A Turn-up for the Books

The Elderwick Mysteries #2

by Rachael Gray

A Yorkshire psychologist fears her famous client may be a criminal, in this suspenseful new mystery from the author of A Little Bird Told Me.

When psychologist Laurel Nightingale finds a journalist murdered in the small village of Elderwick, she suspects her newest client, renowned author Hugh Quintrell, might be involved. As Hugh charms the police into making him a consultant on the case, Laurel becomes determined to solve the mystery herself.

But with a series of attacks, anonymous threats, and a web of secrets, Laurel realizes the village holds more dangers than she anticipated—and that no one is above suspicion. Will she identify the killer before it’s too late . . . or become the next victim in this twisted tale of deception and ambition?

Genres: Mystery

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2024

About the author

** The Proof of the Pudding - book 4 in the Elderwick Mysteries series - is out NOW!

Download for free from Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, or kobo (ebook only)

With over twenty years of experience working as a doctor of clinical psychology for the NHS and healthcare charities, Rachael Gray is the author of the Elderwick Mysteries series: A Little Bird Told Me; A Turn-up for the Books; A Storm in a Teacup; The Proof of the Pudding.

As a reader, Rachael will devour almost anything, but her favourite genres are crime and psychological thriller. As a writer, she enjoys crafting entertaining murder mysteries set in the glorious countryside of East Yorkshire. Her ultimate dream is to have her books made into a TV series directed by Mackenzie Crook – if you’ve ever watched Detectorists, you’ll understand.

When she’s not dreaming of unlikely television stardom, she can be found writing in the home she shares with her husband in Normandy, France – though she’ll always be a Yorkshire girl at heart.

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow, this was a chore!

Quaint British villages are great as a backgroung for murder, but it's important that the characters don't go around acting like idiots.

I just couldn't stand Laurel, Maggie and Albert. They annoyed me senseless. Their interactions were quite off-putting and I found myself pausing the reading because it was so cringe.

Around the middle, it got a little bit better, with more things happening and revelations coming forward. However, it wasn't enough to make up for the boredom I felt while reading.

I won't be coming back to this series.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small English village has seen many murders in the last year, and all since Dr. Laurel Nightingale arrived in Elderwick. So it is no surprise when the police tend to look in her direction as the possible killer. However, you would think that after she had helped solve the first murder, it would have given her some credit. Maybe in the third book!

This book brings back together Laurel, Maggie, and Albert as the trio that tends to work together to uncover the truth. I think Albert really didn't want to be involved in any of this, but he somehow managed to be in the thick of things. But three heads are better than one in deciphering the clues. There are a few obnoxious characters, but germane to the plot. Hugh, a famous author, and Natalie, his agent. And we can't forget Dorothy, the neighbor who is against everything and nearly everyone. I felt bad for anyone that had to deal with Hugh. He has an ego the size of Texas and seems to think he is some brilliant detective just because he has written many police procedural novels. Let's just say he isn't as smart as he thinks he is!

Much like the first novel, there are many possible suspects with various motives, but the truth surprised me in the end. While I suspected something wasn't quite right with this character, I didn't connect them to the murders. There are some clues to point you in the right direction, but you have to watch for them. 

The story blends good and bad, happy and sad, with a satisfying conclusion. This was a fun read, and we give it 4 paws up.

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Laurel Nightingale is fresh from solving murders in the first Elderwick novel, A Little Bird Told Me, and has resolved not to get involved in any more amateur sleuthing. This resolve lasts all of 2 paragraphs, as we’re plunged straight into the action in the follow-up, A Turn-Up For The Books.
The body of visiting journalist Simon Forster is found in his bed in a guesthouse with a dagger through his back. First on the scene is the owner, Dorothy, and she calls in Laurel and her neighbour Albert.

The journalist is in the village to write a piece on famed crime novel author Hugh Quintrell, who is also staying in the village. Fans of his books love him, others are less impressed, especially when Hugh announces that he will be solving the mystery of Simon Forster’s death. He butts heads and gets backs up, particularly with Laurel, who takes the opportunity to do her own investigating to bring the killer to justice. She’s not working alone though, including her eccentric neighbour Albert (who may be my favourite character), and her friend Maggie, who is rebuilding her own life following events in the previous book.

While Hugh is very much a larger than life marmite character, he’s no caricature, as Laurel’s investigating uncovers hidden secrets and hidden layers to the author. He’s still one of the most punchable characters I’ve read in a while, mind.

The first book was an astonishing debut, which felt as though it had been written by a seasoned cosy crime writer, and the second is no less impressive. Full of twists and red herrings and secrets, it’s the perfect read for curling up with a cuppa. I love the sense of community in the series, and can’t wait to go back to Elderwick, despite the body count. Rachael Gray has cemented herself as one of my must-read authors.

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the follow up to A Little Bird Told Me. Although Laurel is hoping for a quiet life in Elderwick and vows never to get involved in any suspicious deaths in the village again, it’s not very long before another murder presents itself.
Laurel, Maggie and Albert can’t resist some amateur sleuthing when Laurel and Albert just happen to arrive at the scene of the murder of a journalist staying in a holiday cottage in the village.
Maggie’s head is turned when she meets a well known author who she admires who has also rented a house in the village. The writer has a past connection with the journalist which to Laurel definitely puts him on the list of suspects.
When one of the gang of three amateur sleuths finds themselves in danger and another becomes the subject of threatening anonymous letters, the police seem no nearer to finding the culprit.
This was an entertaining cosy murder mystery with lots of clues and false leads, I would recommend it to those who like this genre.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was a fantastic follow up to the first book in this series, and I'm delighted to see there is a third book to follow.
Laurel is a really engaging lead, and I love her relationships with the other characters particularly Albert and Maggie.
The plot moves along at a really good pace, and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. Although there are murders, it's a really nice cosy crime novel and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.

[Martin Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the second story from Elderwick this had a lot to live up to, and it delivers with quick pace, with all the characters from the first you hoped would be back and more, most enjoyable and can’t wait for the next instalment.

[Lynda Renham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael Gray’s latest installment in the Elderwick series, "A Turn up for the Books," is a delightful continuation that truly deepens our understanding of Laurel and Maggie. Gray’s signature writing style remains intact—crisp, engaging, and infused with humor. However, this book offers a richer narrative experience, packed with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The introduction of vicar Christopher Ibori adds a compelling new layer to the story, and I find myself eager to see more of him in future books. Meanwhile, Hugh Quintrell, the self-satisfied author, is portrayed with such skill that he evokes a genuine sense of discomfort, leaving readers relieved that he’s a fictional creation. Laurel’s mysterious past is another focal point, and I’m hopeful that the next book will delve deeper into her intriguing backstory. Kudos to Rachael Gray for crafting another captivating tale!

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book and this follow-up is excellent. Laurel again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when the body of a reporter is found in someone's rental cottage. At the same time she has a client who is a novelist who is the subject of the dead journalist's research.

When another person is attacked and there's also another murder, Laurel finds herself the main person of interest in the police investigation. This was a fun read and I really like Laurel and her unofficial investigative group of herself, Maggie and Albert. There's a lot going on and a lot of disgruntled people with motives, and some great twists. I changed my mind several times throughout. I'm delighted to see the next book is not too far away and I look forward to seeing what Laurel gets untangled with next.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't realised this was the second book in a series. It does work as a standalone, but there were a lot of references to past events that obviously would have made more sense had I read the first book.

Maggie, Laurel and Albert are friends and neighbours who inadvertently end up trying to solve a murder. I liked the characters and the village setting meant there were lots of side characters to meet too.
Hugh, a popular crime author, has apparently come to the village for inspiration to cure his writer's block. His assistant Natalie follows, and together they are suitably unlikeable enough to become chief suspects in the murder.

I guessed some of the twists quite early on, but still enjoyed the story. Fun, cosy murder mystery, I will be looking out for more from this author.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I’m glad to hear there is going to be a third. This is a good cozy crime murder series something to curl up with and be immersed in.
Would recommend .

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the Books is an excellent combination of straight and cozy mystery with the added touch of being set in a small English village. It makes me wish I lived someplace like Elderwich. The characters are realistic, multi-dimensional, and not exaggerated. I think my favorite part of the story is the relationship between Laurel, Maggie, and Albert. Everyone needs friends they can depend on through thick and thin, and Ms. Gray creates characters just like that.
There is also plenty of action, suspense, unexpected revelations, and a long line of suspects to keep the reader engaged. I must admit to figuring out who the 'bad guy' was before Ms. Gray revealed it, but it did not hamper my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more by Ms. Gray.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Teresa Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Super New Cozy Crime Series!

I really enjoyed this book, the second in the Elderwick Mysteries. Set in East Yorkshire, the series centres around a group of three sleuthing friends: Laurel, Maggie and Albert. This trio was engaging and relatable, particularly Laurel, who had the added interest of having her own private psychology practice.

The mystery concerned the death of a journalist connected with Laurel’s latest client, a rather difficult famous author. With a killer on the loose, there are lots of twists and turns, plus clues along the way to put the reader’s detecting skills to the test. (I didn’t guess the ending, but I had fun trying!)

Living in a village myself, though at the other end of the country, I could relate to the aspects of the book concerning village life. I also enjoyed getting to know a beautiful area which is unfamiliar to me in real life.

This book was well-written and gripping, and I raced through it. Although it is the second in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone, with just enough hints about what happened before to make you want to read the first one. All in all, a great new series for the cozy crime fan.

[Jeffrey K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever locked-room mystery wrapped in village charm - Gray proves once again that the deadliest secrets hide in the friendliest places.

OK, I will admit it. I am a sucker for a locked room mystery and Gray delivers in spades. Fantastic book. This second book in the Elderwick Mysteries series is an engaging read that kept me guessing until the end. The story follows Dr. Laurel Nightingale as she gets pulled into investigating murders in her small Yorkshire village, despite her best intentions to stay uninvolved. The author does a great job bringing the village and its quirky residents to life, particularly Laurel's friends Maggie and Albert who help with her sleuthing.

The locked-room mystery at the center of the plot is well-constructed, with plenty of viable suspects and red herrings. I especially enjoyed how the author wove together multiple threads - anonymous threatening letters, village politics, family drama - while maintaining the cozy village atmosphere. The solution was satisfying and the villain's reveal made sense while still being surprising.

While you don't need to have read the first book to follow the story, I'd recommend starting there to fully appreciate the character relationships. Looking forward to Laurel's next adventure in Elderwick.

[Dan Brotzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violent and inexplicable death comes again to a charming Yorkshire village in this classic cozy locked-room mystery, the second novel in Rachael Gray's Elderwick Mysteries sequence.

Psychologist and amateur sleuth Laurel Nightingale finds herself caught up in a tangled web of lies, recriminations, anonymous threats and guilty secrets as incomers (like the supercilious crime writer Hugh Quintrell) and long-standing village friends alike fall under her astute yet compassionate gaze.

Supremely twisty and fast-paced, the story is plotted with precision timing and care, and there are deft touches of characterisation and humour throughout that bring the story to vivid, absorbing life. The tension mounts and mounts, and the nail-biting set-piece finale does not disappoint. Every clue is subtly sown, every loose end satisfyingly accounted for - I was kept happily guessing right the way to the end!

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I got a chance to read this book! It was an enthralling and engaging cozy mystery. Laurel Nightengale, clinical psychologist and amateur sleuth, becomes involved in trying to discern who killed Simon, who did interviews with famous people and wrote about those interviews. Simon was found with a knife protruding from his back and Laurel, her friend Albert, and Simon's landlady, Dorothy, found his body at the cottage he was renting in Elderwick ,Yorkshire. The case turns out to be anything but straightforward. Complications arise when a second person is murdered. Will Laurel be able to find the killer or killers? Find out by reading this excellent book, which I highly recommend to other cozy mystery readers I look forward to reading more Elderwick mysteries. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Paula Hillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty and engaging read!

Since reading Rachael Gray’s first book in the Elderwick series, I’ve been looking forward to a more in-depth study of Laurel and Maggie, and the new book didn’t disappoint. Gray’s writing is neat and sharp, warm and witty, just as before, but A Turn up for the Books is a meatier story, with a satisfying set of plot twist-and-turns, and a highly immersive, edge-of-your-seat ending. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of a new character, vicar Christopher Ibori, and sincerely hope he makes it onto the pages of the next-in-series. The oily and smug author, Hugh Quintrell, was well drawn and enough to cause a shudder, and a hope that real authors don’t follow his path! Laurel’s backstory is an intrigue all of its own, and I hope it’s illuminated in the next book. Well done, Rachael Gray: a fabulous read!

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Elderwick where Dr Laurel Nightingale has bought a cottage to live her new life! Dorothy, the owner of Tulip Cottage, asks Laurel and Albert for help, when she finds a body in a locked room! Laurel has new client, a famous crime writer, Hugh Quintrell, who has moved to the village to write his new book, but he consults with Laurel to help him with his writing. It was lovely to catch up with Maggie, Albert, Jo, Hetty, and Constance and revisit The Pleasant Pheasant, The Snooty Fox and The Plump Tart! The book was well written and very descriptive. All the sub plots and the twists and turns came together to a climatic conclusion. All the food references had me hungry for snacks, lol!! More please, Rachael!

[Katharine Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't resist a locked room mystery and this one kept me engrossed until the last page. I didn't guess the killer and didn't want to. I was enjoying the story too much and just wanted to see where it would take me. Laurel, Maggie and Albert are a dream team. I loved Albert's vocabulary and learnt lots of new words! The village setting was also charming with names that made me smile like The Pleasant Pheasant and The Plump Tart but beneath the quaintness lies a dark and complex tale. If you're looking for an engaging, entertaining and ingenious cozy crime to curl up with this winter, you won't be disappointed. Now I can't wait to read the first in the series A Little Bird Told Me before the third one comes out

[L.N. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty-turny cosy mystery with a fun bunch of characters and a lot of cake

I loved the characters in this book—all polite and comfortable, apart from the wonderfully obnoxious Hugh. It’s true I kept getting some muddled initially, but they gradually became distinct—this is possibly a consequence of coming in on book two of the series, though this one is perfectly readable standalone. There were plenty of twists and turns, and oh so many lies! Ms Gray does a great job of keeping track of all the lying and ties everything up nicely at the end, with a neat bow on top. I should point out that food appears a lot in the book, and you may get hungry reading the delicious descriptions!

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cozy crime novel, with interesting characters, that provides easy light entertainment. The plot line involves several twists and turns and keeps both the reader and the amateur sleuths guessing. Some of the bad characters do have redeeming features and some of the nice ones are clearly not as nice as we initially thought. Laurel is once again thrown into a murder mystery, and the local police are not convinced of her innocence. She is keen to discover the truth, and in putting two and two together soon makes five. But this is cozy crime, so never fear, all will turn out well in the end. If you are a fan of the genre, you will enjoy this.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this novel brought back happy memories of John Dickson Carr and his prolific output of clever locked-room mysteries. Rachael Gray opens her mystery with a similarly clever locked-room murder, but it's only the opening gambit in a very complex plot.
Laura, Maggie and Albert are back and on the trail of another killer in a once sleepy east Yorkshire village. A famous crime writer, staying in the village and desperate to overcome writer's block, is the focal point. Rachael teases her readers with a fine catch of red herrings.
There's plenty of suspense and intrigue, a fast-moving plot, and a whole host of well-drawn characters.

[Gina Kirkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Rachael Gray, and it definitely won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will have to now go back and read the first one in the Elderwick series, A Little Bird Told Me. Although it is a series, this can be read as stand alone as there are some tantalising hints to the previous book.

Laurel, Albert and Maggie are wonderful, well rounded characters who can’t resist a little bit of amateur detective work when they stumble upon the murder of a journalist . The quiet life that Laurel had been dreaming of in Elderwick is soon forgotten when threatening anonymous letters put one of their group in very real danger as they race to find the killer.
There were some great twists and turns and plenty of suspects that kept me guessing right to the end. Rachael knows how to keep the tension just right with a perfect touch of humour and I loved her writing style. She really drew me in with her vision of a cosy village life that harbours an underbelly of drama and people politics along with the quirks of human nature. It left me feeling as though regardless of the danger, I’d still happily buy a cottage there myself just for the entertainment value!
A fabulous read and one I would highly recommend.

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the events recounted in A Little Bird Told Me, Laurel is determined to keep away from any mysteries. But life doesn't always go to plan. When Laurel finds a murdered journalist in she finds herself drawn into an investigation again.
Laurel and her friends Maggie and Albert are well drawn and three dimensional, and the plot twists and turns - is anybody really what they seem?
This is the second of a series - hopefully to be followed by many more - but can be read as a stand alone. Enjoyable and highly recommended.

[Cameron Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed A Little Bird Told Me, the second of the Elderwick mysteries is equally enjoyable. It was glorious being back in Yorkshire again, and re-connecting with Dr Laurel Nightingale. This time the author uses her clinical psychology background creatively, with Laurel giving therapy to a crime author with secrets who is visiting the village amongst a cast of colourful characters. But there real star is the village of Elderwick, it's so beautifully depicted and I can't wait to read more about it.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr Laurel Nightingale has a new therapy patient, Hugh, an author suffering from writers block. Her private practice is slowly growing and after her previous involvement in sleuthing she has vowed to steer clear of any more.
However, when she and her friend Albert are involved in the discovery of a body in a locked room with a knife sticking in his back, she finds her resolve slipping.
I found this cosy mystery a bit slow going and the main character a bit annoying.

[Mary Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this cozy mystery series was just as delightful as the first. Again, we get to immerse ourselves in the lovely village of Elderwick in Yorkshire with its endearing inhabitants especially the protagonist, Laurel Nightingale.

Relationships between Laurel and her new friends become deeper and more complicated in this second one as the murder plot carefully spools out. It kept me on my toes until the denouement. Another winner by Rachael Gray!

[Alison Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a real treat returning to Elderwick and Laurel, Maggie and Albert. This time a famous novelist Hugh Quintrell is staying in the village and wants to become a patient of Laurels, to help overcome writers block. A suspicious death, poison pen letters and a series of attacks all help to keep this tightly plotted story racing along.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the second book in the Elderwick Mystery series and I have no clue what happened, but I was convinced that I had and had read book 1 - A Little Bird Told Me.
I've checked and checked and it looks like I never did!
So this was an odd place to start, but once the story got going, it was easy to become immersed and go with the flow.

I r ally liked the main characters, especially Laurel. Despite her reluctance, she was so determined to dive right on in and get to the bottom of the mystery.
There were definitely lots of traits that I found relatable - but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be brave enough to be like her!

This was a great cosy mystery and I really liked the setting.
Being married to a Yorkshireman - but now living down South - it felt quite nostalgic settling into Elderwick and seeing the community and remembering the lovely village lifestyle.

This was an interesting case and there was a lot going on that led me to mistrust certain people, but it kept me guessing and working out theories right until the ending.

Well written and enjoyable read, but I must go back and read the first book now just to catch up before book 3 arrives.....