What do you think?
Rate this book
Brackerley Prison Mysteries #1
A Murder Inside: Brackerley Prison Mysteries, Book 1
The first historical mystery in a new classic crime series from best-selling author Frances Brody. This is the perfect locked-room pause-resister for fans of Agatha Christie and Jacqueline Winspear.
1969. A job in the Prison Service is not for everyone. The training is hard, the cells are bleak and a thick skin is needed. But for Nell Lewis, helping prisoners is something she cares about deeply, and when she's promoted into a new post as governor of HMP Brackerley in Yorkshire, she's tasked with transforming the renowned run-down facility into a modern, open prison for women.
Just as Nell is settling into her new role, events take a dark turn when a man's body is discovered in the prison grounds. The mystery deepens still when one of their female inmates goes missing, ensuing a search across the country.
Can Nell resolve the sinister happenings at HMP Brackerley, before anyone else is put in danger
1969. A job in the Prison Service is not for everyone. The training is hard, the cells are bleak and a thick skin is needed. But for Nell Lewis, helping prisoners is something she cares about deeply, and when she's promoted into a new post as governor of HMP Brackerley in Yorkshire, she's tasked with transforming the renowned run-down facility into a modern, open prison for women.
Just as Nell is settling into her new role, events take a dark turn when a man's body is discovered in the prison grounds. The mystery deepens still when one of their female inmates goes missing, ensuing a search across the country.
Can Nell resolve the sinister happenings at HMP Brackerley, before anyone else is put in danger
Audible Audio
Published October 28, 2021
22 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Frances Brody
40 books672 followersFrances Brody's highly-praised 1920s mysteries feature clever and elegant Kate Shackleton, First World War widow turned sleuth. Missing person? Foul play suspected? Kate's your woman. For good measure, she may bring along ex-policeman, Jim Sykes.
Before turning to crime, Frances wrote for radio, television and theatre, and was nominated for a Time Out Award. She published four sagas, winning the HarperCollins Elizabeth Elgin Award in 2006.
www.frances-brody.com
Before turning to crime, Frances wrote for radio, television and theatre, and was nominated for a Time Out Award. She published four sagas, winning the HarperCollins Elizabeth Elgin Award in 2006.
www.frances-brody.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 17, 2021
Nell Lewis #1
1969. A job in the prison service is not for everyone. The training is hard, the cells are dark and a thick skin is needed. But for Nell Lewis, helping prisoners is something she cares about deeply, and when she's promoted into a new post as governor of HMP Brackerley Edge in Yorkshire, she's tasked with transforming the run-down facility into a modern open prison for women. Just as Nell is settling into her new role, one of the female inmates goes missing.
Nell has been sent to a women's open prison that had previously been a borstal. There's a lot of scene setting and getting to know the characters. There is only a few prisoners or residents as Nell likes them to be called. Of course it's not all going to be plain sailing for Nell, there's a murder to solve. I really enjoyed this murder mystery and I'm looking forward to reading what's in store for Nell next in the second book in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #FrancesBrody for my ARC of #AMurderInside in exchange for an honest review.
1969. A job in the prison service is not for everyone. The training is hard, the cells are dark and a thick skin is needed. But for Nell Lewis, helping prisoners is something she cares about deeply, and when she's promoted into a new post as governor of HMP Brackerley Edge in Yorkshire, she's tasked with transforming the run-down facility into a modern open prison for women. Just as Nell is settling into her new role, one of the female inmates goes missing.
Nell has been sent to a women's open prison that had previously been a borstal. There's a lot of scene setting and getting to know the characters. There is only a few prisoners or residents as Nell likes them to be called. Of course it's not all going to be plain sailing for Nell, there's a murder to solve. I really enjoyed this murder mystery and I'm looking forward to reading what's in store for Nell next in the second book in this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #LittleBrownBookGroupUK and the author #FrancesBrody for my ARC of #AMurderInside in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
This is the first novel in a new series. The main character is Nell Lewis, who has fought against a difficult start in life and made herself a successful career in the prison service. It is 1969 and Nell is about to become the deputy governor at an open prison for women. Brackerley was, formerly, a borstal for young boys and the borstal governor, Major Harding, is near retirement but is still living in the cottage that is meant to be Nell’s.
Nell is determined to make a change to the lives of the prisoners under her care (or ‘residents’ as she insists they be called) who require a more enlightened approach to allow them to move on and have a productive life when they are released. However, even before she arrives at Brackerley, there are hints and rumours of a ‘bad apple,’ and Nell is aware that she needs to make changes.
The prison has a few residents to begin with and we learn of their backstories and explore why they committed the crimes which saw them sent to prison. As this is a mystery, of course, we also have a murder and the first in what will be a series introduces lots of characters. Although set in a prison, this is a fairly gentle mystery and there is much scene setting. I suspect this series will improve, but I found it difficult to engage or empathise with the characters and did not feel that invested in them. Overall, a pleasant mystery but I doubt I will continue with the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Nell is determined to make a change to the lives of the prisoners under her care (or ‘residents’ as she insists they be called) who require a more enlightened approach to allow them to move on and have a productive life when they are released. However, even before she arrives at Brackerley, there are hints and rumours of a ‘bad apple,’ and Nell is aware that she needs to make changes.
The prison has a few residents to begin with and we learn of their backstories and explore why they committed the crimes which saw them sent to prison. As this is a mystery, of course, we also have a murder and the first in what will be a series introduces lots of characters. Although set in a prison, this is a fairly gentle mystery and there is much scene setting. I suspect this series will improve, but I found it difficult to engage or empathise with the characters and did not feel that invested in them. Overall, a pleasant mystery but I doubt I will continue with the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
January 22, 2022
I had quite liked the author's cosy series set in the 1920s featuring lady detective Kate Shackleton. While still a cosy this book is set in a women's open prison in 1969 with the main character being the newly appointed governor. I quite liked the character of governor Nell Lewis but the story is not really up to much.
May 17, 2022
It started with a good premise, but this felt halfhearted and if I hadn't enjoyed previous books by the author, I wouldn't have finished this one. The murderer was obvious, storylines half finished, and the book finally just... stopped.
October 31, 2021
I've enjoyed reading all the Kate Shackleton books, so I obviously wanted to read the first book of this new series featuring Nell Lewis. An enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
February 1, 2024
This was a perfectly average murder mystery with some positive features and some detractors. First of all, always an annoyance of mine for a professionally published book, there’s a passage quite early on where the author mixes up her own police characters, leading to an awfully clunky and confusing exchange of dialogue. How this gets past the author and the editor presumably multiple times I have no idea but it’s poor.
The setting in a prison was what attracted me - it’s something a bit different - but I don’t think the setting was exploited as well as it could be. In the end, the involved characters are linked together by events outside and seemingly excessive feats of coincidence rather than anything from the inside.
A murder mystery often hinges on the power of the denouement too and this one seemed to go with a bit of a whimper, although I did appreciate that we were shown rather than told in a few paragraphs who the culprit was. A bit of brain power was needed which I always appreciate.
Aside from the glaring error I described, the rest of the book was however well-written and refrained from excessive dialogue where not necessary. For the most part the setting was well built and vivid although again could have been better. The side plot involving Linda was for me much more developed and entertaining and might have been a better focal point.
The setting in a prison was what attracted me - it’s something a bit different - but I don’t think the setting was exploited as well as it could be. In the end, the involved characters are linked together by events outside and seemingly excessive feats of coincidence rather than anything from the inside.
A murder mystery often hinges on the power of the denouement too and this one seemed to go with a bit of a whimper, although I did appreciate that we were shown rather than told in a few paragraphs who the culprit was. A bit of brain power was needed which I always appreciate.
Aside from the glaring error I described, the rest of the book was however well-written and refrained from excessive dialogue where not necessary. For the most part the setting was well built and vivid although again could have been better. The side plot involving Linda was for me much more developed and entertaining and might have been a better focal point.
December 14, 2024
Absolutely brilliant, unusual setting and dynamic for a murder mystery.
I feel I have learned a lot about the prison system for women in the 1960’s.
I feel I have learned a lot about the prison system for women in the 1960’s.
August 30, 2021
Set in 1969, this is the first in a new series of historical mysteries. Nell Lewis is the newly promoted deputy governor of a women's open prison that has recently been converted from a borstal. The current governor is due to retire shortly and Nell will then takeover. Initially four prisoners are transferred there, one of whom is serving a life sentence for murder. In her first week at the prison, Nell stumbles across the dead body of the governor in his cottage.
As this is the first book in the series, there is a lot of scene setting to start with. This does not detract from the story which is well paced and easy to read.
This book has the same comfortable tone as the Kate Shackleton series and in many ways, Nell and Kate are very similar characters, both are efficient, organised and ambitious.
There is plenty of mystery and surprise throughout the story and the setting in the open prison is both novel and very interesting.
There are plenty of supporting characters in the book and I'm sure they will be developed further in the subsequent books.
An entertaining read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
As this is the first book in the series, there is a lot of scene setting to start with. This does not detract from the story which is well paced and easy to read.
This book has the same comfortable tone as the Kate Shackleton series and in many ways, Nell and Kate are very similar characters, both are efficient, organised and ambitious.
There is plenty of mystery and surprise throughout the story and the setting in the open prison is both novel and very interesting.
There are plenty of supporting characters in the book and I'm sure they will be developed further in the subsequent books.
An entertaining read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
July 13, 2022
A new mystery series by the incomparable Frances Brody is a cause for celebration. Her Kate Shackleton books have helped to keep me sane and happy through the pandemic and now she has a new series featuring Nell Lewis, a woman who has worked her way up to become the Governor of HMP Brackerley, a women's prison in Yorkshire. Usually a first book in a series takes a while to set the tone and introduce the setting and characters, but this book starts off like Seabiscuit and races on to a very satisfying end. Nell is a kind, competent, tough, smart lead character that you will cheer for, as she tries to unravel the murder of her predecessor , find a missing man and help her charges.
The story is set in 1969, an interesting time period. I wanted to give this a 5, but I wanted to have some room to grow, as I'm sure Brody will go from strength to strength in this series with her historical research and impeccable characterizations. Nell has an intriguing back story, that I'm sure will get fleshed out in upcoming books.
The story is set in 1969, an interesting time period. I wanted to give this a 5, but I wanted to have some room to grow, as I'm sure Brody will go from strength to strength in this series with her historical research and impeccable characterizations. Nell has an intriguing back story, that I'm sure will get fleshed out in upcoming books.
October 27, 2021
1969. Nell Lewis has been promoted into a new post as deputy governor of HMP Brackerley an open prison in Yorkshire, helping prisoners is something she cares about deeply, she's tasked with transforming the renowned run-down facility into a modern, open prison for women. Just as Nell is settling into her new role, events take a dark turn when a man's body is discovered in the prison grounds. The mystery deepens still when one of their female inmates goes missing, ensuing a search across the country.
This is the first in a new series & another well written book. As with all new series there’s quite a bit of scene setting & background but this isn’t overly done, There aren’t many inmates or residents, as Nell calls them, in this former Borstal so we get to know them too. I enjoyed the mystery & the book held my interest all the way through & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first in a new series & another well written book. As with all new series there’s quite a bit of scene setting & background but this isn’t overly done, There aren’t many inmates or residents, as Nell calls them, in this former Borstal so we get to know them too. I enjoyed the mystery & the book held my interest all the way through & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 23, 2024
1969 and Nell Lewis, a former policewoman who then joined the prison service, is appointed as Deputy Governor of a former borstal, now to become a new women's open prison. She has exciting plans and hopes the old governor won't dally too long before leaving at the end of his contract. Her first four 'residents' arrive and the prison begins to function.
However, there has been a history of misdeeds by prison warders involving obtaining illicit goods, and although the culprit was found, Nell is unsure that all the 'bad apples' have been found. Then a murder takes place and she is in the centre of the investigation, determined to support her residents and ensure life goes on smoothly.
Its a great read, fascinating for its historical setting and the prevalent attitudes of the time. Nell is a sympathetic character, a woman trying to do the right thing, and the setting of an open prison is both unusual and interesting.
Overall a great read.
However, there has been a history of misdeeds by prison warders involving obtaining illicit goods, and although the culprit was found, Nell is unsure that all the 'bad apples' have been found. Then a murder takes place and she is in the centre of the investigation, determined to support her residents and ensure life goes on smoothly.
Its a great read, fascinating for its historical setting and the prevalent attitudes of the time. Nell is a sympathetic character, a woman trying to do the right thing, and the setting of an open prison is both unusual and interesting.
Overall a great read.
January 14, 2025
I've now read two books by Frances Brody. This was the second but if I had read this one first, I don't think I would be tempted to read any more. Fortunately the first one was from her Kate Shackleton series and that was a much more engaging story. A Murder Inside, the first to set the scene for a new series, took a long while to get going and I found the use of character names sometimes and nicknames or job titles at others rather confusing. As the culprit disappeared from the main location of the story early in the narrative it seemed obvious as the story evolved who it would turn out to be, although there were many distractions along the way. I will probably read more of the Kate Shackleton books but will avoid further episodes in this series.
Only a small point but I didn't know the Atlantic was on the right when driving from Hull to Hornsea - I always thought that was the North Sea!
Only a small point but I didn't know the Atlantic was on the right when driving from Hull to Hornsea - I always thought that was the North Sea!
April 25, 2023
I thought I was going to like this a lot more than I did, partly because of the era it was set in but I found that it really could've been set in any time period from the last century since it contained very few historical points of interest. The whole book was written like the author was putting absolutely no effort in whatsoever, almost as if it was dictated to an assistant whilst she was half asleep. This small passage gives a summary of the dum-di-dum writing style of the whole book: DI Dennis took out his pocket notebook. They walked towards the cottage. Julian took out his polaroid camera.
On a positive note I did like the characters of the four prison 'residents' and I liked that there was enough of a backstory for each of them to have quite a full history (especially Linda) but that alone has not made me feel particularly compelled to read any more books by Brody.
On a positive note I did like the characters of the four prison 'residents' and I liked that there was enough of a backstory for each of them to have quite a full history (especially Linda) but that alone has not made me feel particularly compelled to read any more books by Brody.
September 7, 2023
În 1969, Nell Lewis, un ofițer de închisoare dedicat, își asumă un nou rol provocator ca guvernator al HMP Brackerley Edge din Yorkshire. Misiunea ei este să transforme această închisoare pentru femei degradată într-o unitate modernă, deschisă. Cu toate acestea, pe măsură ce se instalează în noua ei poziție, o deținută dispare, declanșând o căutare la nivelul întregii regiuni. Lucrurile iau o întorsătură întunecată când corpul unui bărbat este descoperit în incinta închisorii, adăugând o întorsătură sinistră misterului. Acum, Nell trebuie să dezvăluie evenimentele de la Brackerley Edge pentru a asigura siguranța tuturor celor implicați. Această carte, scrisă de Frances Brody, cunoscută pentru misterele ei istorice, prezintă o nouă serie criminală clasică, plasată în Yorkshire-ul anilor 1960, cu ofițerul de închisoare Nell Lewis ca personaj central.
April 7, 2023
After a bit of a slow start this picked up. I have read all of the Kate Shackleton stories so it was a little strange to have a new heroine.
This introduces the characters that are going to appear in future novels. That isn't much of a spoiler as it says on the first page: "..is the first mystery in the Brackerley Prison series." So we are introduced to Nell Lewis, the staff of Brackerley Prison and the first "Residents".
As I've come to expect with Frances Brody this is well written and character based. Working out who the guilty party is, won't tax the mind of anyone who reads crime novels, but I suspect this wasn't written for crime novel newbies.
If you like the Kate Shackleton novels I think you'll like this novel and series.
This introduces the characters that are going to appear in future novels. That isn't much of a spoiler as it says on the first page: "..is the first mystery in the Brackerley Prison series." So we are introduced to Nell Lewis, the staff of Brackerley Prison and the first "Residents".
As I've come to expect with Frances Brody this is well written and character based. Working out who the guilty party is, won't tax the mind of anyone who reads crime novels, but I suspect this wasn't written for crime novel newbies.
If you like the Kate Shackleton novels I think you'll like this novel and series.
June 28, 2023
I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did as someone enjoying the series with Kate Shackleton.
In my opinion, this is even better. It has a different feel,not just cosy and quaint like the Shackleton series, but the plot has more substance and depth. I absolutely love Nell Lewis the new prison governor. In this I feel we really get the measure of her character from her work and personal life. I note some reviews felt that her back story was unnecessary in this first book.I have to disagree.For me it gave us a better insight into her. She is the perfect protagonist for this setting and new series. I ended up caring what happened to the inmates and the future of Brackerley which is testament to how great a writer Frances Brody is. I cannot wait for the next installment.
In my opinion, this is even better. It has a different feel,not just cosy and quaint like the Shackleton series, but the plot has more substance and depth. I absolutely love Nell Lewis the new prison governor. In this I feel we really get the measure of her character from her work and personal life. I note some reviews felt that her back story was unnecessary in this first book.I have to disagree.For me it gave us a better insight into her. She is the perfect protagonist for this setting and new series. I ended up caring what happened to the inmates and the future of Brackerley which is testament to how great a writer Frances Brody is. I cannot wait for the next installment.
August 6, 2024
⭐⭐⭐✨
It was refreshing to see a female protagonist in a crime fiction surrounded by predominantly female characters.
While there were a number of characters in this book, I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't take too long for me to familiarize myself with them. Kudos, as well, to the witty nicknames. Sure made remembering easier.
As I was reading through the book, I was afraid that there will be some loose end on the residents' (open prisoners) stories but I'm glad that the backgrounds/motives of all four of them were nicely tied by the end of the novel.
I like how the author illustrated the main character's journey in transforming a borstal into an open prison for women. I am invested now and I do look foward to reading more on this Brackerly Prison Mystery series.
It was refreshing to see a female protagonist in a crime fiction surrounded by predominantly female characters.
While there were a number of characters in this book, I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't take too long for me to familiarize myself with them. Kudos, as well, to the witty nicknames. Sure made remembering easier.
As I was reading through the book, I was afraid that there will be some loose end on the residents' (open prisoners) stories but I'm glad that the backgrounds/motives of all four of them were nicely tied by the end of the novel.
I like how the author illustrated the main character's journey in transforming a borstal into an open prison for women. I am invested now and I do look foward to reading more on this Brackerly Prison Mystery series.
October 13, 2023
This was the first Book I read of Frances Brody's books. I picked this books solely for the picture however it turned out to be a really good book. Was slow at the start but started to get interesting when the females got introduced and you got to learn more about them as the book progressed. I really enjoyed how it was mainly to do with women and how women are represented in different ways. Nell Lewis is shown as a strong and independent female role model. The book starts getting really interesting half way through as we learn new (underestimated) things of the prisoners, Near the end Nell Lewis helps catch the killer as she becomes friends with her prisoner that tell her information which she then puts together. I really enjoyed the end and made me want to find out more. CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!
November 20, 2021
It was a compelling and entertaining read, the good start for a new historical mystery series.
Even if it's set in a prison it's not dark or gritty and we get to know the characters, especially Nell who is the MC.
Frances Brody did a good job in developing the solid mystery and the characters.
The historical background is vivid and well researched as usual.
I think this will be a very interesting series, look forward to the next story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Even if it's set in a prison it's not dark or gritty and we get to know the characters, especially Nell who is the MC.
Frances Brody did a good job in developing the solid mystery and the characters.
The historical background is vivid and well researched as usual.
I think this will be a very interesting series, look forward to the next story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 24, 2022
Delightful murder mystery set in newly set up women's open prison.
Got a bit too cosy and full of coincidencies but was quite a page turner - a lot more fun than the music photocopying I should have been processing!
I will look for this author again. This was set in the 1960's, so was familiar and convincing. Another is set in the 1930's.
Very enjoyable light reading. I wanted something more meaty than 'A secret Rose' by Kirsty Ferry and a gruesome murder 'Good as Dead' by Tom Thorn, read just before. This fitted the bill nicely.
Got a bit too cosy and full of coincidencies but was quite a page turner - a lot more fun than the music photocopying I should have been processing!
I will look for this author again. This was set in the 1960's, so was familiar and convincing. Another is set in the 1930's.
Very enjoyable light reading. I wanted something more meaty than 'A secret Rose' by Kirsty Ferry and a gruesome murder 'Good as Dead' by Tom Thorn, read just before. This fitted the bill nicely.
August 12, 2024
The Kate Shackleton series of mysteries were completely missed by me but I decided to start with the first volume of this new series by Frances Brody. The pace to put it mildly is earnest but oh so plodding which explains why it took me a week to read it. There was no incentive to rush to resume after a break. The author could probably do with checking her geography as there is no way that Hornsea happens to be a reasonable place to stop on the route from Durham to Harrogate! Disappointing I am afraid.
December 31, 2021
My annual Frances Brody Christmas Eve gift from Ma C but a new series with a new slant - still based in Yorkshire but with a Deputy Governor of an open prison. I like this character - set in the 1960s rather than the 20s of Kate Shackleton - but an enjoyable read. I hope she keeps writing the Shackleton books. This is like with Elly Griffiths - I like the Brighton series but love the Ruth Galloway series. Happy to buy into a new line though.
July 3, 2023
Personally for me, this book was very slow. There were aspects of it that were intresting especially anything to do with Linda and her past. It definitely picked up towards the end, however it was still so slow the murder didn't have me guessing because it was a really boring murder (the only way I can think of putting it) . I'm pretty sure that this is going to be a series but I don't see myself reading the others .
September 21, 2024
This is the first book in the Brackerly Prison Mysteries. I was aware of the author, but hadn't previously read any of her Kate Shackleton books. (I will read a couple now, based on this).
I enjoyed the novel, it is not quite a Closed Circle mystery, but very interesting how she brought in and dealt with any 'external' characters. I felt it was also a good insight into that part of the Prison Service at that time.
I enjoyed the novel, it is not quite a Closed Circle mystery, but very interesting how she brought in and dealt with any 'external' characters. I felt it was also a good insight into that part of the Prison Service at that time.
December 6, 2021
So very jumpy. One minute Nell was a trainee prison officer, then she’s back starting as a police officer after having a baby at 16, then it jumps 18 years and she’s going for an interview as a deputy prison governor, all by page 4! Then on two consecutive pages it says twice that Linda did not know that by the end of the day she would be a killer. Boring!
That’s why I gave up so soon.
That’s why I gave up so soon.
April 20, 2022
Another good read by Frances Brody. This is the first novel in the Brackerley prison mysteries. Brackerley was a boys borstal and has just become a women`s open prison. Nell has the job of transforming the place into a women`s prison and making it a success. However just as Nell is trying to settle down into the job there is a murder on the premises and then one of the inmates absconds.
May 11, 2024
A good read
I thought it would be different but it worked out better than I thought. Okay I meant that I thought it would be too stuffy, but I actually enjoyed the book and looking forward to book two. I like the characters and you get drawn into their world very easily.
Highly recommended.
I thought it would be different but it worked out better than I thought. Okay I meant that I thought it would be too stuffy, but I actually enjoyed the book and looking forward to book two. I like the characters and you get drawn into their world very easily.
Highly recommended.
November 12, 2021
A crime story in a prison setting, and situated some 10 miles or so from my home? What's not to like? An enjoyable read, with characters whom we'll undoubtedly meet again as the series progresses, but this doesn't come high on my list of must-reads.
April 25, 2023
Enjoyed this. It had an interesting plot surrounding the murder. Weird element that they introduced the backstory of a character at the very start, and then it wasn’t resolved/mentioned again until the penultimate chapter
December 14, 2023
Loved this. This was my first outing with Nell and having loved all the Kate Shackletons I was hoping that I would find Nell as good. I did. She's a great character and the plot was well thought out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews