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Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries #1
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop
A picturesque village. A quaint highstreet... And a murder to solve. Alice's new life is off to a deadly start.
When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence.
All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realises they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight.
Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbour's compost heap, and Alice realises there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.
Head for the Cotswolds in this delightful new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and Agatha Christie.
When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence.
All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realises they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight.
Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbour's compost heap, and Alice realises there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.
Head for the Cotswolds in this delightful new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and Agatha Christie.
232 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2024
622 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Young
44 books274 followersHello dear readers!
I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.
NOVELS
My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.
My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",
My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.
All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.
SHORT FICTION
My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!
My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,
Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".
PLAYS
I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.
AWARDS
The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
FREE EBOOK
Rec
I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.
NOVELS
My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.
My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",
My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.
All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.
SHORT FICTION
My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!
My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,
Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".
PLAYS
I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.
AWARDS
The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
September 4, 2024
I received a free copy of, Death at the Old Curiosity Shop, by Debbie Young, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Alice Carroll is in Cotswolds, to start over after breaking up with her boyfriend, she falls in love with a shop and wants to take over but the villagers aren't happy with her plans. Then a dead body is found and she has a mystery to solve, life is not dull in Little Pride. This was a lively read, I really liked Alice.
October 16, 2024
This started out feeling like a quirky book. It has some interesting characters. It moves fairly quickly and becomes a murder mystery. I would say it makes a nice cosy mystery. I do kinda feel like it ended abruptly and left some loose ends. It was still enjoyable
January 29, 2025
This was… not for me. I love a cozy mystery but this just did not feel like that.
Let’s start with the fact that you don’t get to the actual murder until 50% of the book. I get it, you gotta give background to your characters but I feel as if you should be able to do this while working the mystery into the plot.
The characters felt flat (outside of Danny, my king who can do no wrong) and a lot of the interactions seemed forced.
Then the mystery itself was very on the nose if you’ve read any good mystery and it was resolved within like 3 seconds. Plus that ending did not feel like the good feel ending I’m sure the author wanted to write.
There’s a follow up to this book and I received the ARC for it so I will be reading it and hopefully, now that we have such a large background to Alice, there will be more plot.
Let’s start with the fact that you don’t get to the actual murder until 50% of the book. I get it, you gotta give background to your characters but I feel as if you should be able to do this while working the mystery into the plot.
The characters felt flat (outside of Danny, my king who can do no wrong) and a lot of the interactions seemed forced.
Then the mystery itself was very on the nose if you’ve read any good mystery and it was resolved within like 3 seconds. Plus that ending did not feel like the good feel ending I’m sure the author wanted to write.
There’s a follow up to this book and I received the ARC for it so I will be reading it and hopefully, now that we have such a large background to Alice, there will be more plot.
January 24, 2025
For a seemingly well educated women I can't believe Alice did not read any conveyancing details nor does she fight for her rights. It appears that common sense is not very common here.
The book began interestingly enough but dwindled into fantasy and silliness. Also the ending was abrupt and unbelievable.
The book began interestingly enough but dwindled into fantasy and silliness. Also the ending was abrupt and unbelievable.
May 5, 2025
Loved the cute little cottage setting but the plot was pretty meh and I could have lived without reading this.
March 4, 2025
A Delightful Romp
I very much enjoyed this cosy murder mystery and found it an easy read. I think the character creation was well done and I didn't figure out the culprit. I agree with other reviewers that the end was abrupt, the story itself was complete but there was no summary or ending paragraph. I also agree with other reviews that state the main character behaved in a way that wasn't particularly in keeping. It was nothing major, just every now and then a sense that she was behaving in a way that wasn't quite during with the type of person she was described to be. For all that, I did enjoy it and found it a pleasant read, I would read more from this author.
I very much enjoyed this cosy murder mystery and found it an easy read. I think the character creation was well done and I didn't figure out the culprit. I agree with other reviewers that the end was abrupt, the story itself was complete but there was no summary or ending paragraph. I also agree with other reviews that state the main character behaved in a way that wasn't particularly in keeping. It was nothing major, just every now and then a sense that she was behaving in a way that wasn't quite during with the type of person she was described to be. For all that, I did enjoy it and found it a pleasant read, I would read more from this author.
December 27, 2025
lovely little cosy mystery. Easy reading and likeable main characters. Will definitely continue the series
October 23, 2025
3.5 pink stars, rounded up.
I rounded up because I really liked the second half of this book. It's perhaps a little TOO cozy, as it took more than halfway through before we got into the mystery. Otherwise, it's a decent plot, interesting characters that I wouldn't mind reading about again, and we get into some history (Roman archaeology in this case). With its nod towards Dickens and the fact that Alice has a museum background, I look forward to more of that.
Description: When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence. All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realizes they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight. Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbor's compost heap, and Alice realizes there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.
I rounded up because I really liked the second half of this book. It's perhaps a little TOO cozy, as it took more than halfway through before we got into the mystery. Otherwise, it's a decent plot, interesting characters that I wouldn't mind reading about again, and we get into some history (Roman archaeology in this case). With its nod towards Dickens and the fact that Alice has a museum background, I look forward to more of that.
Description: When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence. All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realizes they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight. Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbor's compost heap, and Alice realizes there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.
October 4, 2024
Review of Death at the Old Curiosity Shop by Debbie Young
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop is a charming cozy mystery that takes its time to build momentum. For me, it wasn’t until about halfway through the book that things really started to get interesting. I’m not typically a fan of amateur detective stories, and while I found the book enjoyable, it lacked the depth in British police procedure that I would have liked to see. That said, this is very much a cozy mystery, and I think fans of the genre will appreciate its light, engaging tone and the quirky characters. While it didn’t completely win me over, it will likely be a hit for cozy mystery lovers.
#BoldwoodBooks #ARC #NetGalley #AuthorsWhoRead #Bookstagram
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop is a charming cozy mystery that takes its time to build momentum. For me, it wasn’t until about halfway through the book that things really started to get interesting. I’m not typically a fan of amateur detective stories, and while I found the book enjoyable, it lacked the depth in British police procedure that I would have liked to see. That said, this is very much a cozy mystery, and I think fans of the genre will appreciate its light, engaging tone and the quirky characters. While it didn’t completely win me over, it will likely be a hit for cozy mystery lovers.
#BoldwoodBooks #ARC #NetGalley #AuthorsWhoRead #Bookstagram
October 29, 2024
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, check out Debbie Young's latest novel, Death at the Old Curiosity Shop. Set in the charming Cotswold village of Little Pride, this book introduces us to Alice Carroll, who is looking to start fresh after a breakup. She moves into Curiosity Cottage, a quaint former bric-a-brac shop, only to find herself entangled in a local mystery when a body is discovered in her neighbor's compost heap.
I liked meeting Alice and her bestfriend Danny. They both worked at the museum until Alice was made redundant. Alice, is a warm and relatable character. Her curiosity and determination make her a natural sleuth, and she quickly becomes involved in the village’s mysteries.
The author nicely blends humor, intrigue, and a touch of romance, making this book a delightful escape. The picturesque setting and quirky and endearing villagers add to the charm, while the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. The ending felt kind of abrupt and loose to me, otherwise it was fun to read and I can't wait for more of this world.
This looks to be a great start to a promising series. Cozy mystery lovers check this!
I liked meeting Alice and her bestfriend Danny. They both worked at the museum until Alice was made redundant. Alice, is a warm and relatable character. Her curiosity and determination make her a natural sleuth, and she quickly becomes involved in the village’s mysteries.
The author nicely blends humor, intrigue, and a touch of romance, making this book a delightful escape. The picturesque setting and quirky and endearing villagers add to the charm, while the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. The ending felt kind of abrupt and loose to me, otherwise it was fun to read and I can't wait for more of this world.
This looks to be a great start to a promising series. Cozy mystery lovers check this!
February 21, 2025
A pleasant, steadily paced, crime mystery book set in the Cotswolds.
April 12, 2025
Good and Absorbing!
I very much enjoyed the book. While I thought some of the characters were a bit too predictable, over all, it was fun.
I very much enjoyed the book. While I thought some of the characters were a bit too predictable, over all, it was fun.
December 2, 2025
Good start to a new to me series. It left enough for me to want to read the next book. I was afraid it would be a little too Agatha Raisin for me, but Alice is no Agatha!
December 15, 2025
3.5 stars. Very, very light cozy mystery. Not exciting but still enjoyable.
January 23, 2025
This book was sooo cozy and had me giggling every so often! I really enjoyed the main characters personality and the characters she surrounded herself with. If you want a heavy mystery with lots of suspense and drama, this isn’t it. It felt more like reading about someone’s life that just so happens to have a murder in it. A new type of murder mystery for me that I would be very happy to revisit.
December 11, 2025
The characters and story line were fine, but it didn't pull me in.
October 12, 2024
A great start to what promises to be a fantastic series!
Alice Carroll is looking forward to getting settled in her new village home; having separated from her long term boyfriend and his endless collections, she is keen to live a minimalist life. However, her intentions to turn the shop into a home hit a snag when the locals make it clear that they intend for the shop to remain and, apparently, there's a bit of legalese which supports that. Then, in the midst of all that, a dead body turns up in her neighbour's compost heap and, suddenly, village life doesn't seem quite so peaceful . . .
This is a terrific start to a cosy mystery series - a genre I'm very fond of. With well-crafted characters and plenty going on, I relished every word and this is definitely a series I shall be looking out for. For me, 4.5* and my recommendation.
Alice Carroll is looking forward to getting settled in her new village home; having separated from her long term boyfriend and his endless collections, she is keen to live a minimalist life. However, her intentions to turn the shop into a home hit a snag when the locals make it clear that they intend for the shop to remain and, apparently, there's a bit of legalese which supports that. Then, in the midst of all that, a dead body turns up in her neighbour's compost heap and, suddenly, village life doesn't seem quite so peaceful . . .
This is a terrific start to a cosy mystery series - a genre I'm very fond of. With well-crafted characters and plenty going on, I relished every word and this is definitely a series I shall be looking out for. For me, 4.5* and my recommendation.
October 18, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Death At The Old Curiosity Shop' by Debbie Young.
Such a gorgeous, easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!! Well done Debbie on yet another absolutely addictive cosy mystery!!
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this fantastic cosy murder mystery!! Such an absolutely brilliant start to what is guaranteed to be an addictive series!! I mean SERIOSULY Debbie WHEN is the next book in this 'The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries' coming out??? I looked on Amazon but it doesn't say!! I hope you are editing it as I type this because I need more of Alice and The Curiosity Shop in my life now!! I mean, just look at that absolutely amazing eye catching cover!! If that alone doesn't make you want to grab a copy then continue reading!! I really did love reading this book which took place in such a brilliant environment. I mean who doesn't love looking around curiosity shops and I loved "seeing" Alice setting it back up ready to reopen discovering new items with her. It wasn't just the shop that I loved but also exploring Little Pride, getting to know the community who live there and seeing the other businesses running. I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for a few hours. It was a shame it was only a few hours 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", leave Little Pride and return to dreary rainy Wales. In this brilliant book we meet Alice Carroll who has had to move out of her house after her partner Steven decided he wanted to go find himself in India just after they had payed their last payment on their mortgage. If that wasn't enough for her she then loses her job at the museum after they made her redundant. She finds the perfect house for her in Little Pride but after buying it she discovers that her estate agent and her ex who was a lawyer and did the conveyancing for her failed to mention the fact that The Curiosity Shop has to legally be run as a business unless the council agreed to a change-of-use application. Along with that all the villagers are also determined to keep The Curiosity Shop going. Alice has no choice to open the shop. With the help from her friend and colleague Danny they get the shop up and running and after a few learning curves business is going well. However, when a body is found buried in her neighbours compost heap, the donkeys she fell in love with behind her home disappear, she discovers there is going to be new buildings where the donkeys were plus more Little Pride does not seem to be the perfect place to be. Alice was previously the museums Victorian specialist and was known as the museums sleuth so she is determined to discover the killer. Will Alice ever be able to settle in Little Pride? Will she discover who the killer is before they kill again? Grab your copy of this explosive start to what promises to be an addictive series now. I promise that you will not regret it!! With a storyline filed with mystery, humour, danger, friendship, murder, donkeys, stunning settings, twists, curios and much more what are you waiting for?? The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery and action upon action to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. I went to put the book down at one point to do some washing but each time I went to put it down something happened and I just HAD to know what was going to happen next! In the end I completely devoured the book in one sitting of several hours and I was left needing more. I was absolutely gobsmacked by so many reveals that my jaw completely dropped. I was not expecting those twists at all Debbie so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS!! After I have read hundreds of crime books it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but you managed it hook, line and sinker!!! This book is truly one of those fantastic finds that you can read absolutely anywhere from the beach to in front of a fireplace. It doesn't matter where you read it because of Debbie's evocative writing skills you are guaranteed to be swept away to the beautiful village of Little Pride in no time!!! I loved that although this book is predominantly a murder mystery it also made me laugh so many times. Its perfect when you find a book like that that even when the storyline has death in it it still makes you laugh and lightens the mood!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
I absolutely LOVED meeting Alice and getting to know her throughout this fantastic story. Alice is a strong, fierce and independent woman who is determined to make a new life for herself. Debbie does a fantastic job of building up the characterisation of Alice along with the villagers and other 50% of the book is dedicated to Alice settling in, sorting the shop out, meeting new villagers and building up the picture of Little Pride which I absolutely loved. Debbie then weaved the murder in and we continue getting to know the villagers. I was intrigued by Alice and the fact that she worked in a museum which I thought was fascinating. I really connected with her and became invested in her immediately and I truly cannot wait to meet hr again in the next book to see what she gets up to next and how she gets long at the Old Curiosity Shop. There was a wide range of characters in the storyline and I loved getting to know the community of Little Pride. We have Danny who is Alice's best friend and was her colleague who I really liked getting to know and "seeing" him help Alice, Danny's partner is Martin but Alice is not a fan of him and neither was I. Moving on to the villagers we have Andrew Gloster who is the editor of the 'Little Pride Parish News' which is like gospel to the villagers, Maudie Frampton who is an elderly lady with a fierce attitude, the horrid Terrence Bolt who is Alice's neighbour and is determined to build his housing estate by her shop, Suki Price who owns the 'Suki's Stores' and loves to gossip, Coralie who is a hairdresser and owns 'Coralie's Curls' who I really liked and Robert Sponge who is also Alice's neighbour. These are just some of the fantastic characters you will get to meet when you pick up this brilliant book and dive into Little Pride. Every single character as their own uniqueness along with flaws, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. However, many of them seem to use different names and hiding secrets so it is difficult to know who to rust. The fact that Debbie cares about her characters shines out of the pages with her fantastic character development. I am completely invested in each of the characters and Debbie portrayed village life and the characters perfectly. I live in a small village myself and Debbie has got it spot on, especially the gossip being rife! Alice and the rest of the characters have very quickly become like friends that I look forward to catching up with and Debbie's fantastic and evocative writing skills really make them jump out of the pages and come to life in front of the reader. Every one of her characters are well developed, strong and most importantly realistic!! I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how friendships and relationships with all the other characters develop. I'm really looking forward to seeing what all these fantastic and memorable characters get up to in the not so distant future!!!
Congratulations Debbie on yet another absolutely addictive book and an amazing start to what promise to be an addictive series!!! Here's to many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
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Review for 'Death At The Old Curiosity Shop' by Debbie Young.
Such a gorgeous, easy, fun cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!! Well done Debbie on yet another absolutely addictive cosy mystery!!
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this fantastic cosy murder mystery!! Such an absolutely brilliant start to what is guaranteed to be an addictive series!! I mean SERIOSULY Debbie WHEN is the next book in this 'The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries' coming out??? I looked on Amazon but it doesn't say!! I hope you are editing it as I type this because I need more of Alice and The Curiosity Shop in my life now!! I mean, just look at that absolutely amazing eye catching cover!! If that alone doesn't make you want to grab a copy then continue reading!! I really did love reading this book which took place in such a brilliant environment. I mean who doesn't love looking around curiosity shops and I loved "seeing" Alice setting it back up ready to reopen discovering new items with her. It wasn't just the shop that I loved but also exploring Little Pride, getting to know the community who live there and seeing the other businesses running. I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for a few hours. It was a shame it was only a few hours 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", leave Little Pride and return to dreary rainy Wales. In this brilliant book we meet Alice Carroll who has had to move out of her house after her partner Steven decided he wanted to go find himself in India just after they had payed their last payment on their mortgage. If that wasn't enough for her she then loses her job at the museum after they made her redundant. She finds the perfect house for her in Little Pride but after buying it she discovers that her estate agent and her ex who was a lawyer and did the conveyancing for her failed to mention the fact that The Curiosity Shop has to legally be run as a business unless the council agreed to a change-of-use application. Along with that all the villagers are also determined to keep The Curiosity Shop going. Alice has no choice to open the shop. With the help from her friend and colleague Danny they get the shop up and running and after a few learning curves business is going well. However, when a body is found buried in her neighbours compost heap, the donkeys she fell in love with behind her home disappear, she discovers there is going to be new buildings where the donkeys were plus more Little Pride does not seem to be the perfect place to be. Alice was previously the museums Victorian specialist and was known as the museums sleuth so she is determined to discover the killer. Will Alice ever be able to settle in Little Pride? Will she discover who the killer is before they kill again? Grab your copy of this explosive start to what promises to be an addictive series now. I promise that you will not regret it!! With a storyline filed with mystery, humour, danger, friendship, murder, donkeys, stunning settings, twists, curios and much more what are you waiting for?? The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery and action upon action to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. I went to put the book down at one point to do some washing but each time I went to put it down something happened and I just HAD to know what was going to happen next! In the end I completely devoured the book in one sitting of several hours and I was left needing more. I was absolutely gobsmacked by so many reveals that my jaw completely dropped. I was not expecting those twists at all Debbie so a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS!! After I have read hundreds of crime books it is getting harder and harder to surprise me but you managed it hook, line and sinker!!! This book is truly one of those fantastic finds that you can read absolutely anywhere from the beach to in front of a fireplace. It doesn't matter where you read it because of Debbie's evocative writing skills you are guaranteed to be swept away to the beautiful village of Little Pride in no time!!! I loved that although this book is predominantly a murder mystery it also made me laugh so many times. Its perfect when you find a book like that that even when the storyline has death in it it still makes you laugh and lightens the mood!!!
Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
I absolutely LOVED meeting Alice and getting to know her throughout this fantastic story. Alice is a strong, fierce and independent woman who is determined to make a new life for herself. Debbie does a fantastic job of building up the characterisation of Alice along with the villagers and other 50% of the book is dedicated to Alice settling in, sorting the shop out, meeting new villagers and building up the picture of Little Pride which I absolutely loved. Debbie then weaved the murder in and we continue getting to know the villagers. I was intrigued by Alice and the fact that she worked in a museum which I thought was fascinating. I really connected with her and became invested in her immediately and I truly cannot wait to meet hr again in the next book to see what she gets up to next and how she gets long at the Old Curiosity Shop. There was a wide range of characters in the storyline and I loved getting to know the community of Little Pride. We have Danny who is Alice's best friend and was her colleague who I really liked getting to know and "seeing" him help Alice, Danny's partner is Martin but Alice is not a fan of him and neither was I. Moving on to the villagers we have Andrew Gloster who is the editor of the 'Little Pride Parish News' which is like gospel to the villagers, Maudie Frampton who is an elderly lady with a fierce attitude, the horrid Terrence Bolt who is Alice's neighbour and is determined to build his housing estate by her shop, Suki Price who owns the 'Suki's Stores' and loves to gossip, Coralie who is a hairdresser and owns 'Coralie's Curls' who I really liked and Robert Sponge who is also Alice's neighbour. These are just some of the fantastic characters you will get to meet when you pick up this brilliant book and dive into Little Pride. Every single character as their own uniqueness along with flaws, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. However, many of them seem to use different names and hiding secrets so it is difficult to know who to rust. The fact that Debbie cares about her characters shines out of the pages with her fantastic character development. I am completely invested in each of the characters and Debbie portrayed village life and the characters perfectly. I live in a small village myself and Debbie has got it spot on, especially the gossip being rife! Alice and the rest of the characters have very quickly become like friends that I look forward to catching up with and Debbie's fantastic and evocative writing skills really make them jump out of the pages and come to life in front of the reader. Every one of her characters are well developed, strong and most importantly realistic!! I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how friendships and relationships with all the other characters develop. I'm really looking forward to seeing what all these fantastic and memorable characters get up to in the not so distant future!!!
Congratulations Debbie on yet another absolutely addictive book and an amazing start to what promise to be an addictive series!!! Here's to many more successes 🥂
Overall an addictive cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
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September 22, 2024
It was a cute, easy, quick read - yet it was also semi underwhelming. I love books set in the English countryside — can you get a better setting? Yet, Death at the Old Curiosity Shop left me wanting.
I love Agatha Christie, and was waiting for the murder mystery aspect of the book to kick in yet it never really did, and then the book was over. It was just lack luster.
I appreciate the ARC from NetGalley, but also don’t see myself recommending this to anyone.
I love Agatha Christie, and was waiting for the murder mystery aspect of the book to kick in yet it never really did, and then the book was over. It was just lack luster.
I appreciate the ARC from NetGalley, but also don’t see myself recommending this to anyone.
October 9, 2024
I found this book had promise in the first half but I have to say the story did not hold my full attention for the second half of the book. I also found the ending very abrupt and odd. There is a certain charm to the book and I love the idea of a curiosity shop. Certainly cosy but low on mystery.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
November 14, 2024
Very confusing and predictable characters
August 26, 2024
Little Pride, England - Present Day
Alice Carroll is fiftyish, and starting over. Her breakup with her long time boyfriend has materialized, and she is convinced that this is her chance to move on. She's going to buy a cottage in the tiny village of Little Pride deep in the Cotswolds. To complicate matters, though, she's also lost her job. So, it looks as though this will be a clean break from not only the ex, but also a busy city life. The cottage she is shown is known as Nell's Cotswold Curiosity Shop, and it still seems to be filled with the bric-a-brac left by Nell. Assured by the real estate man that she can convert it to residential only, Alice signs the paperwork and prepares to move in.
Alice meets some of the locals, and it seems as though there is a bit of a misunderstanding. She is required by the local council to reopen and maintain the shop! She can still live in the rest of the house, but she must open for business as soon as possible! With the help of her friend from her former job, Danny, she reluctantly begins to tidy up the shop. The local man who runs the parish newspaper, Andrew, clues Alice into the village gossip, and lets her know that a developer has bought the paddock grounds next to her cottage, and will be building mega-mansions. She also meets the man next door who is a business executive, and who grew up in Little Pride. Alice hopes she will fit into the tiny burb where everyone seems to know everything about everyone!
And then the body of someone Alice met in her shop shows up on the compost pile of a local resident. He had been bringing Alice items he found in the paddock, despite his boss ordering him not to. What could possibly be the reason for killing the man?
The first book in a new series by Debbie Young, The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries begins by introducing Alice. She's fiercely independent and just wants to move on with her new life, but things keep cropping up making things confusing. Who should she trust in Little Pride? Why was the man killed, and why was he dumped in the compost pile of a local citizen? It's great fun finding out, and readers will totally enjoy this new series.
Alice Carroll is fiftyish, and starting over. Her breakup with her long time boyfriend has materialized, and she is convinced that this is her chance to move on. She's going to buy a cottage in the tiny village of Little Pride deep in the Cotswolds. To complicate matters, though, she's also lost her job. So, it looks as though this will be a clean break from not only the ex, but also a busy city life. The cottage she is shown is known as Nell's Cotswold Curiosity Shop, and it still seems to be filled with the bric-a-brac left by Nell. Assured by the real estate man that she can convert it to residential only, Alice signs the paperwork and prepares to move in.
Alice meets some of the locals, and it seems as though there is a bit of a misunderstanding. She is required by the local council to reopen and maintain the shop! She can still live in the rest of the house, but she must open for business as soon as possible! With the help of her friend from her former job, Danny, she reluctantly begins to tidy up the shop. The local man who runs the parish newspaper, Andrew, clues Alice into the village gossip, and lets her know that a developer has bought the paddock grounds next to her cottage, and will be building mega-mansions. She also meets the man next door who is a business executive, and who grew up in Little Pride. Alice hopes she will fit into the tiny burb where everyone seems to know everything about everyone!
And then the body of someone Alice met in her shop shows up on the compost pile of a local resident. He had been bringing Alice items he found in the paddock, despite his boss ordering him not to. What could possibly be the reason for killing the man?
The first book in a new series by Debbie Young, The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mysteries begins by introducing Alice. She's fiercely independent and just wants to move on with her new life, but things keep cropping up making things confusing. Who should she trust in Little Pride? Why was the man killed, and why was he dumped in the compost pile of a local citizen? It's great fun finding out, and readers will totally enjoy this new series.
October 13, 2024
Alice Carroll, aged 50, has split with her partner Steven who she’s been with since her university days and relocated to the village of Little Pride where the houses are more affordable. Thinking she has found the perfect old cottage to do up, she moves in as she made redundant from her job as Victorian expert at the Broadwick City Museum but soon discovers an overlooked clause in the sale contract that means she will have to continue running the business known as Nell Little’s Cotswold Curiosity Shop. Maybe it’s fate but she soon takes to the task in hand aided by her best friend Danny from the museum. Then things take a darker turn in the village. The lovely donkey paddock next door has been sold to slimy developer Terence Bolt and she makes a friend of his labourer Barnaby who smuggles out old bottles and bits of broken tiles for her to sell, while she also makes the acquaintance of some of the rather eccentric villagers, including billionaire industrialist neighbour Robert (he of the famous Eternal Sponge) ex-spy Andrew and hairdresser Coralie. When Barnaby is murdered and found in the allotments, and council Archaeology Officer Felicity expresses her doubts about the speed that Bolt was given permission to start work, she and Robert take another look at the pottery pieces and decide to do some digging for themselves. Alice wasn’t known as the museum sleuth for nothing, and there’s definitely a mystery here to be solved.
There is plenty of wit and charm in this start to a new series as Alice has to judge just who of her rather quirky neighbours can be trusted and finds herself taking to life in Little Pride with alarming ease. Danny is lovely and a true friend whom she can rely on, and the Cotswold village and its inhabitants are beautifully described as the battle between conniving developers and retaining green spaces ensues. The death comes quite late in the story, the first part mainly devoted to setting the scene and getting to know all those involved, but the plot soon thickens in the second half and develops quite quickly into a nice cosy crime with a very likeable and capable detective in Alice. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
There is plenty of wit and charm in this start to a new series as Alice has to judge just who of her rather quirky neighbours can be trusted and finds herself taking to life in Little Pride with alarming ease. Danny is lovely and a true friend whom she can rely on, and the Cotswold village and its inhabitants are beautifully described as the battle between conniving developers and retaining green spaces ensues. The death comes quite late in the story, the first part mainly devoted to setting the scene and getting to know all those involved, but the plot soon thickens in the second half and develops quite quickly into a nice cosy crime with a very likeable and capable detective in Alice. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
October 12, 2024
50 year old Alice Carroll is staring over. Her partner of 25 years has decided he no longer wants to be with her and is planning to travel the world. Alice decides to move to a small village in the Cotswold's and sets up an appointment to see a cottage that used to be a curiosity shop. She falls in love and immediately buys it. Then she is made redundant from the museum she worked at, so has to find a new job. She moves into her new home, and is getting ready to sell off or dispose of all the stock left behind when she gets a visit from the owner of the local paper. He informs her that the cottage is zoned for a store and she can't use it as solely residential. Not only that, but the lovely paddock next door with the donkeys that she loved is being developed as homes for rich city dwellers that want a quiet country home. When one of the workers at the site is found half buried in a compost heap in the allotments, Alice realizes that living in Little Pride might not be the quiet, minimalist life she envisioned.
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop is the first book in what I hope will become a new cozy mystery series. I enjoyed meeting Alice and her BFF, Danny. Both worked at the museum together and their expertise comes into play with the mystery and motive in this one. I also liked meeting some of the locals and hope to meet more in future books. They are a quirky bunch and several of them made me laugh. The mystery seemed straight forward and I was sure I had it figured out, but I was wrong. There were twists that I didn't see coming. I thought the story was well written and plotted and although a lot of the book was taken up meeting the characters and learning about the setting, the mystery was a good one. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Alice, Danny, her friends and her neighbour, Robert. Maybe some romance in the offing.
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop is the first book in what I hope will become a new cozy mystery series. I enjoyed meeting Alice and her BFF, Danny. Both worked at the museum together and their expertise comes into play with the mystery and motive in this one. I also liked meeting some of the locals and hope to meet more in future books. They are a quirky bunch and several of them made me laugh. The mystery seemed straight forward and I was sure I had it figured out, but I was wrong. There were twists that I didn't see coming. I thought the story was well written and plotted and although a lot of the book was taken up meeting the characters and learning about the setting, the mystery was a good one. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Alice, Danny, her friends and her neighbour, Robert. Maybe some romance in the offing.
October 12, 2024
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop by Debbie Young
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence.
All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realises they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight.
Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbour's compost heap, and Alice realises there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.
My Opinion
Firstly, I want to start by saying that this is such an interesting idea for a shop. Alice is trying to start over following a break up and finds what she thinks is the ideal cottage for her to move into, unfortunately the locals want her to keep the shop open. When a body is found in the area Alice finds herself drawn into the investigation.
Whilst this is a new series by Debbie Young it was nice to see mentions of characters and shops from her other series. I have read quite a few books by Debbie so I know that they are always delightful, cosy mysteries. With an opening like this, I can see this being another great series.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Alice Carroll steps into Curiosity Cottage, a picture-perfect former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start the new phase of her life. Freshly separated from her collector long-term boyfriend, she’s excited to embrace her new, minimalist existence.
All Alice needs to do is sell off the left-behind stock, and settle in. But the villagers of Little Pride have other ideas, and Alice quickly realises they won’t give up their beloved shop without a fight.
Then a dead body is found buried in her neighbour's compost heap, and Alice realises there’s much more to Little Pride, and its residents, than meets the eye.
My Opinion
Firstly, I want to start by saying that this is such an interesting idea for a shop. Alice is trying to start over following a break up and finds what she thinks is the ideal cottage for her to move into, unfortunately the locals want her to keep the shop open. When a body is found in the area Alice finds herself drawn into the investigation.
Whilst this is a new series by Debbie Young it was nice to see mentions of characters and shops from her other series. I have read quite a few books by Debbie so I know that they are always delightful, cosy mysteries. With an opening like this, I can see this being another great series.
Rating 4/5
August 18, 2024
More cozy than murder/mystery, a friend that you enjoy rooting for.
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop tells the story of Alice Carroll's new life. After being dumped by her boyfriend, buying a new house in the Cotswolds, and being fired from her museum job, Alice is definitely feeling down. Yes, there is a murder, and an attempt at another one to spare, but I think the main story is how Alice adapts to a completely new environment with people she doesn't know, nor trusts.
I really enjoyed the funny comments, the funnier villagers and discovering a new author I would like to read more. The book is easier to read with short chapters and uncomplicated with no time jump nor different character's point of view. To me this is the perfect example of a cozy book that makes you happy, comfortable, and you root for the main character to solve the mystery but mostly to solve the sadness of her previous life.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. Not because there was anything wrong from a plot point of view, but because it felt rushed. Alice jumps to conclusions after seeing something and I was left thinking "was she right? did that really happen or is only her theory?".
No trigger warnings that I can think of, besides the obvious of murder.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Death at the Old Curiosity Shop will be published October 11th 2024.
#DeathattheOldCuriosityShop #NetGalley
Death at the Old Curiosity Shop tells the story of Alice Carroll's new life. After being dumped by her boyfriend, buying a new house in the Cotswolds, and being fired from her museum job, Alice is definitely feeling down. Yes, there is a murder, and an attempt at another one to spare, but I think the main story is how Alice adapts to a completely new environment with people she doesn't know, nor trusts.
I really enjoyed the funny comments, the funnier villagers and discovering a new author I would like to read more. The book is easier to read with short chapters and uncomplicated with no time jump nor different character's point of view. To me this is the perfect example of a cozy book that makes you happy, comfortable, and you root for the main character to solve the mystery but mostly to solve the sadness of her previous life.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. Not because there was anything wrong from a plot point of view, but because it felt rushed. Alice jumps to conclusions after seeing something and I was left thinking "was she right? did that really happen or is only her theory?".
No trigger warnings that I can think of, besides the obvious of murder.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Death at the Old Curiosity Shop will be published October 11th 2024.
#DeathattheOldCuriosityShop #NetGalley
November 18, 2025
Fun start to a new series! This book jumps right into the action before backing off to introduce you properly to our merry cast of characters and how all the pieces fit together. For having a mature main character I have found her very relatable and fun! I believe Alice will appeal to a wide variety of cozy mystery readers. I mean a strong independent lady who has had a thriving career working in a museum who, thanks to her bumbling ex, saddles her with a cozy vintage shop instead of helping her buy a proper cottage is a wild set up for any book series!
Alice takes her time making sure we get to know everyone in the little village where she now lives and this makes it quite clear that we are in for the slow burn on romance and adventures! While completely enjoyable as its own story, I personally love how we are set up for a series, we can take our time not quite knowing everything from the start.
As with any good cozy mystery I did not see that ending coming but it all fit together nicely and was quite satisfactory! It really makes me want to start reading the next book immediately!
Bonus points for having a variety of characters including Alice's lovely queer bestie Danny who makes for a refreshingly sweet but funny side character who is willing to immediately believe Alice over his boyfriend when things come to a dangerous conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this lovely book!
Alice takes her time making sure we get to know everyone in the little village where she now lives and this makes it quite clear that we are in for the slow burn on romance and adventures! While completely enjoyable as its own story, I personally love how we are set up for a series, we can take our time not quite knowing everything from the start.
As with any good cozy mystery I did not see that ending coming but it all fit together nicely and was quite satisfactory! It really makes me want to start reading the next book immediately!
Bonus points for having a variety of characters including Alice's lovely queer bestie Danny who makes for a refreshingly sweet but funny side character who is willing to immediately believe Alice over his boyfriend when things come to a dangerous conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this lovely book!
September 7, 2024
I was interested to get an E-ARC copy in exchange for an honest review as Death at the old curiosity shop was my first Debbie Young book, and now, having read it I'm surprised I've not discovered her sooner. This was a lovely comforting cosy murder set in a small village. Alice has just moved in to the old antique and curio shop, intending to close the show turn it into back into a private home, but the local council and fellow villagers have other ideas. This book follows her journey to reopened the shop, previously owned by the much loved little Nell who, although no longer around, is an ever present figure in the background but no spoilers here about her fate.
The book has a slowish start, and we don't get our first murder until the halfway point. I enjoyed the characterisation, each different villager was distinctive and left me wanting to know more. My only gripe was in the wrap up, I felt the ending was quite abrupt and I was never fully satisfied that I'd got an explanation for what happened. There were so many loose ends untied with this murder that our have a go detective had mused about, but it was frustrating not to find out how the crime actually happened. I’d go as far as to wonder if this E-ARC was missing a few final chapters so abrupt was the end. I enjoyed it and would read another as I feel we're likely getting a series.
The book has a slowish start, and we don't get our first murder until the halfway point. I enjoyed the characterisation, each different villager was distinctive and left me wanting to know more. My only gripe was in the wrap up, I felt the ending was quite abrupt and I was never fully satisfied that I'd got an explanation for what happened. There were so many loose ends untied with this murder that our have a go detective had mused about, but it was frustrating not to find out how the crime actually happened. I’d go as far as to wonder if this E-ARC was missing a few final chapters so abrupt was the end. I enjoyed it and would read another as I feel we're likely getting a series.
October 6, 2024
When Alice Carroll enters Curiosity Cottage, a charming former bric-a-brac shop in the Cotswold village of Little Pride, she believes it's the ideal spot to begin a new chapter in her life. Having just separated from her long-term partner, a collector, and facing redundancy, she is eager to start afresh with a minimalist lifestyle. Alice's only task is to clear out the remaining stock and settle down. However, the residents of Little Pride have different plans, and Alice soon discovers they are not ready to let go of their cherished shop without a struggle. The discovery of a body buried in her neighbor's compost heap reveals that there is more to Little Pride and its inhabitants than one might suspect, with plenty of suspects and eccentric personalities.
This novel marks the beginning of a series, and thus the first half dedicates time to establishing the scene, delaying the moment when Alice must employ her full range of abilities to uncover the culprit. I appreciate that Alice is portrayed as an older, clearly intelligent woman. Initially overly trusting, she quickly adapts. The Cotswold backdrop is enchanting, adding a layer of tension with the classic town versus country debate. I eagerly anticipate the next book to see Alice's evolution. With thanks to Boldwood Books for an arc in exchange for a review.
This novel marks the beginning of a series, and thus the first half dedicates time to establishing the scene, delaying the moment when Alice must employ her full range of abilities to uncover the culprit. I appreciate that Alice is portrayed as an older, clearly intelligent woman. Initially overly trusting, she quickly adapts. The Cotswold backdrop is enchanting, adding a layer of tension with the classic town versus country debate. I eagerly anticipate the next book to see Alice's evolution. With thanks to Boldwood Books for an arc in exchange for a review.
October 10, 2024
I liked this one. It's a solid 3 stars. I don't always read cozy mysteries but I like the change of pace every once in a while.
Alice Carroll is 50 and has been recently dumped by her long time partner and has also lost her job in the city. She wants a change and decides to move to the Cotswolds to a small village called, "Little Pride." She purchases a house that used to be a shop called, "Nell Little's Cotswold Curiosity Shop." After purchasing she finds out by the local council that the shop must be reopened as its former business. This is more than Alice has bargained for. There are still plenty of things on the lower level. Along with her friend Danny, Alice begins to clean up the shop to open it and meets many of the area locals. There's also a developer in town who wants to build-up the area. One day a dead body is discovered in Alice's neighbours compost. Alice sets off to find the murderer.
This is book 1 of a new series and I think it's promising. The first half introduced Alice and dragged a little for me. In the second half once the body was found things ramped up. I'd be interested to take another trip into, "Little Pride" again.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for kindly granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
Publishes October 11, 2024
Alice Carroll is 50 and has been recently dumped by her long time partner and has also lost her job in the city. She wants a change and decides to move to the Cotswolds to a small village called, "Little Pride." She purchases a house that used to be a shop called, "Nell Little's Cotswold Curiosity Shop." After purchasing she finds out by the local council that the shop must be reopened as its former business. This is more than Alice has bargained for. There are still plenty of things on the lower level. Along with her friend Danny, Alice begins to clean up the shop to open it and meets many of the area locals. There's also a developer in town who wants to build-up the area. One day a dead body is discovered in Alice's neighbours compost. Alice sets off to find the murderer.
This is book 1 of a new series and I think it's promising. The first half introduced Alice and dragged a little for me. In the second half once the body was found things ramped up. I'd be interested to take another trip into, "Little Pride" again.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for kindly granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
Publishes October 11, 2024
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