A Storm in a Teacup

The Elderwick Mysteries #3

by Rachael Gray

From the author of A Turn-Up for the Books: Third in the Elderwick Mystery series set in a sleepy village where the past refuses to stay buried—literally . . .

When an archaeology dig uncovers a skeleton, Dr. Laurel Nightingale finds herself drawn into another grisly mystery. The bones aren’t ancient, and the police confirm a killer is on the loose.

Laurel, alongside her spirited best friend, Maggie, and history buff Albert, dives into the village’s tangled web of secrets and lies. As they dig deeper, a local student winds up dead under mysterious circumstances, a charming police officer turns into an unexpected ally, and suspicion spreads through the village like wildfire. Everyone has something to hide, and Laurel can’t shake the feeling that danger is closing in.

Full of twists and turns and a cast of unforgettable characters, A Storm in a Teacup is a cozy mystery packed with intrigue and charm. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, this story will keep you guessing until the final reveal.

Praise for Rachael Gray

“Fast paced and wonderfully atmospheric. Rachael Gray is excellent at ramping up the tension, with twists at every turn.” —Clare Chase, author of the Eve Mallow Mysteries

Genres: Mystery

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 2025

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

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, secrets, lies, mystery, action, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns. You're never really sure who dunit till the end. All the characters , both bad and good are witty, remarkable, and complex. Each is a story in themselves. Laurel is on an archaeology dig at the old Elderwick Hall. It's her who finds a bone that belongs to a human and stops the dig. But who is it and when was it buried there. Bring in the Detectives Coral and Hill and the search is on to find out who and why this person is buried there. Add in of coarse that the head detective and Laurel do have a history together. Laurel, Maggie and Albert, all try to help solve the mystery after a few clues are found. They were able to solve an earlier murder are sleuths. When another person, Jessica is found dead then the search turns to who is the killer. Has lots of action and twists to keep you reading till the end of this book. Curl up and enjoy this page turning story. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is book 3 of the Elderwick Mysteries series, I managed easily to read this as a standalone in its own right.
This is the first book I have read in the series, and I enjoyed it so much that I will be reading the previous books.
I found this a well written, enjoyable storyline and plot with interesting and likeable characters and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
It is a great who done it to get your teeth into trying to solve as you read, I hadn't a clue.
There are some nice little twists and revelations along the way.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this
book, it's a great murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better.
In this book, an archeological dog uncovers a human body, which raises concern in the village, and when another body is soon after, despite being warned off, Laurel starts to investigate with Maggie and Albert. But the police investigation comes very close to home for some other residents..and even Albert becomes a suspect.
I love the relationships between Laurel, Maggie, Albert and the other residents in the village, and telling the story in alternative chapters from their perspective brings a lot to the book.
The plot moves along at a really good pace, and the different strands intertwine nicely.
I think this could work as a stand alone, but possibly works best if you've read the previous 2...plus you'll then have 3 great books to read!
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachael Gray is fast establishing herself as one of the finest crime novelists working today. I love this third visit to Elderwick. The sleepy North Yorkshire village is acquiring a body count to rival its southern counterparts in 'Midsomer Murders'.
Laurel, Maggie, and Albert are on top form, and indeed the whole village is involved in a complex and compelling plot with secrets and lies stretching back decades. Ben and Perry have a challenging time trying to keep superiors happy whilst the villagers conduct their own investigations. There's a hint of romance; lots of clever wordplay; some even cleverer literary quotes; and a bit of fun with Aroon.
Once again the mystery has several layers and its unravelling involves several surprising twists and turns.
An irresistibly satisfying, smart, stylish and seductive read.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series, and this latest book was riveting from start to finish. The discovery of bones at a dig in the village has Laurel and Maggie firmly in DI Coral's sights when she discovers they happened to be present. When it seems there are possible ties to some villagers , Laurel is determined to conduct her own investigation. Things get worse when a murder occurs. At the same time, some locals are being scammed online.

I loved everything about this - the links to past events, the more modern online activities and I got both great enjoyment and outrage at DI Coral's behaviour towards Laurel, Maggie and others. The hint of possible romance has me frustrated so hopefully something will happen in the next book. Can't wait to find out.

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel is settling into her new life in Elderwick, with her two friends Maggie & Albert.
The discovery of human remains during an archaeological dig is exciting, not disturbing. Until it is proved the body is a recent addition.
Despite her best intentions, and the hostility of DI Coral, Laurel finds herself drawn into the investigation, and suspecting her best friends.
This is our third visit to Elderwick, but it reads well as a stand alone.
I enjoyed finding out more about Laurel and her friends, and look forward to seeing more of them soon.

[Kairen Harries · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful cosy crime read. I haven't read this author before and didn't realise that the book was part of a series. Although I enjoyed the book as a standalone I would advise reading the previous books in the series as some references didn't make sense to me.
A well written book with an easy to read, flowing style and interesting characters. Plenty of twists and turns and lots of red herringd. I think I suspected everyone at some point.
Right, I'm off to buy the previous books in series.

[Fizzie Heseltine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful light read mystery (who even knew there was such a thing) with twists and turns right up until the end

[Alison Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in a series, that can still be a read alone. I deduced some of the perpetrators but others remained a mystery until the end. The story made me want to keep on reading and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An archeological dig is needed at Elderwick Hall for the new owners but when they uncover human bones that aren’t historical Laurel and her friends turn into super sleuths to uncover the identity of the body. A village with more mysteries than Midsummer brings a great murder mystery novel.

[Philip Cumberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn’t unusual for human bones to be discovered during archaeological excavations, in this case, on the site of a proposed new farm shop, at Elderwick Hall, in whose grounds the discovery was made. The hall has had a long and troubled history, so finding an unknown burial wasn’t a huge surprise. However, once all of the remains had been uncovered, the questions followed, whose remains were they, how long had they been there and what was the cause of death?

Although being there when the discovery was made, Laurel tried to avoid being drawn into the inquiry. She had decided to steer clear of detective work but eventually, reluctantly, to help her friends, she succumbed to the inevitable and started with the help of Maggie and Albert, to investigate the murder.

Laurel’s fractious relationship with D.I. Coral; doesn’t help the situation, particularly, as Laurel was at the site when the remains were discovered. The story is multi-layered with a glorious cast of characters, including Albert’s stroppy cockerel, Aroon, it is set in the delightfully painted East Yorkshire village of Elderwick. Who wouldn’t want to buy cakes from the Plump Tart, enjoy tea and cakes at the Pleasant Pheasant or sink a pint at the Snooty Fox?

I thoroughly enjoyed, A Storm in a Teacup, which is the third in the Elderwick Mysteries series. I read it quickly; wanting to find out how it ended, more please, Rachael.

[Teresa Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Super Elderwick Mystery!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the third instalment in the Elderwick Mysteries. The story begins with the discovery of human bones during an archaeological dig, and the three lovable main characters – psychologist Laurel and her friends Maggie and Albert – are soon embroiled in an intriguing mystery, where even their solid friendship is tested.

The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping me guessing all the way to a satisfying conclusion. I liked the fact that Laurel tends to take a few wrong turns along the way, which makes her all the more real and human.

This cosy crime series has a little more bite than some in the genre, and isn’t afraid to include difficult themes, something which gave it added depth. I loved the beautiful East Yorkshire settings and the depiction of village life, and also enjoyed the culinary elements running through the story – I do like characters to eat! There is also a super animal character – Albert’s pet cockerel Aroon, who is a real scene-stealer.

All-in-all, this is a really well-written and cleverly crafted mystery in a great series. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[Cameron Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I would move to Elderwick, except for all the mysterious deaths! Rachael Gray creates such a lovely location with a cast of likeable characters that it really comes alive.

This story opens dramatically with the find of old bones on an archaeological dig, but it’s not long until a fresh body appears. The story is told through the eyes of three friends: Laurel, Maggie and Albert in alternating chapters. This device really makes the novel pacy and allows the writer to expertly juggle various plot strands.

This book will appeal to all fans of well-crafted cosy crime writing, with a heroine you are rooting for and a large cast of interesting, diverse characters. It was the first book I’d read set in Elderwick, but I enjoyed it so much, I’ve ordered the previous two novels in the series!

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to catch up with Laurel, Albert, Aroon, Maggie, Constance and her sister, Hetty, Jo and Dorothy! An archaeology team has come to the village to do searches of a field. However, they discover some bones in their dig site. Laurel is drawn to the mystery and she cannot help herself to investigate, even though, the police are on the case. Laurel, Albert and Maggie find themselves delving into uncovering the secrets and lies of Elderwick. It is full of twists and turns with a few red herrings and leads to a dramatic conclusion. All of the characters are brilliant and gel so well together.

[Sarah Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery for the sleuths of Elderwick to unravel!

This is the third book in the Elderwick series, and I loved it. I feel so at home with Laurel, Maggie and Albert (and Aroon, of course!), and the inhabitants of this Yorkshire village.
This time, it’s a cold case and Laurel’s nemesis, DCI Coral thinks she has it all wrapped up, but when there’s another murder, Laurel believes there’s a link and she is determined to find it.
Well written, with intricate plotting, this book gallops along at a cracking pace (with lots of cake to keep everyone going!) Highly recommended.

[Alison Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Rachael. This is the third in the Elderwick cozy crime series, but could be read as a standalone. Laurel, Maggie and Albert get drawn in when an archeology dig in the village uncovers a skeleton. Rather than being an ancient burial site, the bones are more recent and the police become involved. When a second body is found, it is clear a killer is on the loose.
Highly recommend and I hope there are more to come in the series.

[Carol Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I enjoyed this book the characters are well defined and each have their own little problems so their is a story within a story which is done well.
I did notice that this is the 3rd book by this author and this can be read as a standalone but maybe better if possible to read in order.
I did receive an ARC and would like to thank Bloodhounds Books as always this review is mine alone.

[Tina Fulcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Elderwick Mysteries series. I didn't realise this when I read it. It was fine as a standalone, but so good, I have ordered the first two books in the series to read. Very enjoyable, cosy, murder mystery. Highly recommended for that relaxing read.

I was lucky enough to be given an Advanced Reader Copy and leave this review voluntarily.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book. When I agreed to read this book I didn’t realise it was the third in the series. But I’m glad I did, it reads well as a stand alone but I’ve now got the first two to get the full feel. Plenty of twists and turns with great characters and a good story line . Think I’ve now found a new author. Well worth a read.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with Laurel, Maggie and Albert investigating again. An archeological dig is at the meadow before a farm shop for The Daffodil’s charity is built, but a body is discovered and it is not that old.
Constance is caught out in an online scam, which leads the friends to also look into this.
A lovely cosy mystery.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Storm in a Teacup, The Elderwick Mysteries is a new kind of mystery. The story line has so many twists and turns that you don't want to put the book down. I found more clues and wanted to know what was going on. I could reread this book again.

I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery for the sleuths of Elderwick to unravel, this time involving bones find in an archeology dig that are not as old as everyone hoped them to be, who do they belong to?
With lots of twists and turns and very well developed characters, the plot of this book will grab you from beginning to end.

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I havent read any of the other books in the series but that didn't matter you can still read this one.
I will go back and read the other books though because i enjoyed this book.
Its a cosy, murder mystery. and i loved the characters.
A good story line.