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Malvern Farm Mystery #5
Killer at the County Show
Foul play at the sheep show…
Tensions are high at the Three Counties Show when accusations of cheating add fuel to a longstanding feud. For Jude Gray, whose only hope was to not make a fool of herself showing her Kerry Hill sheep, farming life has never been so dramatic.
When a body is found, belonging to one of the competitors, there is no shortage of suspects. Every sheep farmer in this close-knit community has a motive and beneath their show-ready smiles, they all have something to hide.
Experience has taught Jude that when there’s a murderer at large, nobody is truly safe. And with secrets simmering beneath the surface, this may be her most challenging investigation yet. Can she unearth the truth before it’s too late?
Tensions are high at the Three Counties Show when accusations of cheating add fuel to a longstanding feud. For Jude Gray, whose only hope was to not make a fool of herself showing her Kerry Hill sheep, farming life has never been so dramatic.
When a body is found, belonging to one of the competitors, there is no shortage of suspects. Every sheep farmer in this close-knit community has a motive and beneath their show-ready smiles, they all have something to hide.
Experience has taught Jude that when there’s a murderer at large, nobody is truly safe. And with secrets simmering beneath the surface, this may be her most challenging investigation yet. Can she unearth the truth before it’s too late?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2025
249 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Kate Wells
47 books39 followersLibrary of Congress Authorities: Wells, Kate, 1959-
Senior technical instructor of dyeing and printing, Royal Coll. of Art, London
Senior technical instructor of dyeing and printing, Royal Coll. of Art, London
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 19, 2025
3.8 Stars
One Liner: A good mystery
Jude Gray enters the Three Counties Show with her cute Kerry Hill sheep only to find that it’s full of drama and tension. When a competitor’s body is found with a long list of suspects, she has to step up and find the killer before it’s too late. Of course, with everyone hiding secrets, this could be her toughest case yet!
The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the fifth book in the series and can be read as a standalone, except for the sad love track (more on this later).
I read this series to learn something new about current farming practices and difficulties in other countries, namely the UK. It doesn’t shy away from showing the hard work required to run a farm and keep it at least borderline profitable in today’s times. As always, the book scores high marks in this aspect.
The mystery starts well. The dead man is not someone you’d want to be associated with, so it’s no surprise that the list of suspects is long and includes almost everyone who was around him at that time. Binnie makes a grand entry and is as efficient as ever. I liked her from the first book (in fact, I like her more than Jude, the MC).
The topic of discussion here is rewilding – the concept of letting nature take over fields in an attempt to bring back lost animal/ insect species and strengthen the ecosystem again. While it sounds idealistic in theory, the practicalities are different. Not every land is suitable for rewilding. A wrong choice could cause more harm than good and destroy farmlands that are still useful for cultivation.
There are some developments in the personal tracks, and that is where I have a huge issue. I’ve grumbled about Jude’s ‘should I or should I not’ debate with Marco. Here, it gets even worse with deliberate miscommunication and immaturity. Please, act your age and have a proper discussion like adults. I don’t want something like this to put me off a good series. But if this stretches for more books, I will have to rethink my options.
Of course, as always, Jude rushes into danger to solve the case, and this time, she might have gone a bit too far! Still, you can trust her to solve the case. If only she used the same brain to deal with her personal life!
To summarize, Killer at the County Show is a good mystery set in the countryside and deals with quite a few themes. The pacing is on the slower side, as it often is in this series.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: A good mystery
Jude Gray enters the Three Counties Show with her cute Kerry Hill sheep only to find that it’s full of drama and tension. When a competitor’s body is found with a long list of suspects, she has to step up and find the killer before it’s too late. Of course, with everyone hiding secrets, this could be her toughest case yet!
The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the fifth book in the series and can be read as a standalone, except for the sad love track (more on this later).
I read this series to learn something new about current farming practices and difficulties in other countries, namely the UK. It doesn’t shy away from showing the hard work required to run a farm and keep it at least borderline profitable in today’s times. As always, the book scores high marks in this aspect.
The mystery starts well. The dead man is not someone you’d want to be associated with, so it’s no surprise that the list of suspects is long and includes almost everyone who was around him at that time. Binnie makes a grand entry and is as efficient as ever. I liked her from the first book (in fact, I like her more than Jude, the MC).
The topic of discussion here is rewilding – the concept of letting nature take over fields in an attempt to bring back lost animal/ insect species and strengthen the ecosystem again. While it sounds idealistic in theory, the practicalities are different. Not every land is suitable for rewilding. A wrong choice could cause more harm than good and destroy farmlands that are still useful for cultivation.
There are some developments in the personal tracks, and that is where I have a huge issue. I’ve grumbled about Jude’s ‘should I or should I not’ debate with Marco. Here, it gets even worse with deliberate miscommunication and immaturity. Please, act your age and have a proper discussion like adults. I don’t want something like this to put me off a good series. But if this stretches for more books, I will have to rethink my options.
Of course, as always, Jude rushes into danger to solve the case, and this time, she might have gone a bit too far! Still, you can trust her to solve the case. If only she used the same brain to deal with her personal life!
To summarize, Killer at the County Show is a good mystery set in the countryside and deals with quite a few themes. The pacing is on the slower side, as it often is in this series.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
May 21, 2025
Another great Malvern Farm book! I can’t explain how cosy these books make me feel, the combination of the loveable characters, small-town setting and mystery make this series so feel good (even with the string of murders!) I enjoyed this book, however did slightly miss seeing the goings on of Malvern End and Jude’s farm due to the slightly wider setting and new characters introduced. However, loving locally to Malvern I did like seeing the Three Counties Show! Bring on the next Malvern Farm book!!
May 10, 2025
Tensions are high at the Three Counties Show when accusations of cheating add fuel to a longstanding feud. For Jude Gray, whose only hope was to not make a fool of herself showing her Kerry Hill sheep, farming life has never been so dramatic. When a body is found, belonging to one of the competitors, there is no shortage of suspects. Every sheep farmer in this close-knit community has a motive and beneath their show-ready smiles, they all have something to hide.
The fifth outing for Jude & another well written engrossing cosy murder mystery. The story flowed effortlessly & with strong characters meant I read it in two sittings finishing it well into the night. There were twists & turns as well as red herrings, I was kept guessing until all was revealed. I really like how the characters have developed throughout the series & look forward to more books in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fifth outing for Jude & another well written engrossing cosy murder mystery. The story flowed effortlessly & with strong characters meant I read it in two sittings finishing it well into the night. There were twists & turns as well as red herrings, I was kept guessing until all was revealed. I really like how the characters have developed throughout the series & look forward to more books in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 21, 2025
In the latest instalment of this delightful mystery series, Jude Gray is taking part in the local county livestock show. She is doing this for the first time, and is slightly nervous.
Adding salt to the collective wounds of the farmers, one contestant this year is Zander Pettiford. A rock musician/farmer/influencer. Upon hearing his description, I personally could not help but compare him to Jeremy Clarkson of .Clarkson’s Farm. fame.
As per usual, murder follows Jude around like a puppy. There is a body found at the show. The victim was one of the competitors. A man who was disliked by many, so there is no shortage of possible murderers.
Once again, Jude’s good friend policewoman Binita Khatri is the lead on the murder investigation.
Since this was the fifth book in the series, I was delighted to meet up with Jude Gray and her family and friends once again. They are strongly defined characters that are both well drawn and memorable. Jude tends to latch on to waifs and strays, both animal and human.
I felt a bit of frustration at the whole ‘will they’ or ‘won’t they’ aspect of Jude’s relationship with Marco. I feel either they should get together, or that he should be out of the picture. We know she adored her husband, Adam, but she is very young and it is time to move on.
With themes of the value of modern farming, sustainable farming, duplicitous friendship, manipulative behaviors, and the re-wilding of agricultural lands, this instalment of the series certainly gave pause for thought.
The ending emphasized the contentment of Jude’s life, so it seemed like a warm hug. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this engaging, cozy mystery series. After five books, this series is fast becoming one of my favourites.
Adding salt to the collective wounds of the farmers, one contestant this year is Zander Pettiford. A rock musician/farmer/influencer. Upon hearing his description, I personally could not help but compare him to Jeremy Clarkson of .Clarkson’s Farm. fame.
As per usual, murder follows Jude around like a puppy. There is a body found at the show. The victim was one of the competitors. A man who was disliked by many, so there is no shortage of possible murderers.
Once again, Jude’s good friend policewoman Binita Khatri is the lead on the murder investigation.
Since this was the fifth book in the series, I was delighted to meet up with Jude Gray and her family and friends once again. They are strongly defined characters that are both well drawn and memorable. Jude tends to latch on to waifs and strays, both animal and human.
I felt a bit of frustration at the whole ‘will they’ or ‘won’t they’ aspect of Jude’s relationship with Marco. I feel either they should get together, or that he should be out of the picture. We know she adored her husband, Adam, but she is very young and it is time to move on.
With themes of the value of modern farming, sustainable farming, duplicitous friendship, manipulative behaviors, and the re-wilding of agricultural lands, this instalment of the series certainly gave pause for thought.
The ending emphasized the contentment of Jude’s life, so it seemed like a warm hug. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this engaging, cozy mystery series. After five books, this series is fast becoming one of my favourites.
May 23, 2025
My fifth trip to Malvern Farm, and Jude and her crew were branching out to show her pair of Kerry Hill sheep at the county fair. Whilst on the scene, we are introduced to an eclectic group of farmers, all showing their own Kerries: Jim and his adult son David, their neighbour Griff, Ffion and her husband Carl, Tara and her mother Penny, and Zander Pettiford (a musician turned influencer / wild farming activist) and his best friend Olivia.
Tensions are high because Zander believes traditional farming should be a thing of the past and is using his influence to try and build a more “sustainable” farming future. In his quest, he argues (while secretly filming) with all the rest of the farmers who clearly do not share his views. David specifically gets into a live-streamed argument with Zander at the pub over dinner.
When David is later found murdered, stabbed with a pair of shears, Jude puts back on her sleuthing cap and gets to work trying to solve the case. Other than his father, no one really misses David… but that doesn’t mean his killer should walk free. And who among Jude’s new friends is the culprit? When a second body is found admitting guilt for the first murder, Jude is sure there is more than meets the eye to this group of farmers.
Another fantastic addition by Kate Wells. This instalment was character driven, and advanced the overall story well. It was a bit slower paced than her other novels but I’m not complaining! It’s always great to spend a few days on the farm and spend time with my friends Jude, Lucy, Noah, Sebbie, Binnie, and all the animals.
I’m always thrilled to have the opportunity to read this series and I appreciate the e-ARC I received from the publisher and net galley in exchange for an honest review.
Tensions are high because Zander believes traditional farming should be a thing of the past and is using his influence to try and build a more “sustainable” farming future. In his quest, he argues (while secretly filming) with all the rest of the farmers who clearly do not share his views. David specifically gets into a live-streamed argument with Zander at the pub over dinner.
When David is later found murdered, stabbed with a pair of shears, Jude puts back on her sleuthing cap and gets to work trying to solve the case. Other than his father, no one really misses David… but that doesn’t mean his killer should walk free. And who among Jude’s new friends is the culprit? When a second body is found admitting guilt for the first murder, Jude is sure there is more than meets the eye to this group of farmers.
Another fantastic addition by Kate Wells. This instalment was character driven, and advanced the overall story well. It was a bit slower paced than her other novels but I’m not complaining! It’s always great to spend a few days on the farm and spend time with my friends Jude, Lucy, Noah, Sebbie, Binnie, and all the animals.
I’m always thrilled to have the opportunity to read this series and I appreciate the e-ARC I received from the publisher and net galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2025
I always enjoy my visits to Malvern Farm. This is my 5th visit and looking forward to number 6.
The plot was a little slower than Kate`s previous books, but still plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I love the fact that the main characters are all still the backbone of the series, but with a few new characters to enhance the story line.
As always, the reader can totally imagine the Malvern Hills and the beauty of the countryside and I get totally involved in the life of the farm and the daily tasks that have to happen on our Farms to put food on our tables.
This book touched on the hardships of farming and how it can be difficult to make ends meet.
So to conclude I want to give a big "Thank you " to our Farmers and Kate Wells for highlighting that Farming is not as easy as some people think it is!
The plot was a little slower than Kate`s previous books, but still plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I love the fact that the main characters are all still the backbone of the series, but with a few new characters to enhance the story line.
As always, the reader can totally imagine the Malvern Hills and the beauty of the countryside and I get totally involved in the life of the farm and the daily tasks that have to happen on our Farms to put food on our tables.
This book touched on the hardships of farming and how it can be difficult to make ends meet.
So to conclude I want to give a big "Thank you " to our Farmers and Kate Wells for highlighting that Farming is not as easy as some people think it is!
April 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for opportunity to read "Killer at the County Show" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the 5th book in the wonderful Malvern Farm Mystery series. Jude Gray is expanding into the world of showing her pedigree Kerry Hill lambs - Henry and Helen - at the Three Counties Show. What she finds is in-fighting, a "farmer" who spends more time on social media than in the pens, cheating, and of course, a murder.
There is no shortage of suspects, lies, cover-ups, plot twists, secrets and as always Jude in danger for running a parallel investigation to DR Binnie Khatri. My favourite character is always Granny Margot who is sharp as a tack and loves a good mystery to unravel.
This is the 5th book in the wonderful Malvern Farm Mystery series. Jude Gray is expanding into the world of showing her pedigree Kerry Hill lambs - Henry and Helen - at the Three Counties Show. What she finds is in-fighting, a "farmer" who spends more time on social media than in the pens, cheating, and of course, a murder.
There is no shortage of suspects, lies, cover-ups, plot twists, secrets and as always Jude in danger for running a parallel investigation to DR Binnie Khatri. My favourite character is always Granny Margot who is sharp as a tack and loves a good mystery to unravel.
May 13, 2025
Thank you @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I loved it ,it is book 5 in the series and I’ve enjoyed them all. I’ve been to many a country show but if you haven’t Kate paints such a good picture and description it’s like you are there. I would recommend this series .
May 15, 2025
Jude’s first time at entering her two Kerry Hill sheep in the Three Counties Show is cut short when the classes are abandoned as one of the competitors is accused of cheating and sabotaging other people’s animals with hair dye. The accuser, son of farmer Jim who is angry that his land has been sold beneath him for new houses, is later discovered by Jude and Marco stabbed to death with sheep shears. But with so many people having a motive for killing David, just where are DI Binnie Khatri and DS Sami Abadi to start with their murder investigation? Could it also be Jim’s aggrieved farmer neighbour, a former pop star and so-called sustainable farmer whose very profitable blog was hijacked by a venomous David, any of the women David was overly friendly with or any of their loved ones? Could it have been caused by another nefarious activity he engaged in or did someone he tried to manipulate strike back? Jude is hopeful she can get the inside track on the closeknit breeding community and help Binnie bring a killer to justice but with so many great suspects, all having no firm alibi, just where is she to start when so many people have something to hide?
It’s nice to see Frank living in his son Noah’s old cottage and helping on the farm now he has given up his own tenancy, whilst Noah has moved into the main house with Lucy as their wedding fast approaches. The will they/won’t they question still hangs over Jude and Marco, once more keeping the reader guessing, and Granny Margot and the other residents at the care home are on their usual fine form. This is another great instalment in the series, full of fluffy farm animals, warmth and humour and a spot of grisly murder.
It’s nice to see Frank living in his son Noah’s old cottage and helping on the farm now he has given up his own tenancy, whilst Noah has moved into the main house with Lucy as their wedding fast approaches. The will they/won’t they question still hangs over Jude and Marco, once more keeping the reader guessing, and Granny Margot and the other residents at the care home are on their usual fine form. This is another great instalment in the series, full of fluffy farm animals, warmth and humour and a spot of grisly murder.
April 25, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the latest 'Malvern Farm Mystery', featuring Jude Gray by Kate Wells. I have read and enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, and anticipated nothing less from this one - and I was not disappointed.
Jude has decided to show her Kerry Hills sheep at the Three Counties Show for the first time, but she never expected all of the drama that would ensue, culminating in the murder of one of the farmers! And oh, what a tangled web has been weaved, encompassing a number of the exhibitors.
Jude, of course, is hot on the trail of the killer, but her investigations (in aid, of course, of her good friend Detective 'Binnie' Khautri) lead her to any number of possible culprits and motives - illegal activities, blackmail and more; and when another body turns up, the plot definitely thickens.
This is the fifth book in the series, and with each one, Ms. Wells has fleshed out all of her major characters, and added some new ones into the mix. Like all of the previous books, this one is certainly enjoyable and a very good 'cozy' mystery. Recommended.
Jude has decided to show her Kerry Hills sheep at the Three Counties Show for the first time, but she never expected all of the drama that would ensue, culminating in the murder of one of the farmers! And oh, what a tangled web has been weaved, encompassing a number of the exhibitors.
Jude, of course, is hot on the trail of the killer, but her investigations (in aid, of course, of her good friend Detective 'Binnie' Khautri) lead her to any number of possible culprits and motives - illegal activities, blackmail and more; and when another body turns up, the plot definitely thickens.
This is the fifth book in the series, and with each one, Ms. Wells has fleshed out all of her major characters, and added some new ones into the mix. Like all of the previous books, this one is certainly enjoyable and a very good 'cozy' mystery. Recommended.
April 11, 2025
Kate Wells has done it again! All the elements I love about this series are there - our brilliant heroine Jude Gray and her cast of friends and family; a new set of suspects - each with convincing motives and backstories; a satisfying new setting of the county show, with lots of immersive farming-related details; a proper knotty plot to unravel that is neither too easy nor too hard for the reader - the perfect 'Cinderella' zone of cozy crime.
I especially enjoyed the satirical depiction of Zander Pettiford, a musician and influencer-turned-hobbyist-farmer and rewilder. The story makes it clear there are sound arguments for rewilding, but that people who don't understand farming need to examine the topic in depth before jumping to conclusions about land use.
I wasn't entirely convinced by Jude's will-they, won't-they romance with Marco this time, as it didn't seem to have the required time on the page to show her feelings persuasively, but I can see the advantage of having it there in the background too - I just want her to have a happy ending!
I especially enjoyed the satirical depiction of Zander Pettiford, a musician and influencer-turned-hobbyist-farmer and rewilder. The story makes it clear there are sound arguments for rewilding, but that people who don't understand farming need to examine the topic in depth before jumping to conclusions about land use.
I wasn't entirely convinced by Jude's will-they, won't-they romance with Marco this time, as it didn't seem to have the required time on the page to show her feelings persuasively, but I can see the advantage of having it there in the background too - I just want her to have a happy ending!
April 21, 2025
Jude Gray is a rather young widow who has carried on with the sheep farm she and her husband began and has decided to enter the big livestock show. After witnessing a dustup between neighbors, she discovered the body of one of the men. Yup, the one who was unscrupulous in business and a self-entitled womanizer as well. Of course, there is no shortage of suspects and she adds her investigation to the official one in order to try to preserve the integrity of the community. Her investigation runs into snags, lies, secrets, convoluted logic, and some amazing plot twists. Terrific addition to an addictive series.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from Boldwood Books via NetGalley
#KillerAtTheCountyShow by @katepoelswrites #MalvernFarmMysteriesBk5 @theboldbookclub @3countiesshows #cozymystery #SheepShow #CountyShow #Murder #Mystery #ComingSoon #herefordshire #farming #widow #amateursleuth #friendship #smalltown #relationships relationships, relatives #investigations #sheepdogs #suspense
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from Boldwood Books via NetGalley
#KillerAtTheCountyShow by @katepoelswrites #MalvernFarmMysteriesBk5 @theboldbookclub @3countiesshows #cozymystery #SheepShow #CountyShow #Murder #Mystery #ComingSoon #herefordshire #farming #widow #amateursleuth #friendship #smalltown #relationships relationships, relatives #investigations #sheepdogs #suspense
May 13, 2025
It's another chapter in the Malvern Farm series, which sees Jude showing her sheep at the County Show. The setting is well-described, and imagining the animals, events, and people is easy. Jude gets to know the other farmers, and it's soon clear that there is tension amongst the group. It results from historic connections and current happenings, and the most objectionable character dies in suspicious circumstances. Jude, of course, uncovers the body and her connections, and new knowledge makes her an essential investigative partner for her police detective friend, Binnie. There are echoes of romance as Jude tries to understand her feelings. As a reader, you are invested in the outcome and want her to find love again, but her indecision is realistic given that she has lost the husband she loved. I enjoyed meeting regular characters again, the twisty mystery and the rural setting, all of which contribute to this suspenseful cosy mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 17, 2025
My family is from Malvern, I lived there for a while and even did temp work at the Three Counties Showground, so this book (and the whole series) is very familiar territory to me.
The main character Jude, is a female farmer who inadvertently stumbles across a dead body at the Three Counties Show. David, the deceased, had ruffled a few feathers at the show and there's a long list of suspects who might have wanted him dead. The police are investigating, and Jude carries out her own investigations alongside them.
I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author includes current political and financial issues that are affecting farmers. Although this is the 5th book in the series, you could read it without reading the others first (But the whole series is great!). There is an interesting cast of characters and I love reading about life on and around the farm. A great cosy mystery that kept me guessing.
The main character Jude, is a female farmer who inadvertently stumbles across a dead body at the Three Counties Show. David, the deceased, had ruffled a few feathers at the show and there's a long list of suspects who might have wanted him dead. The police are investigating, and Jude carries out her own investigations alongside them.
I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author includes current political and financial issues that are affecting farmers. Although this is the 5th book in the series, you could read it without reading the others first (But the whole series is great!). There is an interesting cast of characters and I love reading about life on and around the farm. A great cosy mystery that kept me guessing.
May 24, 2025
Going to join in her first County Show,
Jude soon other Kerry Hill sheep exhibitors gets to know.
Most are friendly, supportive and helpful, too,
Guiding her through what she should do.
However, they don’t all get on well with each other
There’s bad feelings and more to discover.
When one is murdered and left with the sheep
Jude’s worried and loses her sleep!
As friends work together to uncover the killer,
Another victim succumbs making this a real thriller.
Can Jude work with the police to solve the crimes once more
As together the evidence and clues they explore.
Misunderstandings, families and puzzles, too,
Make this a fabulous read all the way through.
Relationships, secrets and lots more besides
Can Jude help find where the killer hides?
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Jude soon other Kerry Hill sheep exhibitors gets to know.
Most are friendly, supportive and helpful, too,
Guiding her through what she should do.
However, they don’t all get on well with each other
There’s bad feelings and more to discover.
When one is murdered and left with the sheep
Jude’s worried and loses her sleep!
As friends work together to uncover the killer,
Another victim succumbs making this a real thriller.
Can Jude work with the police to solve the crimes once more
As together the evidence and clues they explore.
Misunderstandings, families and puzzles, too,
Make this a fabulous read all the way through.
Relationships, secrets and lots more besides
Can Jude help find where the killer hides?
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
May 1, 2025
Part of a series but easy to follow as a standalone story.
It's a slow-burn, cosy mystery.
Jude enters the county show for the first time and things don't go to plan. David wasn't a nice guy and there were a few who had motive to do him harm.
Jude has good instincts which she clearly got from Granny Margot. I liked their relationship and it was nice to see Jude's family dynamics alongside her quest to uncover the killer.
Jude's relationship with Marco was a little frustrating and I felt like she needed to communicate better with him. She had such a good way dealing with others but held back with him. I imagine there's a history that you need to read the previous books before fully understanding.
There were a few surprises in this which kept things interesting.
It's a slow-burn, cosy mystery.
Jude enters the county show for the first time and things don't go to plan. David wasn't a nice guy and there were a few who had motive to do him harm.
Jude has good instincts which she clearly got from Granny Margot. I liked their relationship and it was nice to see Jude's family dynamics alongside her quest to uncover the killer.
Jude's relationship with Marco was a little frustrating and I felt like she needed to communicate better with him. She had such a good way dealing with others but held back with him. I imagine there's a history that you need to read the previous books before fully understanding.
There were a few surprises in this which kept things interesting.
May 18, 2025
This series keeps getting better with every new installment—like the perfect summer read that knows exactly how to whisk you away. The setting is delightfully vivid, filled with picturesque countryside charm and a quaint cozy place like any proper cosy mystery.
The characters are a joy, full of wit and warmth, their sharp banter adding just the right touch of humor.
The mystery itself is cleverly crafted, packed with twists and surprises that keep you guessing until the very end.
This is the perfect book to enjoy under the summer sun, lounging with a cool drink while the magic of reading works its spell. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC; all opinions are mine. Highly recommended!
The characters are a joy, full of wit and warmth, their sharp banter adding just the right touch of humor.
The mystery itself is cleverly crafted, packed with twists and surprises that keep you guessing until the very end.
This is the perfect book to enjoy under the summer sun, lounging with a cool drink while the magic of reading works its spell. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC; all opinions are mine. Highly recommended!
May 6, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this mystery.
Jude and Frank are at the animal show when a murder takes place. The showing of their Kerry sheep is cancelled and Binny comes to investigate. After the show, another one of the farmers who had attended is found dead in his house. Jude and Binny get together to find out the truth.
I'm a little surprised that the police would depend so much on a civilian, and also that Binny would break into a garage without a warrant, but they get away with it. I was also surprised that Jude spent so much time away from the farm. And I hope that the next book will get her together with Marco.
Jude and Frank are at the animal show when a murder takes place. The showing of their Kerry sheep is cancelled and Binny comes to investigate. After the show, another one of the farmers who had attended is found dead in his house. Jude and Binny get together to find out the truth.
I'm a little surprised that the police would depend so much on a civilian, and also that Binny would break into a garage without a warrant, but they get away with it. I was also surprised that Jude spent so much time away from the farm. And I hope that the next book will get her together with Marco.
April 15, 2025
Another great mystery in this series. It was great to catch up with the usual suspects but the new setting allowed for new people and lots of new details about sheep showing to be introduced. The mystery was a good one although I did spot some of the answers some where a surprise. I was a bit disappointed in the romance element it seemed a bit of a waste of time and was not really necessary to the story and an after thought. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2025
Engaging and fun
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! The county show setting was perfect, and the farming details made it feel authentic and engaging. The plot kept me guessing with a lovely twist at the end. My only niggles were that some of Binnie's decisions as a senior office felt a bit unrealistic, and the romance was somewhat predictable. Jude's character was likable and overall though, it's a warm, satisfying read that's perfect for curling up with.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! The county show setting was perfect, and the farming details made it feel authentic and engaging. The plot kept me guessing with a lovely twist at the end. My only niggles were that some of Binnie's decisions as a senior office felt a bit unrealistic, and the romance was somewhat predictable. Jude's character was likable and overall though, it's a warm, satisfying read that's perfect for curling up with.
May 20, 2025
Another great entry in Malvern Farm mystery series by Kate Wells. Jude is attending a local farm show hoping some of her Kerry Hills sheep will make a good showing. But of course, murder gets in the way and Jude is once again determined to find the killer, at great cost to her friend and police officer, Binnie.
October 19, 2025
Her first foray into showing her Kerry Hills sheep brings Jude another murder to solve. It is quickly followed by a second murder, giving Jude much to think about. The whole thing escalates as Jude probes and the surprises continue to the end and final denouement. And then, of course, there’s the issue of Marco…
December 22, 2025
Always a good story
Kate Wells always puts so many twists and turns into her stories that the ending is surprising. This time, the murder takes place at a livestock show. Who knew shepherds could be so sneaky and evil? We're given a glimpse into the challenges facing England's farmers as well as life in a small village.
Kate Wells always puts so many twists and turns into her stories that the ending is surprising. This time, the murder takes place at a livestock show. Who knew shepherds could be so sneaky and evil? We're given a glimpse into the challenges facing England's farmers as well as life in a small village.
February 3, 2026
#5 in the series and still just as good if not better than previous ones.
The guilty party was difficult to figure out as their were so many believable suspects. Figured it out just as the main character did.
One more in the series to read and I do hope the author continues with it.
Audio was very good.
The guilty party was difficult to figure out as their were so many believable suspects. Figured it out just as the main character did.
One more in the series to read and I do hope the author continues with it.
Audio was very good.
May 19, 2025
I absolutely LOVE this series and have been waiting for this book since the release date was announced. It didn't disappoint. Fast paced, and so many suspects for the murders it was hard to keep track. Really enjoyed it, and only 4 months until the next one comes out!
October 19, 2025
I absolutely love this series of books, and this latest one certainly doesn’t disappoint. I never guessed the ending until it was right in front of me! I just adore the cosy farm and family vibes in these books – they’re a joy to read, and I can’t wait for the next one!
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
January 12, 2026
Come for the murders, stay for the sheep.
I've gotten fond of sheep farmer Jude and her family and friends. The murders and the story around them are complex and fascinating and a mystery until the end. Plus, I've fallen in love with the sheep.
I've gotten fond of sheep farmer Jude and her family and friends. The murders and the story around them are complex and fascinating and a mystery until the end. Plus, I've fallen in love with the sheep.
September 26, 2025
Murder at the show
Brilliant book as the whole series has been looking forward to the new book . Once I start reading the book I can't put it down so no tv just reading.
Brilliant book as the whole series has been looking forward to the new book . Once I start reading the book I can't put it down so no tv just reading.
October 19, 2025
Another good read.
December 31, 2025
Another quick and enjoyable read.
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