Murder in Merrywell

Violet Brewster #1

by Jane Bettany, Hannah Parker (Narrator)

Welcome to Merrywell. small. aplenty.

‘ Murder in Merrywell is an entertaining and engaging cozy mystery set against a beautiful backdrop.’ – Clare Chase

Ex-journalist Violet Brewster is keen to make a good first impression in her new community, having just moved to the small village of Merrywell. When Violet hears about the mystery of Helen Slingsby, who disappeared from the village forty years earlier, she decides to help uncover what happened. But despite Violet’s best efforts, she can find no trace of the missing woman.

As Violet talks to the other residents, it becomes apparent that something sinister is lurking beneath the village’s idyllic exterior.

When a villager is found dead in their home, Violet becomes convinced that the murder is connected to Helen. Did Helen ever really leave Merrywell? Who in the village is hiding something? And can Violet finally solve this forty-year-old mystery before someone else gets hurt?

An utterly gripping and thrilling English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Clare Chase, Frances Evesham and Betty Rowlands.

Readers LOVE Murder in Merrywell!

'A perfect cozy mystery with an engaging cast of characters and a beautifully-drawn setting.' Roz Watkins

‘If you love cozy crime/mystery books then you will not be disappointed… A book to put to the top of your ‘must read now’ pile!’ C.L. Peache

‘Violet Brewster is everything you could want in an amateur sleuth; empathetic, determined, and ruthless in her quest for truth… A must read!’ Charlotte Baker

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, British Literature, Crime

Audible Audio

First published April 18, 2023

About the author

I am the author of the DI Isabel Blood crime novels, set in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge, and the cosy crime series featuring amateur sleuth Violet Brewster, which is also set in Derbyshire.

My debut novel In Cold Blood (the first in the DI Isabel Blood series) won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range.

Before turning to novel writing, I had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online.

I live in Derby, UK and have an MA in Creative Writing.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Murder in Merrywell by Jane Bethany I listened to the audio version which took me to Sheffield Derbyshire the narration by Hannah Parker was top notch I could feel this cozy mystery getting better & more intriguing by the minute as the chapters went on. This is the first in the Violet Brewster series which I am going to continue I love the writing of Jane Bethany & have found a new author yay!!🙌 yay 🙌


Violet Brewster is an ex journalist who has just settled in Merrywell she decides to do a short film for the town she calls the memory Box she gets to know the townsfolk very well until a 40 year mystery rears its ugly head Violet is now an amateur sleuth she is separated from her policeman husband.


Violet is looking in to the disappearance of Helen Slingsby who vanished 40 years earlier what caused her to vanish & why?
Violet finds out that Helen had an affair she decides to interview the residents but they seem to know nothing or do they?

This was my first read of Jane Bethany & won’t be my last I got lost in the setting of Merriwell there are many secrets & reveals that I never picked but that is not unusual for me a wonderful book which I loved 🥰.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Merrywell is an entertaining cosy mystery, and the first in a new series by Jane Bettany, author of the wonderful D.I. Isabel Blood series.

While the cover image rather confusingly depicts the village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire, Murder in Merrywell is actually set in an eponymous fictional town in Derbyshire, somewhere in the vicinity of real life Rowsley.

Recently-divorced former journalist Violet Brewster has recently relocated from London to Merrywell, where she's establishing a business making documentary films. She's delighted to be engaged by the local parish council to make a short video depicting the history of Merrywell and the memories of local residents. Violet is - ahem - naturally curious, and it's not long before she's become aware of a mystery that continues to baffle many of the town's residents - the sudden disappearance of local woman Helen Slingsby in 1982. With very little prompting, and some covert investigations on her own time, she begins uncovering many tantalising clues that indicate that Helen may never have left Merrywell to make a new life for herself, as many had assumed. Violet's interest in the matter certainly stirs up some ill-feeling, as she receives more than one anonymous message imploring her to stop asking questions.

When an elderly resident of the village, who had recently given Violet an interview for her film, is found murdered in her cottage, it seems that long-held secrets might have become threatened in the present. Violet is conscious that it may be dangerous to pursue her quest to determine Helen's whereabouts, but can't resist sharing confidences with new friends, a midnight escapade to search a long-abandoned bomb shelter and confronting several villagers with her suspicions. Can Violet solve the 40-year-old mystery and finish her film, before she becomes the next victim?

Jane Bettany establishes an evocative Derbyshire setting, which had me reaching for Google Earth on several occasions (always a positive sign of my engagement with a book!), which is why the Cotswolds image on the cover of the book seemed jarring. There's an interesting and varied cast of characters, including Violet's new friends at the picturesque Merrywell shopping hub, the several local residents she interviews for her film, and the members of the parish council, who range from helpful to pompous to downright interfering. The narrative achieves a convincing cosy-mystery style, somewhat of a departure from Bettany's darker Isabel Blood police procedural series. As readers of cosy mysteries expect, the underlying mystery plot is balanced with light humour, village life and the prospect of future romance between Violet and widowed joiner Matthew Collis.

I'd highly recommend Murder in Merrywell to lovers of cosy mysteries, in the vein of Katie Gayle's Julia Bird Mysteries series, M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series and Caroline Graham's Inspector Barnaby series (later expanded into the voluminous television series Midsomer Murders).

My thanks to the author, Jane Bettany, publisher HQ, HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

[Sue Wallace]

Murder in Merrywell by Jane Bettany.
Violet Brewster mystery book 1.
Ex-journalist Violet Brewster is keen to make a good first impression in her new community, having just moved to the small village of Merrywell. When Violet hears about the mystery of Helen Slingsby, who disappeared from the village forty years earlier, she decides to help uncover what happened. But despite Violet’s best efforts, she can find no trace of the missing woman.
As Violet talks to the other residents, it becomes apparent that something sinister is lurking beneath the village’s idyllic exterior.
When a villager is found dead in their home, Violet becomes convinced that the murder is connected to Helen. Did Helen ever really leave Merrywell? Who in the village is hiding something? And can Violet finally solve this forty-year-old mystery before someone else gets hurt?
Did enjoy this book. I loved Violet and how she was. Gripping. 5*.

[Dawn Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this new cosy crime book by Jane Bettany. Great characters, particularly the main character Violet Brewster who moves from London to live in a Derbyshire village location. Violet quickly gets involved in trying to solve a long standing mystery. I love the way this is written, held my interest from start to finish. Was almost sad when I got to the end but look forward to the next book in the series.

[Chantel DaCosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new cozy mystery series. I like Violet and hope to read more in the series.
Fantastic whodunnit. And the reader gets enough details to solve the case along with Violet.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me an early reader digital copy.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first entry in the Violet Brewster Mystery series. I liked the main character (although she did some pretty stupid things) as well as many of the secondary characters. I was puzzled by both the cold case mystery as well as the modern-day murder, and enjoyed the solution. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series.

[Shelby Wroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Book of Jane Bettany, throughly enjoyed this cozy crime mystery.
It was easy to whip through the pages.
Only thing I found myself doing was shouting in my head “Violet, STOP telling everyone what’s going on, what your doing, what you’ve learned” 🤐🤣
Already got Book 2 ready to go!

[Hilary G · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say I was rather underwhelmed by this book. Part of the problem was that I did not like Violet Brewster very much, she was pushy and insensitive, she gave no sign that she actually cared about Helen, it was just a puzzle to solve. She would have made a good journalist, I think, shoving a microphone in the face of people regardless of the trauma they are going through! I'm not an absolute stickler for plausibiity in what is, after all, fiction, but there has to be some sense of possibility. I think it is inconceivable that people Violet was meeting for the first time would divulge so much information to a virtual stranger, expecially given her insensitivity and lack of discretion. It was also noticeable that the dramatis personae appeared to comprise the entirety of the people that Violet had actually met, barely a dozen, I should think. I believe somewhere it said that Merryweather had a population of about 500, but it felt more like 15. I don't think I will be looking out for any more Violet Brewster mysteries.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read Cosy Crime. I chose this book because I love the author's DI Isobel Blood Series. And I'm so glad I did! I really enjoyed getting to know Violet and the rest of the occupants of Merrywell. I look forward to reading more from this ballsy amateur sleuth.

[Mary Byrnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this thoroughly. The characters were fun. The mystery was interesting, lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to the release of book two. And I hope there will be more coming..

[Ruth Chatlien · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable cozy

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet Brewster has moved to the quiet village of Merrywell in the Peak District. She is making a video of the history of the local area and has already got herself embroiled in a missing person case and then a resident is murdered! Are the two events related? Violet is on a mission to find out!

This is an enjoyable, cosy mystery. It’s a good start to the series. Entertaining and lively with some interesting characters. A little predictable at times and on occasions I thought the plot was a little forced. But it rolls along nicely at a steady pace and kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy the Agatha Raisin books, you’re sure to like this series. 3.5⭐️

[K.E. O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, gently flowing English mystery, set in a quaint Derbyshire setting. The main character was likeable and curious, and I enjoyed the method she quizzed suspects. Great pace, solid characters, although I did want to yell at the MC when she walked into obvious danger at the end. I was happy the cat wasn't forgotten :)

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-journalist & divorcée Violet Brewster is keen to make a good first impression in her new community, having just moved to the small village of Merrywell in the Peak District. When Violet hears about the mystery of Helen Slingsby, who disappeared from the village forty years earlier, she decides to help uncover what happened. As Violet talks to the other residents, it becomes apparent that something sinister is lurking beneath the village’s idyllic exterior. When a villager is found dead in their home, Violet becomes convinced that the murder is connected to Helen.
A new author to me & a new series, a well written book with strong characters & I look forward to seeing how they develop in future books. The pace is slow to begin with but with a new series there's the scene setting & introduction of characters, I enjoyed getting to know Violet & the villagers. There were twists & turns & I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery. A good start to the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the description of this book, that it was a cosy mystery set is a small English village, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. I adore cosies with that setting, because you know you're going to have amazing settings and interesting characters. It also means the interactions between the characters are deeper, due to the closeness of the community. And, I would love to live in a village like that.

This book does provide the settings and the community closeness, as Merrywell is a village where everybody seems to know everybody. While these elements were well done, I thought a lot of the dialogue felt rigid. It didn't have the comfortable feel of a cosy mystery - it didn't feel natural. But, many of the characters are engaging, including the protagonist, which you do need in a cosy. Plus, she's an undeniable snoop. Another big element all cosies must have. So, it's a mix of me for the cosy elements of this book.

For the mystery, I thought it was solid. The twists seemed a bit foretold in a way. But I did like the way the mystery evolved from a humble question into something of a larger scale. That does start to draw you into the mystery more and more, as more characters are introduced or suspected. The author does well to draw many suspects out of a small community.

I think this first book in what, I suspect, will become a series, will draw many readers in as they get to learn more and more about Merrywell and the people who live there. I would read the next in the series.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Merrywell is an enjoyable first in series by Jane Bettany, somewhat reminiscent of Katie Gayle's Julia Bird series, but Violet Brewster, divorced woman of a mature age, has an interesting new business venture. Through her business, "The Memory Box," Violet intends "to capture on video whatever people feel compelled to talk about or want to share with others." That includes working with "communities to create living memories and village histories," and helping "individuals tell their personal and family histories." Her first venture is a PR film for her new home in Merrywell, a history of the village that includes compelling stories from a generation soon to be lost to us, those from the second World War, as well as subsequent decades up to and including children in the Merrywell school. While interesting, in and of itself, it also provides a great opportunity to snoop, and Violet is one of those who seems to be unable to keep her curiosity in check, once it is whetted. As one person put it, she is like "a dog with a bone." In her defense, her digging began at the request of and to assist one of her neighbors, but once begun, there was no stopping her. As the ex-wife of a detective with the Met, Violet respects the police but also recognizes their limited resources and reluctance to delve into things based on her "gut feeling." It will be interesting to see how her relationship with the local force fares in later books, but rest assured that the amateur sleuth/police detective love interest trope is not in play here. The detective, who seems to be quite good at his job, is also married and no heartthrob. That is not to say that there aren't other options available to Violet, but that is for another story and another time. All in all, I enjoyed this read and meeting the variety of characters in Merrywell. Violet is quite likeable, if a bit headstrong. I look forward to her next outing.

#murderinmerrywell #janebettany #netgalley #harpercollinspublishers #cozymysteries #britishcozymysteries #amateursleuth #strongfemalelead #englishvillage #bookrecommendations

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy of this cozy mystery.

Violet Brewster has recently moved to Merrywell and bought a house called Greengage. She has started a business where people are filmed talking about their history and remembrances. It's called The Memory Box. She hasn't secured a client yet, but has an interview with the village parish council to make a film about the history of the village, and is delighted to be awarded the contract. The first man she interviews, Nigel Slingsby, tells her about his childhood and life in the village. When the interview is over, he asks her for advice about finding his wife Helen who disappeared 40 years ago. Violet is intrigued but feels she should stay focused on the job she's been hired for. But her inquiring mind gets her on the internet searching for Helen. When she finds nothing, she begins to speculate.

Merrywell is a small village, only a few hundred residents, so no-one can do anything without everyone knowing. How could Helen have disappeared without a trace? Violet continues her interviews, and also asks people about Helen. One senior citizen, Martha Andrews, leaves her a voicemail one afternoon to say she had come information, could Violet come by? But when Violet calls her, there's no answer, and later it going around the village that Martha has been found murdered in her house.

I liked the character of Violet - she's relentless in her snooping. I would like to read some more books by this author, and am happy to see she has written another series.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her divorce ex-journalist Violet Brewster decided she would up sticks, move north, start her much planned new business, and fully embrace Merrywell's village life. Investigating a decades-old missing person mystery wasn't on her to do list even if she used to be married to a detective in the Met!

Violet is supposed to be making a film extolling the positives of Merrywell but her inquisitive nature means she can't leave well enough alone when one of her new neighbours asks for help finding out what happened to his wife in the eighties. It seems a harmless distraction until a sudden death makes her wonder if her questioning has unnerved someone. With the police reluctant to take her seriously will Violet concentrate solely on her film or is it already too late for that?

This is the first in a cosy series by popular crime writer Jane Bettany and was a really good start. Violet is an interesting main protagonist and, by the end of the book, has a few allies to help in her forthcoming investigations. The village and local council members add an interesting background, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series very soon.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating - 3.5 stars.

It took a while for me to get into this one. But eventually I did, and liked it enough to continue. I actually bought book 2 a few months ago by accident, so at least I've got context for all the characters now.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous cosy crime mystery set in the quiet country village of Merrywell.
Ex journalist and amateur sleuth Violet Brewster has moved from London and settled in Merrywell.
She has started a new business venture “The Memory Box” and is commissioned by the village parish council to produce a community video for the village.
It’s while she is interviewing locals of their recollections of Merrywell she discovers about Helen, a missing person who disappeared from the village 40 years ago.
Violet’s investigative skills come into play as she tries to find out what happened to Helen.
Well written with lots of strong characters.
I enjoyed getting to know Violet Brewster and it seems she just can’t help but get involved when there is a mystery to be solved.
Reminiscent of Midsummer Murders or Miss Marple
Look forward to next title in the series - Murder at the Book Festival
Thank you to @JaneBettany @Hqstories & @netgalley for the advance eARC

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars—I doubt I will read any more books in this series. I definitely did not care for the main character. Some of her actions and decisions are just stupid, and she doesn’t take advice very well. It also seems unlikely that she, a newcomer to the village, would be the person one would turn to to solve a decades old missing person mystery.

[Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️— as always, if it is claimed as a cozy mystery, it will always have a way to my heart. Whether it was because of the storyline, the stupidity on the stupidity of when it comes to the solving the mystery, the culture, or the sarcasm. For the first book I read from this author, it wasn’t that much disappointing but it could be written much more. It took place in Scotland, especially in Merrywell which why do the cozy mysteries always take place anywhere in England LMAO.

It happened when Violet decided to open her business in Merrywell focusing on making memories in a box or sort of. While she was making documentaries in video form, she unexpectedly come to terms with where the mystery about Helen in Merrywell unfolded. Due to her curiosity, she tried to pick up the pieces together and she even tried to ask for help from her ex-husband but get turned down because it was 35-40 years in the past. As time goes by and one unexpected event of murder happens in Merrywell when she tried to dig into the past, leading to the surprising story that steers the connection between the recent murder and the disappearance of Helen.

Issues from my POVs:
①The Knowledge of Merrywell; (1)famous for its bakery, (2)nice and quiet place, (3)small town → gossip spread around easily [walls have ears] → when it comes to village gossip, it can be hard to decipher fact from fiction.
②Brazilian coffee has the strongest blend (?)
③Plant symbolism → Soleirolia soleirolli plant known as a plant that everybody could send to the enemy without hesitation
④Animal Symbolism → someone who has a memory like an elephant means that they are having a great memory of remembering
⑤Doctor - patient confidentiality, it was no secret anymore as much as like your secret safe with me in a human normally a possible way
⑥Looks can be deceiving baby
⑦Adoring the process but sometimes doesn’t admire the result, it happened to a few people like some people love to read but do not like to write v.v. → in this case is someone who loves baking but doesn’t like to eat the one she was making
⑧Parents instinct → whatever happened to the children, they would most like to blame themselves first and question what was wrong in their education or anything they did. For example, Matthew and his parent
⑨Few of Scotland Idiom or British? keep things under your hat → keep secrets under your own radar
⑩Money is the source of the problem, when was it doesn’t??

The Characters, I had few suspects when it comes to the murderer and who did what happened to Helen. However, if I was reading this in one sitting, I would probably guess it right. However, because I wasn’t when the suspect turned out to be that person. I was like “Um.. OK, who is he/she? and why I was confused”. The characters in this book have their own loving way to my heart, also I love Violet’s eagerness to solve the mystery. It makes me want to read more about her story in the next book as this book will be known as the first book of the series. Also, the author has a great job making the reader, me, especially guess suspicious acts on every character in the book!

The Storyline, it was wonderful in a well-good manner of writing. She possibly has her own style of writing because I was captivated and sometimes forgot that this is supposed to be a cozy mystery book LMAO. She also adds some culture of the village, Scotland, and the baking! It was mesmerizing in its own way to my heart. Oh, I do love the flowchart Violet make for solving the mystery 5W + 1H, way to go mam!

Overall, I did enjoy this book even though the ending and a few suspicious people were too much to understand. It almost feels like a merry-go-round and round but in a sense good enough. It was confusing but putting two and two together in the story would be good enough for guessing about it. Also, it might not be relatable but some villages always have their own dark past and this dark past just unfolds 40 years-ish later? Damn… I’m in for the mystery. The business Violet opened in Merrywell is inspiring and unknown type, it would be awesome to have that, don’t you think?

Some odds things I gather:
➊The one who discovered the body → umm, how and it just doesn’t make sense in a logical way of discover a body
➋This doctor-patient confidentiality that passing the secret between doctor and patient that Helen discovered, umm it just wrong in a bad manner way. Because I know it might happen all the time but come on, what’s the point to bring that up and just spreading it out suddenly in the same time that happened to be at a fast pace??
➌Unfinished act between some characters in the book is odd enough because the book just ended like that and it feels like in a rush of finishing.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me e-arc of this book and giving me the privilege to read it before the publication date. Also, I would like to apologize to give the full review one month after the publication.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Murder in Merrywell by Jane Bettany is an enticing start to a new cozy mystery series. The story revolves around Violet Brewster, an amateur sleuth who has recently moved to the peaceful village of Merrywell. However, her hopes of embracing the quiet village life are shattered when she becomes entangled in a decades-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of Helen Slingsby.

As Violet delves into the mystery, she finds herself unable to uncover any trace of the missing woman. Yet, as she interacts with the villagers, she senses an underlying sinister presence beneath the village’s seemingly idyllic facade. When a villager is found dead in their own home, Violet becomes convinced that the murder is connected to Helen’s disappearance. She becomes determined to solve this forty-year-old mystery before more harm befalls Merrywell.

Bettany’s writing style makes for an easy and fast-paced read, keeping readers engaged with plenty of twists and turns throughout the narrative. The setting of the English village adds a charming and authentic atmosphere to the story, drawing readers into the world of Merrywell. The author skillfully introduces likable characters, though I struggled a little with Violet’s portrayal. At times, her character feels a bit overwhelming, but it will be interesting to see how she develops throughout the series.

Overall, Murder in Merrywell is an entertaining and gripping English cozy mystery. The book boasts a lovely cover and promises a delightful reading experience. With its engaging plot and compelling characters, it leaves readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Beth Peninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving London behind after the end of her marriage, Violet Brewster, has moved to the much smaller village of Merrywell and is determined to make a new life for herself. One in which she is content and happy. Part of her attempt includes beginning a new business for herself called The Memory Box in which she specializes in recording people's memories for them or special events that will be memories years later. Managing to convince Merrywell's council to hire her to make a video celebrating a village milestone, Violet is pleased to have the work and get to know some of her neighbors in the process. However, as she begins her interviews, an old village mystery comes to light and Violet unwittingly becomes a sleuth, searching for answers among those she interviews. But someone doesn't want the mystery solved and it seems Violet is threatening that desire. Will Violet have to try and solve this mystery on her own or will her new neighbors lend a hand?

This was a fun, cozy mystery to pick up and I did so because I got book 2 in the series as an ARC and wanted to read book 1, if possible, first. What I think Bettany captured well in this first book is small village life, the variety of people and personalities and what happens when a new person moves into such an established community. The mystery, or rather the solving of it, was rather cozy when all was said and done but that isn't a complaint as I'm a sucker for mysteries, cozy or otherwise.

[Seren rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay.
I liked the simplicity of the book and how it’s written.
I think the mystery aspect was good and even though there weren’t many characters, it still kept me guessing. Although, that was part of the problem. In the book, Merrywell has a reasonable population, but only about 10 characters are ever mentioned. It just doesn’t seem plausible how everyone violet (the protagonist) interacts with is someone shes met before. I didn’t really like any of the characters. To say they had no personality is an understatement. Not even violet had much character apart from being nosy and borderline rude. I get that shes supposed to be quirky and different, but she just came across as naive and, although unknowingly, very insensitive. All the other characters are literal npcs. Nothing about their personality was ever mentioned apart from what food they liked to eat. I can understand that it’s the first book in the series, but at least make their dialogue interesting. Every time the characters interested it seemed so forced and weird. The way they speak is just so unnatural, it’s like if you had a conversation with a robot. Theres also way too much context given. It’s like 10% plot and 90% unnecessary details and nonsensical monologue.
All that being said, it’s a decent book and a nice read if you’re bored.

[Ruth Goldstraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watch plenty of 'cosy crime' on TV but realised that I don't read novels in that genre. 'Murder in Merrywell' was a great place to start. Violet Brewster has moved to the the seemingly idyllic village of Merrywell for a new start after her divorce, and various other factors. She's a compelling heroine. Curious - which of course leads her to investigate a hitherto unsolved mystery, but her curiosity is tempered with her kindness and her desire to do the right thing. She's also brave to the point of foolhardy, and a more believable and likeable person for that.
Merrywell is populated by a cast of fascinating characters, some you'd like to meet, others less so! This all meant the village had a ring of authenticity about it, these are real people not caricatures. The story is of course fascinating, some parts made my hairs stand on end (I'm old enough to remember playing in discarded, eerie air-raid shelters as a child and one scene in brought the memory of that back to me).
I'd definitely recommend this book and will read other Violet Brewster books. I shall also try Jane Bettany's Isabel Blood series of novels.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Brewster moved to the village of Merrywell after her recent divorce thinking it would be the perfect location to start life on her own. She even signed her first contract in her new business to film a movie about the village and its residents to promote the community as a great place to live and to work. In one of her first interviews, Nigel Slingsby mentioned that his wife disappeared in the 1980's and had never been heard from since then. This arouses Violet's curiosity so she begins asking questions about Martha Slingsby which have nothing to do with interviews for the film in spite of receiving anonymous warnings to let the matter drop. She carries her investigation one step too far when a female neighbor is found murdered in her home.
This was a good first book in a series. I liked the village and residents. I did think Violet was too persistent for her own good, but it all worked out in the end.

[Sharon Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much information to be enjoyable

I'm giving this book 3 stars for the intrigue, the mystery, the characters and the BBC.... I know this is the first book of the series and we're just getting to know the characters but I seriously wouldn't want to hang around the village if they all talk like that.
Maybe it's just me but this book, which started off ok, just was not my cup of tea.
Violet seems to be an interesting woman but her personality hasn't been developed properly on the page. There was too much 'play by play' in both text and dialogue..and too much irrelevant information all round. We need some things to be left to the imagination!
If you like reading stories that read like a reference book then you will love this.
I'm sorry but it was not for me. It was only because of the (admittedly predictable) mystery that I mostly skim read to the end.
Btw, a cosy crime mystery is nothing more than an oxymoron!

[Clare Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for mysteries revolving around past secrets, so I was delighted to be asked to read an advance copy of Murder in Merrywell. The story quickly involved me in the heroine Violet Brewster’s new life in a picturesque Peak District village. I really liked the way her job as a freelance community film maker plunged her into a mystery, then allowed her to gather clues. There’s a lovely mix of Violet’s mystery-solving adventures, evolving relationships with her new neighbours and hints of a future romance. I enjoyed the cast of suspects too – all of them believable and intriguing – and the way Violet interacted with the local police. She’s a strong woman who’s firm enough to call many of the shots! Murder in Merrywell is an entertaining and engaging cosy mystery set against a beautiful backdrop.