Death in the Hills

Malvern Farm Mystery #4

by Kate Wells

When Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri join a local walking group, their expectations for a peaceful outing to the Malvern Hills takes a grim turn. Arguments abound, and the hike ends in tragedy when one of the walkers is found dead in her car.

Initially ruled as an accident, Jude's instincts tell her there’s more to the story.

As Jude and Binnie dig deeper, they uncover tensions and secrets within the group. From hidden affairs to longstanding rivalries, it becomes clear this death was no accident.

With each revelation, the danger grows. Can Jude and Binnie unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, British Literature

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2025

About the author

Library of Congress Authorities: Wells, Kate, 1959-

Senior technical instructor of dyeing and printing, Royal Coll. of Art, London

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

One Liner: Another good mystery

Jude Gray accepts DI Binnie Khatri’s invitation to join the local walking group in Malvern Hills. However, what’s supposed to be a peaceful outing ends up with a few scuffles and what seems like an unfortunate car accident where one of the walking members dies.

Jude cannot ignore the tingling feeling that the accident might be deliberate. But, there’s no proof; not until another death happens in a totally different manner. As Jude and Binnie start to dig, they realize there’s a lot to uncover!

The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

This is the fourth book in the series but the mystery works as a standalone. It is a dark cozy, so there might be a couple of triggers.

It doesn’t take long to notice that things aren’t great with the walking group. The characters stand out making it easy to track who is who despite being introduced to a bunch of them at once.

Jude and Binnie give everything to investigate the case(s) as always. Of course, Jude does a lot more since she is the heroine of the series. She also has a farm to manage and a neverending list of tasks.

I like that Granny Margot has more presence in the book. Moreover, she shares vital insights that guide Jude in a new direction. Hoping to read more of her in the coming books.

The reveal comes in stages with a few red herrings and keeps the reader hooked. While the details and the rest make sense, I wish they weren’t revealed so easily (yeah, there’s some risk involved but still).

Jude seems to be in two minds about her love life or the lack of it. I can’t understand her thought process here. It’s too mercurial. Since I didn’t particularly like Marco, I don’t care one way or the other.

The family element really shines. Jude’s relationship with her sister, nephew, and Noah is heartwarming. I like the progress here. An important step for sure.

In the author’s note, the author mentions there will be eight more books (the series should conclude by the end of 2027). Count me in!

To summarize, Death in the Hills is steady paced dark cozy mystery with enough secrets and suspects to keep you reading.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good book in this series.
It was nice revisiting Malvern Farms and everyone else.
This was a good murder mystery. It was full of surprises which I didn’t see coming. Definitely looking forward to the next one

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Death In The Hills' by Kate Wells.

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in Kate's 'The Malvern Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read 'Murder On The Farm', 'Stranger In the Village' and 'A Body In The Hen House' which are the first three books in the series and I would also highly recommend them both. .

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 Kate Wells!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!

This book is yet another brilliant addition to Kate's absolutely addictive 'The Malvern Mysteries' series!! I absolutely fell in love with this series after reading the first book which is called 'Murder On The Farm'. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone and although I would not typically recommend reading books out of order there is a silver lining of doing so!! If you end up reading a later book in a series prior to the previous ones when you have finished it means you can go back and catch up on the previous books while waiting for the next book to come out! Kate has ticked every single box in this series from absolutely stunning locations to an an array of animals, murder to romance and much more, there is nothing more you could ask for when it comes to brilliant cosy mysteries!

Another absolutely fantastic success by Kate!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!

Well I must say this is another explosive, addictive and unputdownable book in an amazing and one of my favourite series!! The storyline was very interesting, action packed and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main character Jude is a farmer, surrounded by animals and is just an absolutely fantastic character, but more on her and the rest of the characters shortly. It is a fantastic and addictive cosy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. Thanks to Kate's stunning evocative descriptions I could see Malvern farm and all the characters, the atmosphere and more come to life in front of my eyes while feeling everything that the characters were. The storyline is ram packed with animals, crime, suspense, mystery, action and absolutely everything you could ask for in a fantastic book that is perfect to read curled up next to the fire under your duvet or enjoying the sun in the garden. Regardless of when or where you read this book Kate will transport you to Malvern Farm at the turn of a page. It is one of those books that I gave up promising myself just one more chapter very quickly as there was no chance of me putting it down and I ended up absorbing it all in one sitting and was left needing more so I hope you are writing your next book as I type this Kate!!

Although this is the fourth book in the series it can be read as a standalone with no problems at all, as can the previous three books which are just as amazing as this one! 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. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!!I

OMG!!!! THIS BOOK!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE KATE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!

A fun, addictive, unputdownable cosy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!

I very quickly became thoroughly invested in the characters in 'Stranger In The Village' and I was absolutely landed to meet them again in this book! I genuinely loved meeting Jude, Sebbie, Granny Margot, Binnie, Lucy, Noah and so many more characters from previous books again as well as discovering new characters and getting to know them all. I am a massive animal lover so any books that include animals in their storylines are huge bonuses for me and this one definitely has one of the most!! Jude is an absolutely kick butt woman but one with an amazing and caring personality and she is definitely someone I would love to make friends with in real life. Kate's absolutely amazing writing skills and descriptions ensures each and every one of the characters come to life and jump out of the pages making you see and feel everything they are doing and feeling. Each and every one of the characters were strong, realistic, the majority were amazing and each and every one was memorable!! All of the characters had their own unique personalities and each and every one had a part to play and played it perfectly. An absolutely fantastic and eclectic cast of characters that I look forward to meeting again and again.

Congratulations Kate on yet another absolutely fantastic book in what an absolutely epic must read series!! I am really looking forward to getting stuck into future books in this series. This is the exact reason that you are in my favourite author club and here's to your next success 🥂

Overall a page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, animals, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition in an addictive series!!!

#DeathInTheHills #AMalvernFarmMystery #KateWells #KatePoels #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers #theboldbookclub #Boldwood #BookAndTonic #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@KateWells @KatePoels @BoldwoodBooks @BoldwoodBloggers @Boldwood @theboldbookclub @BookAndTonic @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

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[Curt Dunnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Death in the Hills" by Kate Wells is a wonderful 5-star cozy mystery! Jude Gray is back, and as always, she finds herself wrapped up in suspicious deaths near Malvern Farm. All the usual characters are here: Lucy, Jude’s sister; Noah, her right-hand man on the farm; Sebbie, her happy go lucky little nephew; and Detective Inspector Binnie, her investigative partner.

I absolutely love this entire series, and I can’t wait for the next book! Kate Wells' fantastic writing style truly makes you feel at home with the characters and the animals on the farm. The story is filled with plenty of twists and red herrings, keeping you guessing until Jude uncovers the perpetrators. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a must-read!

Thanks to Boldwood Books, Kate Wells, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri join a local walking group, their expectations for a peaceful outing to the Malvern Hills takes a grim turn. Arguments abound, and the hike ends in tragedy when one of the walkers is found dead in her car. Initially ruled as an accident but as Jude and Binnie dig deeper, they uncover tensions and secrets within the group.
The fourth book in the series & another well written enjoyable cosy mystery. There were twists & turns as well as surprises that I wasn’t expecting. I really like Jude & how relationships have evolved throughout the series, I also really like the mix of home life & mystery. An engrossing mystery & I look forward to book five
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[K. East · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mercy, Jude Gray does fret a lot! I enjoyed listening to this fourth book in the series, but some of the MC's decisions bordered on obsessive . . . and even worse [from my POV] were her "stupid detective" moves, deciding that she can't wait for the police and must move into dangerous, questionable situations immediately. And I found her on/off response to Marco a bit wearying. But even with those annoyances, I still enjoyed listening to this volume in the series and I'll eventually listen to book #5 [once I forget how silly Jude was in this one].

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in the Hills is the fourth book in the Malvern Farm Mysteries. I've read three of them.

It's a welcome return to Jude Gray and her busy farming life and family, but no sooner have we enjoyed a countryside walk than tragedy strikes. As always, Jude is suspicious, and she's right to be suspicious as she begins to uncover some of the secrets among the members of the walking group she's joined.

These mysteries are really solid reads. The plot is very well defined and developed, and readers know they're going to get a surprise along the way—one that has been well-signposted if only we follow the right clues (which I didn't—I was very convinced the solution was different from the one we got).

Death in the Hills is a welcome addition to this thoroughly well-written series, and I'm really pleased that at least four more books will be published.

[Fictionophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Binnie persuades Jude to join a rambling group. This is an endeavour that Jude really enjoys, despite a run-in with a nasty neighbour. Then, on their way home, they encounter a fatal car accident, which caused the death of one of the more likeable ramblers from their group. Jude is suspicious. Surely this woman, who was very familiar with the roads of this area, would not have gone off the road without human intervention?

A week later, Jude once again joins the 'Malvern Roaming and Rambling Society" for an autumnal walk in the hills she loves. Again, the walk culminates in the death of one of the ramblers. This time it is the group's leader, a retired policewoman.

As is her wont, Jude delves into the murder investigations with full knowledge of Binnie's support, and the added insight of the delightful Granny Margot. Due to her keen insight and deductive powers, she puts herself in the thick of the action. Jude, once again, puts herself in mortal danger in her quest for justice.

This novel portrayed a working sheep farm, in all its mucky, arduous glory. Jude is constantly adding to her farm's menagerie with each book in the series. This time she has added an aging 'rescued', straw-coloured Shetland pony to the mix. She also takes a teenage girl under her wing - a girl who has been thrown out of her house by her father. Her penchant for taking in waifs and straws will be her undoing.

Jude was a strong and admirable character that I am eager to follow in subsequent novels. I'm enjoying reading about her growing affection for Marco, the artist introduced in the last novel.

The writing was compelling and made for an easy, enjoyable reading experience. The plot this time was a tangled web of unscrupulous business practices, avarice, impersonation, theft, and revenge.

The denouement was very satisfactory, involving a warm coming together of Jude's biological and 'found' family. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this engaging mystery series. A series which has become a personal favourite after only four books.

[Melisa Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to Rachel and the publisher for issuing me with my review copy of the book and for inviting me to take part on the blog tour.

Death in the Hills is the next instalment in the wonderful Malvern Hills cosy crime series and one of my personal favourites. I have loved seeing Jude go from a lonely widowed farmer to a happy confident woman surrounded by her family and friends.

We follow Jude and her friend Binnie who you may recognise from the previous books as the Detective Inspector who solves the crimes and murders that seem to follow Jude around! This time, murder is afoot when Jude joins Binnie with her local walking group. The group is made up of completely different characters so at first it was anyone’s guess about who was going to be murdered…..and why!

This is a really wonderful series, with a really good mix of investigation from Jude whilst also learning more about her farm role and the way she has expanded the role of farm within the community. It was brilliant to be reunited with Binnie, a fully invested member of the family, along with Jude’s nephew Sebbie and Lucy, her sister. Lovely to read that Lucy and Noah are still going from strength to strength!

I did have a slight inkling about the murder but I think with the red herrings sprinkled in the plot, I did begin to doubt myself especially the more we learn about the walking group and that a number of them have a motive, especially when there is another murder within the group. This just propels Jude into trying to find out how the two are linked.

A really enjoyable addition to the series – looking forward to the next book already!

[Theresa Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series. The next one is on pre order!!!

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

When farmer Jude Gray accompanies DI Binnie Khatri on a ramble with a local group led by ex-DI Joyce Mason, little does she know the day will end in tragedy. Essentially Jude is there to keep the peace when the group cross Noah’s Dad’s land after the last time when Joyce’s dog ran riot amongst the sheep and they were threatened by Frank’s rather volatile farmhand Damien. After a rather eventful walk, Jude and Binnie discover one of their number, Becka, has gone off the road in her car on the way home and, despite attempts to save her, she later dies. Jude can’t help wondering if it wasn’t just an accident. Had she been forced off the road by another car? After all, there was no love lost between Joyce and the very strong minded Becka, and Damien also hates Becka for interfering in his love life. Could there also be other people who had a grudge against Becka? With the aid of Granny Margot and Binnie, she learns that the rift between Joyce and Becka went deeper after Joyce’s nephew ousted Becka as Joyce’s financial advisor and each woman appeared to be warning each other off something. Joyce had also been helping Becka achieve her dream to become a private investigator. Becka was clearly worried about something but had she unearthed information that led to her death? And does that put anyone else in danger?
There are some great characters returning again in this lovely series, including Granny Margot, Lucy, Noah, Sebbie and all the animals. Jude is hardworking and keeps everyone together whilst still wondering if she did the right thing in pushing Marco away. I still have my fingers crossed that she will find happiness to match that of her sister Lucy and shepherd Noah. Although it’s filled with an ever-increasing number of furry farm animals and some real warmth and humour, there are plenty of dark deeds surrounding the Malvern Roaming and Rambling Society for Jude and Binnie to unravel in this latest story in a great series.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always thrilled to take another trip to Malvern Farm to visit Jude, her sister Lucy, her nephew Sebbie, the farm animals, and the rest of her crew in Malvern End. Thank you so much Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In the fourth instalment of the series, we see Jude has joined her best friend Binnie’s walking group. Binnie, a detective inspector, has asked Jude along to help her convince the walk leader to stop walking through farmland as there has been increased tension between farmers and the walking group due to dogs disturbing the animals.

Jude tries her best to keep the peace, but Joyce Mason, the leader, is stubborn from her years leading the local the police force. Despite some power struggles, Jude has a lovely time with the group on their 5 hour walk. On her drive home she sees that Becka, one of the group members, has driven off the edge of the cliff and is clinging to life before she eventually dies in the ambulance on the way to A&E.

Jude is suspicious of Becka’s death because Becka has lived in Malvern her whole life and knows the twisty, skinny roads like the back of her hands. Without any evidence to support foul play, Jude continues to spend time with the walking group… until another member is murdered on their next walk.

Kate Wells always does a fantastic job balancing the mystery in the story with life on the farm. I love learning more and more about Sheep farms, breeding, feeding, etc. I love getting to see the character development between Jude (a widow) and her sister, neighbours, and potential love interest as I continue the series. I will be watching for the 5th book: I’m already eagerly awaiting it!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Wells’ Death in the Hills is an engrossing cosy whodunnit with plenty of red herrings and twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri joined a local walking group and were looking forward to a leisurely outing to the Malvern Hills. However, far from being a relaxing walk round the countryside taking in the spectacular scenery, the day out is soured by constant arguments and barbed remarks from the other walkers. Things surely couldn’t get any worse – until the dead body of one of the walkers is discovered in her car.

Initially this death isn’t ruled as suspicious, but merely as a tragic accident. However, Jude isn’t so sure. Her instincts are telling her that there is far more to this story than meets the eye and she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. With the walking group bubbling with resentments, suspicions and scandalous secrets, Jude has certainly got no shortage of suspects. But which one of them is the killer?

As the danger increases with each new shocking revelation, will Jude and Binnie find out whodunnit? Or will they be the killer’s next victims?

I raced through this tightly-plotted, unpredictable and exciting mystery by Kate Wells. Death in the Hills is an enjoyable crime novel with a smart and intuitive detective imbued with bucolic flavour, tension, atmosphere and plenty of suspense to keep readers up all night desperate to find out who the killer is.

Perfect for Midsomer Murders fans, Death in the Hills by Kate Wells is a satisfying and exciting mystery that will leave readers wanting more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley And Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read "Death in the Hills" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the fourth book in The Malvern Mysteries series. Jude Gray the reader might wonder - does she find trouble or does trouble find her. Once again she is in the middle of a cleverly crafted mystery. Her good friend DI Binnie Khatri has asked her to come along to the malvern Roaming and Rambling Society walk. She has a million things that she needs to do but she will always do anything for a friend. There are tensions in the group when someone has phoned Damien Hawker (who works for Frank - Jude's neighbour) and hates the ramblers. As the walk breaks up and everyone leaves the British Camp site. When Jude and Binnie come upon an accident, they find that it's one of the ramblers.

One of my favourite characters is Granny Margot. She has a large role in this book. First they are on an outing from Perrins House, the care home where she lives and where Jude's sister works. Granny Margot is a great character because she is sharp as a tack and can be counted on to talk these cases through with. Granny Margot has decided to rent out her cottage which she has hung onto. Clara from the ramblers will be moving into it.

When another accident happens on a walk - Binnie and Jude start to think the crash might not have been an accident. Needing to help people, Jude often makes mistakes (like forgetting her mobile) and puts herself in grave danger.

Ms Wells has brought together interesting characters and a complex plot that comes to a thrilling ending. We also get a glimpse of what the future might hold for Malvern Farm.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death In The Hills is a fourth book in the Malvern mysteries by Kate Wells, in this book, Benny gets Jude to go on a walking tour before she makes it back home. One of the group of walkers will be dead, and Jude will have yet another case to investigate. unfortunately, the murders don’t stop with Becca‘s because next the head of the walking group is poisoned, which only heightens the tension and the need to solve the crime. with so many new people she’s meeting. Jude is up to her eyeballs and suspects and even motives, but who did it and what does it have to do with the homeless girl Kerry, she found staying in one of her tents. I don’t know why it took me four books to realize that Jude has four pasturs of sheep to feed and tend to a petting farm/zoo and glampping cabins and tents that she changes the sheets for and cleans every day there is guest not to mention, she watches her nephew, Zebby and picks him up from school every day. This seems like a lot for one woman and impossible to do every job to satisfaction. I just found that threw me off of the story once I realized it. not just that she has to keep her house clean. She cooks dinner every day and I mean a proper dinner where she invites others to eat with them. I know this has nothing to do with the book overall but this is all it seems unbelievable as far as the book goes it was another great mystery. I love Jude and her friends and family. I just wish the backstory was a tad bit more believable or even doable.#NetGalley, #DeathInTheHills, #KateWells,

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death In The Hills by Kate Wells is a contemporary cosy crime novel that I really enjoyed. It is the fourth book in The Malvern Farm Mystery but can be read as a stand-alone.
As the series name suggests, the action is set in the Malvern area with mentions of the cities of Worcester and Birmingham. Living in Worcestershire means the area was easy for me to picture, giving the story a familiar feel to it.
We see the value of family. Family is not just blood related but includes all who love us. There were some very touching scenes featuring a very young nephew, and at the other end of the scale, an aging Grandmother. This showed the love between the generations. Too often the elderly are ignored, this makes for ideal amateur sleuthing as their ears are open.
The reader is treated to the open Malvern landscape as we roam the hills, see the sheep and sample the fayre in a local pub.
There is a community atmosphere but not everyone is who they claim to be.
As the body count rises, both police work and amateur sleuthing come into play as old grudges lead to new crimes.
I enjoyed Death In The Hills. I think it would perfectly translate into early evening television viewing. It was an excellent cosy crime.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Kez · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was little, I was given my older cousin's entire Enid Blyton collection, which I adored and read at any opportunity. One of my favourite series was the Cherry Tree Farm series, with four children learning about country life. And I'm still a sucker for farm-based books, so was excited to pick up Kate Wells' books last year.

Jude Gray is running an arable farm with sheep, going it alone after the death of her husband Adam. Death in the Hills is the fourth instalment, and is a twisty murder mystery set in a beautiful landscape.

Invited by her friend, DI Binnie Khatri, Jude joins the local rambling group and gets to know her fellow walkers, only for one of them to later be found dead. Was it a simple car accident? Jude isn't so sure.

The solution is never so straightforward, and once again Jude gets involved in trying to work out the motives and investigating the sudden death of a fellow walker.

The beautiful scenery is brought to life in the writing, which also touches on the difficulties of modern farming and the politics of Right-To-Roam, without being heavy handed or out of place.

Kate Wells' novels are gripping and un-put-downable, this latest one is no exception.

[Alyce Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Kate Wells, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book, the fourth in the Malvern Hills series. This cosy series features farmer sleuth Jude Gray and her friend DI Binnie Khatri solving mysteries in the Malvern Hills countryside.

In this outing, Jude is pursuaded by Binnie to join her rambling group for a walk around the local countryside. It's a diverse group led by a dictorial former police officer and all is not well amongst the walkers. After the walk, one of the group's car crashes and she's killed. It appears she took a curve too close to the edge but Jude has a feeling she was forced over the edge. As Jude and Binnie begin an unauthorized investigation into the crash and the victim's life, the ramblers' leader is poisoned. Jude, as a civilian, is sidelined from the official investigation, but that doesn't stop her from her own queries and from putting her life in danger.

It's a good book, well crafted, interesting characters, and a mystery with lots of twists and turns. I had not read any of the previous books and had no trouble following the cast of characters. I'll definitely read others in this series. 4 out of 5 stars.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining cozy mystery involving rambling through the countryside. I liked learning a bit about how farm lands are open to those walking through on established trails. While private property is respected, historical walking paths are available. Jude is a capable amateur sleuth, investigating by talking to people and sneaking into residences to find evidence. The plot has a consistent pace, suitable for a cozy mystery set in the British farmlands. There is a good bit of suspense near the end. The setting of farmlands is good and feels relaxing. I really like the good descriptions of the rambling locations.

This is a nice cozy mystery, especially if you like dogs and sheep and good descriptions of the countryside.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the fourth book in the Malvern Farm cosy mysteries series. Jude and her friend Binnie join a walking group, but tragedy strikes when one of the members is later found dead in their car. Was it an accident, or something more sinister?

I've enjoyed all the other books in this series, and I enjoyed this one as well. I like the characters, and there's something about the rural setting and general atmosphere that I find comforting. This was an easy, relaxing read, and the mystery kept me guessing. If you haven't read the others in the series, I'd say these work as standalones too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great story about Jude and her sheep farm. Binnie, her police detective friend, has invited Jude to come along on a walk with her local walking group. After the walk, one of the women goes off a windy highway and ends up in the valley below. When the ambulance arrive, Becka dies from her injuries. At the next walk, the group's leader Joyce, dies from poison which was in her water bottle. Jude is determined to help Binnie find the killer, and comes into grave danger herself. I am glad to read that she getting closer to starting a relationship with Marco who's rented a house not far from the farm.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for an advance copy of this novel.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude is invited to join a walk with a rambling group by her friend Binnie. The leader of the group is rather a tyrant and there are a few clashes with her strict rules during the hike and an unpleasant encounter with a farmer when the public path crosses his field. The group is devastated when a member dies after a car crash on the way home from the walk.
Jude is suspicious that the car crash might not be accidental, but then a second death occurs and she is in full-on sleuthing mode.
The mystery keeps you guessing and the characters are realistic and enjoyable. I love the descriptions of the farm, the countryside, and the animals on their farm!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four in The Malvern Mysteries centres on a local rambling group Jude and Binnie attend. It soon becomes a chilling murder mystery with many suspects and a web of deceit, lies, and secrets. Jude, Binnie, and Jude's family are lovely characters who interact with each other believably. The mystery is increasingly complex as the story progresses to a suspenseful conclusion. The farm and rural setting give it a uniqueness. I like the main characters, the balance of rural life and murder mystery and Jude's character development. It is readable as a standalone, but the series is best read from the beginning to appreciate the characterisation and setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a cozy mystery that keeps you guessing to the end. The possible list of suspects is just right with a good twist. This is #4 in the series but the 1st I read and definitely can be enjoyed as a standalone. Jude was invited to join a walking club by her BF, DI Binnie. But when after their walk one of the walkers and another friend is found dead in her car that looked like it was run off the road, Jude and Binnie intuition go on high alert. When a second member and leader of the walking group dies in front of them, they know that there’s definitely something evil going on.
Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #DeathintheHills #MalvernFarmMystery

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!1 Wonderful book! This is the 4th installment in the Malvern Farm mysteries but it was the first book I have read by this author. I was able to follow and really enjoy the story without reading the other books but I do want to go back and read them all. DI Binnie Khatri and Jude Gray join a walking group to have a nice relaxing walks through the beautiful countryside. The walk was anything but peaceful when one of the walkers was found dead in her car. Jude and Binnie don't believe the story that it was an accident and decide to investigate. With danger around every corner, Jude and Binnie aren't sure if they can solve the mystery before something happens to them.

[Nicola Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest instalment of this brilliant series begins with Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri joining a local walking group. However, despite their expectations for a peaceful outing to the Malvern Hills there are violent confrontations and disagreements amongst the hikers. The hike ends in tragedy when Jude and Binnie discover one of the walkers has fatally crashed her car. Initially ruled as an accident, Jude's instincts tell her there’s more to the story. Jude has a nose for a mystery and she investigates the various members of the group. From hidden affairs to longstanding rivalries, it becomes clear this death was no accident. With each revelation, the danger grows and it is clear that there is a killer amongst the group.

I am really enjoying this series as the characters are developing with each new mystery. We find Jude coming to terms with the loss of her husband and wondering if she is ready for a new romance. Her sister Lucy, Noah and Sebbie are a fixture in the farmhouse providing loving support and a sounding board for her theories. Jude is an excellent character as she is brave and allows Wells to set the pace of the story. She is our eyes and ears revealing the suspects and identifying the killer. If you enjoy a cozy mystery with a slightly dark edge then you'll enjoy the book. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for a review.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Kate Wells, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice cozy mystery set in the English countryside. The characters are well developed, and the mystery moves along nicely. I especially like how the author gives us the thoughts of the main character, Jude, as she wrestles with trying to solve the case. A good story worth reading. Recommended.

This is the fourth book in the Malvern Mysteries by Kate Wells and can be read independently from the prior books.

@BoldwoodBooks

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.
This was my first book in the series and I think it can be read
as a standalone.
I loved the animals (especially the dogs) that the book is filled with, as well as Jude. The mystery as to the killer was
quite confusing, it could have been one of so many of the characters, and I didn't have a clue. But the book felt overly long to me and I got a bit bored at times. Despite that I found it a sweet, cozy read.

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what an engaging mystery! A widow who's a sheep farmer, a DI, a small English village, a rambling group, and murder. The plotting's tight, the characterization is wonderful, and I'm going back to start with book 1 right away. My only gripe is an old overused trope that plays a big role in the resolution. Other than that, I'm sold!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Kate Wells and found it enjoyable. Jude farms in the Malvern Hills, but also seems to have knack for getting herself involved in murder investigation, in this case following the deaths of two member s of The Malvern Rambling and Roaming society, the two deaths occurring on the only two walks Jude’s has been on!
This is a cosy mystery with a bit of will they - won’t they romance thrown in for good measure, all in a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.