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The Somerset Whodunit Mysteries #1
Murder on a Country Lane
A lovely little spot for murder!
Not much happens in Biddle Rhyne, a quiet, picturesque village in the southwest of England. Especially if you don't count the meat raffle on a Thursday night and the odd sheep escaping a field.
However, that's all set to change when Julia Ford, a normal(ish) twenty-something who works in the local pub, stumbles upon a murder victim.
Upsetting, but not the end of the world. Particularly as the victim is Audrey White, the cantankerous owner of a nearby garden center.
But when the police discover Julia had argued with the woman in the past, and her fingerprints are found on a death threat, she is accused of the crime, and her life is turned upside down.
Released on police bail and encumbered with an unfetching ankle tag, Julia will have to clear her own name.
Yet the murderer is intent that she takes the fall. Will Julia land on her feet?
Not much happens in Biddle Rhyne, a quiet, picturesque village in the southwest of England. Especially if you don't count the meat raffle on a Thursday night and the odd sheep escaping a field.
However, that's all set to change when Julia Ford, a normal(ish) twenty-something who works in the local pub, stumbles upon a murder victim.
Upsetting, but not the end of the world. Particularly as the victim is Audrey White, the cantankerous owner of a nearby garden center.
But when the police discover Julia had argued with the woman in the past, and her fingerprints are found on a death threat, she is accused of the crime, and her life is turned upside down.
Released on police bail and encumbered with an unfetching ankle tag, Julia will have to clear her own name.
Yet the murderer is intent that she takes the fall. Will Julia land on her feet?
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Published September 10, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 24, 2023
I was interested in this because I thought it looked and sounded like the type of book I would enjoy.
This was a charming cosy mystery. I found myself escaping into the countryside setting, and I found some of the characters fun and a little bit eccentric. This is ideally the type of book that I would choose as a light read, if I have an hour or two to fill. It was light enough to read in one sitting, and I say it was ideal for when you want to curl up with a hot drink and escape with a book. It's definitely the type of book that would get my attention if I saw it in a bookshop or library, I would probably pick it up. I would also be interested in reading more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a charming cosy mystery. I found myself escaping into the countryside setting, and I found some of the characters fun and a little bit eccentric. This is ideally the type of book that I would choose as a light read, if I have an hour or two to fill. It was light enough to read in one sitting, and I say it was ideal for when you want to curl up with a hot drink and escape with a book. It's definitely the type of book that would get my attention if I saw it in a bookshop or library, I would probably pick it up. I would also be interested in reading more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
December 15, 2023
An entertaining and compelling cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's well done, characters are fleshed out and the solid plot kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 4, 2024
I found this book lovely to read. As someone from a small village myself I felt instantly transported to those small country lanes. The imagery and language used set the tone really well.
It's funny, has twists and is a really great read.
It's funny, has twists and is a really great read.
April 29, 2026
Murder On A Country Lane by Jon Harris is a charming and well-crafted cozy mystery that instantly pulls you into the quiet, picturesque village of Biddle Rhyne—where, as it turns out, even the calmest places can hide the most intriguing secrets. The contrast between the peaceful setting and the sudden shock of murder is handled brilliantly, making the story both engaging and memorable.
Julia Ford is a relatable and compelling protagonist. Watching her navigate the chaos of being wrongly accused while trying to clear her name adds both tension and emotional depth to the story. The pacing is smooth, with just the right balance of humor, suspense, and clever twists to keep readers invested from beginning to end.
What really stands out is the author’s ability to build atmosphere and create a believable cast of characters that bring the mystery to life. It’s a strong start to a series that has real potential to grow a loyal readership.
That said, I couldn’t help but notice that the book’s current performance and visibility seem lower than what it truly deserves. This feels less about the quality of the story and more about it not yet reaching the right audience. A book like this has clear potential to connect with cozy mystery readers on a much wider scale.
I actually found a way to reach out here, as I couldn’t locate a direct email for you—please feel free to contact me at augustsammy55@gmail.com. I’m part of the Goodreads Readers Community (a large USA-based audience of active readers), and we often help books like yours gain better visibility and connect with the right readership. There’s absolutely no pressure at all—just an opportunity if you’re open to it.
Julia Ford is a relatable and compelling protagonist. Watching her navigate the chaos of being wrongly accused while trying to clear her name adds both tension and emotional depth to the story. The pacing is smooth, with just the right balance of humor, suspense, and clever twists to keep readers invested from beginning to end.
What really stands out is the author’s ability to build atmosphere and create a believable cast of characters that bring the mystery to life. It’s a strong start to a series that has real potential to grow a loyal readership.
That said, I couldn’t help but notice that the book’s current performance and visibility seem lower than what it truly deserves. This feels less about the quality of the story and more about it not yet reaching the right audience. A book like this has clear potential to connect with cozy mystery readers on a much wider scale.
I actually found a way to reach out here, as I couldn’t locate a direct email for you—please feel free to contact me at augustsammy55@gmail.com. I’m part of the Goodreads Readers Community (a large USA-based audience of active readers), and we often help books like yours gain better visibility and connect with the right readership. There’s absolutely no pressure at all—just an opportunity if you’re open to it.
November 6, 2023
Being a fan of police procedurals I like the occasional cosy mystery to make for a more gentle read which attracted me to this book. Sadly it wasn't one for me. I found the main character irritating & sadly this didn't work for me. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
October 20, 2023
Upbeat and funny, this cozy mystery is the kind of book that women readers will buy and their boyfriends will sneakily read on the side. The characters made me chuckle throughout and it summed up rural village life in a nutshell. Looking forward to more.
July 8, 2024
Murdering a country lane
Excellent, book flows well,
Some good laughs
Keeps you thinking also
Some twists
Very enjoyable read
I bought the second & third book hopi g they will be as entertaining
Excellent, book flows well,
Some good laughs
Keeps you thinking also
Some twists
Very enjoyable read
I bought the second & third book hopi g they will be as entertaining
October 25, 2024
Disappointing
As much as I heard about this series, book one is a bit disappointing.
The storyline is not bad, but the writing could use some help.
If it wasn't for few funnies along the way, 3 stars would have been too much.
Sorry.
As much as I heard about this series, book one is a bit disappointing.
The storyline is not bad, but the writing could use some help.
If it wasn't for few funnies along the way, 3 stars would have been too much.
Sorry.
September 30, 2023
who killed Audrey White and why??? It would spoil his view??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
October 24, 2023
An intriguing mystery.
An impeccably written whodunit with awesome character descriptions making you feel as though know the villagers. A real page turner.
An impeccably written whodunit with awesome character descriptions making you feel as though know the villagers. A real page turner.
November 28, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC
Funny, cozy whodunit packed with lovable characters. Couldn’t put it down.
Looking forward to the next story
Funny, cozy whodunit packed with lovable characters. Couldn’t put it down.
Looking forward to the next story
February 24, 2024
a very enjoyable read
A nice story with the twist and turns once you get into it it’s very hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
A nice story with the twist and turns once you get into it it’s very hard to put down. I am looking forward to reading the next one.
July 6, 2024
This was a fun read. Looking forward to continuing the series!
July 14, 2024
loved the book
Fun to read and great characters and is always fun to try and figure out who did it. Always someone not thought of
Fun to read and great characters and is always fun to try and figure out who did it. Always someone not thought of
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August 29, 2024Read 8/24
May 5, 2025
It was ok although I found the main character slightly irritating.
May 2, 2026
Found this very hard to get into and nowhere near as good as I hoped
May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews