A Case of Mice and Murder

The Trials of Gabriel Ward #1

by Sally Smith

The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London’s legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Nita Prose.

When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case—the disputed authorship of bestselling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse—that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.

But even he cannot fail to notice the judge’s dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest. In the shaded courtyards and ancient buildings of the Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London’s legal world, murder has spent centuries confined firmly to the casebooks. Until now . . .

The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn’t answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple’s heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he’d ever imagined . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Crime, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 18, 2024

About the author

Sally Smith spent all her working life as a barrister and later King's Counsel in the Inner Temple. After writing a biography of the famous Edwardian barrister, Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, she retired from the bar to write full time. A Case of Mice and Murder, her first novel, was inspired by the historic surroundings of the Inner Temple in which she still lives and works and by the rich history contained in the Inner Temple archives. A Case of Mice and Murder is the first in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Murder mystery set in the Temple (weird legal area of London with its own rules) with OCD bachelor barrister Sir Gabriel Ward reluctantly dragged in to investigate the killing of the Lord Chief Justice. It's very readable and very likeable, with a slightly odd but kindhearted lead, well laid clues, and some sharp observations. It perhaps suffered a bit by comparison to Sarah Cauldwell's legal murder mysteries, in that they push the boundaries so much further, but comparisons are odious. Terrifically researched setting that feels note perfect. Will definitely get the next one.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Matthew Lloyd-Davis
Presented by Bloomsbury UK Audio

Another fun detective story!

Err, I mean, LAWYER.

Yes, Sir Gabriel Ward is tasked with investigating a murder that's happened on Temple grounds. That's not, as I first misunderstood, a literal temple, but rather a special lil section of London where Lawyers rule. Gabriel is a little odd, but it's part of his charm.

I'll admit, the narrator didn't work for me at the beginning. For some reason I find some male narrators hard to hear at times, like they trail off at the end of the sentences or in the middle and I can't make out the words properly. Very frustrating. I also found the pacing off compared to how I'd read, but I wouldn't go so far as to say he did a bad job.

He did grow on me as I became more involved in the story, but I did find myself tuning out a lot at the start. The story sucked me in though and I regretted not paying thorough attention!

There's a double mystery here - the murder that Ward has been tasked with investigating, and the case he's currently undertaking in his role as a lawyer, that concerns the author of a children's book. It's the latter that really piqued my curiosity; Millie the mouse has become a hugely successful book and yet her authorship is unknown. Fascinating!

Eventually this book delivered everything I've really been enjoying in the Japanese crime novels I've been devouring: strange, seemingly irrelevant pieces, a large cast of potential suspects, quirky stories and completely wild ideas. I enjoyed the way everything started to be pieced together and the ultimate conclusion.

This is a great introduction to the series, but given all the clues and red herrings I'd love to read this one physically so that I can properly absorb every detail.

Highly recommend to crime fans who just want a straight up murder mystery without the brooding detectives and their messy love lives.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

[Grandma Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version. I plan to read it on kindle and see if I like the story better, I think I will. The narrator ruined this book for me. Mediocre performance at best. I feel I’m a good judge of this as, I listen to most of my books because I’m legally blind. I wouldn’t recommend the audio version, but read the book.

I was blessed with an audio ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sally Smith’s debut novel is the first in a series featuring a cerebral, observant barrister of the Inner Temple teaming up with a clever young constable proved great fun from the very start. Gabriel Ward KC leads a solitary life by choice, surrounded by books and difficult legal cases; to his dismay, he’s tapped to investigate the stabbing murder of Lord Chief Justice Norman Dunning. Ward and his assigned helper, Constable Maurice Wright, may come from nearly opposite ends of the social strata, but in so many ways, they emerge as kindred spirits.

Smith packs the novel with humor, an excellent plot and plenty of revelations. I cannot wait for the sequel! Highly, highly, highly recommended.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Case of Mice and Murder could be categorised as 'cosy crime ' or even in some senses a 'locked room murder " but this would very much under play the quality, uniqueness and enjoyment of this historical period story through placing it simply under these popular categories

Set in the enclosed world of the Inner Temple- home of the highest judges and barristers - a murder has been committed - the death of the Lord Chief Justice. The crime takes place upon the doorstep of barrister Gabriel Ward- who is then assigned the task of carrying out internal enquiries to determine the perpetrator of the murder...The Temple is its own realm ( rather like the Vatican) and police may only enter the grounds with permission. The murderer can only have been somebody who was permitted within the Temple environs.

Accompanied by Constable Wright , Gabriel embarks on his task with reluctance as life beyond the temple walls are a source of anxiety and mystery; he has cocooned himself within his chambers and the legal world.

Whilst trying to explore the death of the Lord Chief Justice, he is also challenged by the curious case of determining the authorship of the hugely popular children's book, "Millie The Temple Mouse"

Sally Smith has created a wonderful protagonist and this is the start of a promising series - combining period details, the greed for power among the judiciary and their wives , creating the atmosphere of Temple life and combining a few red herrings along the way, this is an enjoyable crime/detective procedural with a twist.

[Prasanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the few books where I didn’t enjoy the audio version—the narrator’s portrayal of the main character just didn’t connect with me.

That said, the plot itself is engaging, with just the right balance of humor and mystery. The story opens with the Lord Chief Justice found dead—stabbed and barefoot—in the Inner Temple, a legal district in the heart of London. Such eccentricities, which I found amusing as a modern reader, were considered normal for the period. The investigation falls to Sir Gabriel Ward, an eccentric but brilliant lawyer who hasn’t left the Temple’s confines in decades. As he interviews witnesses and unravels the murder, he’s also preparing for a high-profile case involving the authorship of a much loved and popular children’s book.

I especially appreciated how the novel captured the social sentiments of the era, particularly the restrictions on women entering the legal profession and the mistreatment of the lower classes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy.

[Leandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful is the best word for this mystery.

I read this book just before I picked up Cyril Hare's classic crime novel, Tragedy at Law. It was a serendipitous pairing, as the books have many elements in common even though the latter was published in 1942. Both mysteries are heavily entwined with the British justice system of the early 20th century, each depicting the Old Bailey at a time pre-Blitz, and both feature crimes against judges that are, to put bluntly, not nearly as impressive as the women and other peers that surround them. I cannot recommend reading these two in close proximity purely for the joy of comparing and contrasting them!

Zeroing in on A Case of Mice an Murder, I adored this book. It was one of the easiest 5 stars I have given this year. Sally Smith juggles two mysteries: the murder of the Lord Chief Justice of England and the disputed authorship of bestselling children's book Millie the Temple Church Mouse. Like multiple POVs, when multiple mysteries are being juggled, there is the risk that readers' investment will be uncomfortably out of balance, but I was equally invested in both plots. It helped that the man investigating them was barrister Gabriel Ward. He finds comfort in order, in legal histories and court proceedings, and in the Old Bailey as his home. That peace is disrupted when he is the person to find the Lord Chief Justice's corpse on his doorstep. Now, he must find a way to solve the murder while making progress in his latest case.  

A lovely investigative duo can be found in Ward and Constable Wright that sometimes bleeds into a supportive mentorship. There is great social commentary on the experiences and restrictions of women at the time, as well as discussions of classism and privilege. This is a well-plotted mystery, and I am highly anticipating book 2!

Featured in the following vlog: I found a HIDDEN GEM new FAVORITE book! 🤩 | reading vlog~ mystery, cozy, sci fi, and horror

Actual Rating: 5.0 stars 
Original Pub Date: 17 June 2025 (US)
Reading Format: e-book + audiobook

Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA, and Raven Books for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful intertwining of two mysteries: a murder, of course, and the anonymous author of a popular children’s story. I adored our lawyer-sleuth Gabriel Ward and his meticulous approach to these investigations. The mysteries were puzzling and complicated.

The historical setting (1901, in London’s Middle and Inner Temples) was nicely constructed. It introduced me to this little world with so much history and peculiar traditions.

Fans of cozy mysteries with a strong historical edge will enjoy this!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very impressed by this debut novel set in 1901. It centres around the murder of the Lord Chief Justice in London's Inner Temple. The characters were interesting and I thought the historical detail rang true. Thankfully it is the start of a series featuring Gabriel Ward KC. The only real negative is the frequent references to the snuffling of the lead character . Irritating and unnecessary. I look forward to the follow up book which is out next month.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight. A Case of Mice and Murder took a little while to draw me in (hence four stars instead of five), but once it did I loved it. Fans of other books featuring accidental detectives may enjoy it as well.

Set in 1901 London, it introduces us to the Temple, a cloistered spot where lawyers have lived and worked for 700 years (and which was all new to me) and to Sir Gabriel Ward. Gabriel “is the very last sort of man to become an amateur sleuth.” He is a barrister because he has respect for the law, for the need to be precise in its application, and for the certainty in its results. He is neurodivergent and has obsessive-compulsive disorder. He has a brilliant mind and is fortunate to have people around him who understand his quirks. Gabriel could come off as annoying but I found him charming and believable instead.

When the Lord Chief Justice is murdered, Gabriel gets called on to do a little behind-the-scenes, unofficial sleuthing. This certainly throws a wrench into his routines, but it also challenges his mind in new ways. During times of crisis, Gabriel often refers back to the phrases and actions his old nanny used on him as a child, and he finds them surprisingly successful. A young constable is assigned to assist him, and they form a partnership that is satisfactory to both of them.

After the murder, we see justices (and their conniving wives) hoping to become the next Lord Chief Justice, an unhappy widow, an irritating boy who also manages to be appealing, and a vicar who loves his cat. We know that secrets are being kept from Gabriel. The secondary plot sees a publisher being sued by a woman who claims to have written his company’s runaway bestseller Millie the Temple Church Mouse.

The Case of Mice and Murder is funny, and the mysteries are slowly explained away as Gabriel doggedly investigates. The author manages to make important points without being out of step with the time period. The murdered judge’s sister had a better mind for the law than he did, but she was not allowed to study to become a lawyer, for example. Gabriel empathizes and finds it a waste. A scullery maid shows compassion to a man living on the streets and Sir Gabriel must use all his wits to see that she is not punished for her acts by the people of power and influence. He must also safeguard the rights of the homeless man.

I read an advance reader copy of A Case of Mice and Murder from Netgalley. It is the first book in a series, and I hope it has a long successful run.

[Tim Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

English, introverted and upper middle class, as all good detectives and detective fiction should be. At times the style comes close to Socialist Realism, which is not a good thing. But elsewhere it is very funny: much funnier than many books that are sold as comedies. Everyone has a secret, but for the most part these secrets are touchingly innocent, or if not entirely innocent, at least motivated by very human and commendable motives.

Thoughts that occurred to me: (Not exactly spoilers. And not all my ideas turned out to be correct!)

1. The victim had walked in bare feet. Clearly he took off his shoes and socks for some purpose of his own. Which of the four ancient elements do we associate with bare feet?
2. The location of the body is not necessarily the location of the murder.
3. Put 1 and 2 together to deduce something about the build of the murderer.
4. We're not going to fall for the old "broken watch" trick, are we? Did we learn nothing from Murder on the Orient Express?
5. Who do you think really wrote Millie the Mouse? And how can it be proved?

[4cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I must say I don't usually read 'cosy crime' novels, they are really not my thing. And although in the description A Case of Mice and Murder mentions cosy crime I would suggest that this is far more, the historical element (the workings of the Inner Temple and the KC's work) lifts this crime novel up a notch or 2 in my estimation. With it's well rounded cast of characters, especially Gabriel Ward KC and Constable Wright who shine out of the pages, the well thought out plot carries you along nicely and finally most importantly, it's really well written (the quality reminds me of Christie). I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Reagan Formea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in a giveaway!
Sadly, this book did not do much for me. It felt like it was dragging while only being about 300 pages and I could not connect to the writing style. I wish I liked it more because I think the cover is so cute for some reason.

[Clbplym · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very good. There are two cases for Gabriel: one is the death of the Lord Chief Justice and the other is the authorship of a novel about Millie the Temple Mouse. The story is set in the early 20th century and Gabriel is given a week to investigate the death before allowing the police in as they have no jurisdiction within the Temple area (something I did not know). I actually enjoyed the mouse part more but the characters of the other barristers and Judges were marvellous. I listened to this on Audible and the narrators voice was very expressive but occasionally the dips in volume weren’t ideal for listening in a car! I am definitely going to read the second novel.

[Roxi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, the book started very slowly and I would read a couple of chapters at night before I went to bed to help me drift off. About 100 pages in is when it suddenly had me in a choke hold and I couldn't wait to be sat reading again. The plot twists that kept twisting all the way to the very end. Brilliant book.

[Buchdoktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Großartig.

[TF · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Case of Mice and Murder is a wonderfully intriguing debut novel by Sally Smith KC. This cosy mystery is set in London in 1901, where the murder of England's Lord Chief Justice causes uproar in The Inner Temple. Quiet, quirky Sir Gabriel Ward KC is appointed to do a preliminary investigation before the police are allowed to enter these hallowed halls of justice. The reluctant detective has to unravel the mystery while simultaneously preparing the sensational case involving disputed ownership of Millie the Temple Church Mouse..
I absolutely loved this book, the writing style was charming and the emotional journey of Sir Gabriel captivating. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury/ Raven Books for the review copy.

#ACaseOfMiceAndMurder #NetGalley

[ResetGame1998 · Rating 3 out of 5]

War etwas anstrengend anfangs, sich auf das Setting einzulassen. Der Protagonist wird erst im Laufe des Buches sympatisch, so wie die Handlung schlüssiger und der allwissende Erzähler ebenfalls. Lässt man sich folglich darauf ein, wird das Buch ab der Hälfte spannender und alles fügt sich nachvollziehbar zusammen.

[Frojjay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jolly story but found the underlying women being oppressed bit very distressing

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this mystery opens with the discovery of the body of the Chief Justice Dunning, stabbed through the heart and left barefoot outside Gabriel Ward’s office door, the story then takes its time describing the various personalities in play within the Temple. This includes judges now eagerly awaiting their naming to the position formerly occupied by the dead man, the large staff maintaining the Temple, and the Temple’s Treasurer, who blackmails Gabriel into conducting a week-long investigation into the murder. The Temple admits only its staff and the various barristers working there, and their clients, and outsiders are not allowed otherwise simply wander in or stay overnight. This includes police, with the current exception of Constable Wright, who arrived when Gabriel’s porter telephoned for assistance with the body.

Gabriel, annoyed that the investigation will get in the way of his work, which is currently a case between a publisher and a woman who claims she wrote the immensely popular Millie the Mouse stories. She insists that the publisher Henry Moore had no right to publish her work, much less profit off the books and stuffed animals and the like which resulted from the story’s popularity.

Gabriel, however reluctantly, begins his investigation into the murder, questioning the judges who had had dinner with the dead man, and begins gradually piecing together a picture of the man’s relationships, both personal and professional, but also the goings-on of the other judges now vying for his position.

Gabriel is a delight; he’s obsessive, punctilious about how everything in his life must be ordered and controlled just so. He comes from a wealthy family though has not married to carry on tradition. He’s a meticulous, ruthless barrister in Court, and a quiet person outside of it, not given to much visible emotion, or maintaining relationships with others. Interestingly, he is not obsessed with status, despite his background and position.

Author Sally Smith compares the short, slight, bespectacled barrister to a turtle in his mannerisms, but he’s also kind, a voracious reader (as evidenced by his wide-ranging knowledge and the many, many, many books he has stacked throughout his apartment), and he snuffles. Snuffles! I loved this detail.

Voice actor Matthew Lloyd Davies competently narrates the novel. I liked his interpretation of Gabriel Ward and his little vocal mannerisms. Also, the pomposity and self-absorption of the judges Gabriel must investigate comes through well, as well as the slightly breathless and off attitude of the woman claiming to be the author of Minnie the Mouse stories.

I really enjoyed this first entry in the Gabriel Ward series, and eagerly await the next entry.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Bloomsbury UK Audio for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Case of Mice and Murder is the start of a mystery series I hope to read more of. Set in the London legal community in 1901, it offers a solid blend of character, plot, and historical setting. The central character, Gideon, is an odd—and oddly appealing—man. He's a barrister still living in chamberss at the Inner Temple. While most of his colleagues have married and built lives outside their workplace, his two greatest pleasure are doing his legal work and reading—reading pretty much anything and everything and transversing the globe repeatedly from his chambers.

If you're looking for a new historical mystery series that is gratifyingly complex, but not steeped in blood, You're in for a treat with A Case of Mice and Murder.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The barrister/sleuth is shy and bookish, relying on routines (with a "yearning for control over the important things by maintaining a rigid grip on the unimportant"- 60) to make his life manageable, but of an adventurous mind: "Gabriel was a traveler. Not of the pith helmet and bamboo stick variety, nor even of the Baedecker guide and Gladstone bag kind, but a traveler in the mind, scaling the mountains of learning created by historians and philosophers, scientists and poets and novelists. The books in Number Four Kings Bench Walk were friends into whose warm embrace he fell every evening and who held him until bedtime at half-past midnight every night. Few knew of these travels, since Gabriel read not to acquire knowledge, nor to impart it, but simply because he could not help himself." (54)

[Para (wanderer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be fun if not for the ending. The setting is unique, fantastic, and clearly written with love, and I liked the eccentric, neurodivergent protagonist. Somewhat stereotypically so, yes, but very likable nonetheless. Overall, I was having a great time, until the reveal of who the murderer was and what happens to them after the confrontation. Not to spoil anything, it put a really bad taste in my mouth. There was no justice or satisfaction to it, it was just sad and awful.

Still, I'll read the sequel when I can.

Enjoyment: 4/5
Execution: 2.5/5

More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1901. The tone and setting are perfect, fitting for Sir Gabriel Ward, a quietly brilliant London barrister with a humane eye who rarely leaves the Inner Temple legal enclave. He is tasked with solving the murder of the Lord Chief Justice before the police need be called in, while also appearing in a case about the authorship of the wonderfully popular children’s book, Millie the Temple Church Mouse. He manages both the murder investigation and the authorship trial with understated flair.

I found the book delightful and look forward to a sequel. Wittily and well done.

[StephanieD · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Many is the time I’ve seen [the knife] dripping with blood from the gentleman’s beef. And now it is not the beef.”

4 ⭐️

A solid mystery novel set in a unique location in historical England. It contains a large collection of suspects and features a quirky barrister as the reluctant detective. The writing is good and there are a handful of mysteries that intertwine throughout the book. However, I was bored at times.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful! I enjoyed it very much. Witty, clever, interesting. Admirable fitting the English language around 1901 to today’s reading habits, mainly shorter sentences. Only a few words escaped the editing. Not wholly convincing solution but still an excellent mystery!

[Brenda Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book which falls into the “cosy crime” category, not one I usually read. Thanks Freya for putting this on my Kindle! Well written, likeable central character and added interest for me with historical setting of the Inns of court.
Liked the intertwining stories dealing with a murder and who wrote a runaway successful children’s book. Gradual unravelling of all the strands was very satisfying. Will definitely read the second one when it comes out in July.

[Amy Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mystery novel! The detailed characterization makes for a lovable protagonist, a reluctant detective that somehow feels sympathy for the villain as well as the victim. And the actual meat of the mystery itself is well-done and plausible without seeming obvious.

[alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute whodunnit (I guess I'm in my murder mystery era) with a ton of the usual tropes that was able to stand out with the interesting setting within Temple. I actually learned a lot about that area and period of time and ended up going down a little Wikipedia rabbit hole. The main character was quite lovable but in the end, it wasn't a higher rating because the murder was pretty predictable and the story dragged for me a bit.

[Liam Martin-Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relaxed but very engaging. Drew me in but not in a tense way. Very enjoyable read, nice detail on law.