
root after root
all come as white
earth throw many blind secret
run after truth
mountin nt come down easly
go after road
at cold days many happen
many secret open
soul dig for rest
belife make gd path
open many road
hard wounder to dig after truth
migrat heart after heart
root after root
all come as white
earth throw many blind secret
run after truth
May 26, 2026
I enjoyed this lighthearted view into an English village from the eyes of a young 30's single woman vet who came to take over her granddad's practice. I appreciated hints of her Christian faith as she sought to follow God woven in between the mystery to be solved and getting to know her neighbors. It's the first in a series and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
May 24, 2024
Awesome mystery!!
This book is well worth the reading. A wonderful story of community caring and the caring lady who opened her grandfather's veterinary clinic. Full of twists and turns as a good mystery should be. Enjoy!!
This book is well worth the reading. A wonderful story of community caring and the caring lady who opened her grandfather's veterinary clinic. Full of twists and turns as a good mystery should be. Enjoy!!
October 5, 2024
Super cute start to a fun new cozy series from Guideposts. I love it's set in a small village in England and the small veterinary practice is a fun theme. The mystery was good and held my attention. Looking forward to more of this series!
May 8, 2024
What delightful book! Very enjoyable and kept my interest all the way through.
May 26, 2024
Awesome book
This book held my attention to the very end. It's twists and turns were excellent. I thank the author very much.
This book held my attention to the very end. It's twists and turns were excellent. I thank the author very much.
September 25, 2024
40 years ago
I enjoyed this book very much. The plot is great and the characters are so real. I barely put it down.
I enjoyed this book very much. The plot is great and the characters are so real. I barely put it down.
October 9, 2024
Excellent story line.
December 21, 2024
Coleridge barking at the man who hopped into a little silver car and the car disappeared down the driveway. To be continued. Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm.
January 30, 2025
An enjoyable read with a little mystery.
March 24, 2025
Charming start to the series, loved all the cozy elements and faith content of this book. Excited to get to the others! Enjoyed all the nods to James Herriot.
May 8, 2025
The story was good, and left you in suspense, right til the end.
May 28, 2025
Loved this so much! Can't wait to read more books in the series!
August 21, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect from this series, but I really enjoyed the first book and look forward to reading more!
September 2, 2025
Great English mystery!
This was a great book. I love reading about little British towns and how the women solve these mysteries. I also love how the author incorporates the bible.
This was a great book. I love reading about little British towns and how the women solve these mysteries. I also love how the author incorporates the bible.
May 2, 2026
DNF...too slow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews