A Fatal Find

A Darla Digby Cozy Mystery #1

by Fiona Grace

“A great story of murder, romance, new beginnings, love, friendships and a wonderful cascade of mystery.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A FATAL A DARLA DIGBY COZY MYSTERY (BOOK #1) is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Fiona Grace, #1 bestselling author of Murder in the Manor, which has over 10,000 five star reviews!

When antiques expert Darla Digby decides it’s time for a change, she quits her appraiser job and seeks out rare antiques for wealthy clients. But when Darla finds herself having to solve a murder mystery, she gets more than she bargained for….

Darla’s hunt for an elusive Tiffany lamp illuminates a deadly path when an auctioneer is found murdered and her love life becomes part of the evidence. Ensnared by the sharp accusations of her professional nemesis, Darla must navigate through lies and auctions to unmask a killer before her own reputation is permanently tarnished.

Plunge into the enchanting world of the Darla Digby series, a place where adventure intertwines with witty humor and charming quirks. Here, you'll find a seamless blend of humor, heartfelt emotions, and unexpected twists. Be prepared to meet an endearing protagonist who is sure to win your heart and keep you engrossed until the early morning hours.

Future books in the series are also available!

"Very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to the permanent library of any reader that appreciates a very well written mystery, with some twists and an intelligent plot. You will not be disappointed. Excellent way to spend a cold weekend!"
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Murder in the Manor)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The story line wasn't just a who done it, but had a story about her life and romance, including village life. Very entertaining.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“It has endearing and sometimes quirky characters, a plot that keeps you reading and the right amount of romance. I can’t wait to start book two!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“What a great story of murder, romance, new beginnings, love, friendships and a wonderful cascade of mystery.”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Murder in the Manor)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This is a clean contemporary romance that you will find hard to put down!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Always, Forever)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A bit of romance and a very determined woman! I have read many of Fiona Grace's novels and loved every one of them—this was no exception. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this new series!”
--Amazon reviewer (regarding Always, With You)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Audiobook, Cozy

Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Debut author Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series which includes MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2) and CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3). Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.

Reviews

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darla Digby is done with her mundane job and her womanising boss, who prioritises attractiveness over hard work. Given the opportunity to track down a rare Tiffany lamp for an overwhelmingly good compensation, Darla leaves Manhattan and travels far upstate to search for the missing item. But when she finds an unscrupulous auctioneer murdered, Darla becomes a suspect in the man's death. With limited time, Darla must uncover the truth before she finds herself falsely imprisoned.

3.5 Stars

The careful plotting of the first 3/4 of the book was, sadly, undone in the race to wrap up the story. Alas, while the conclusion was plausible, its unveiling felt unrealistic.

Darla is an intriguing main character. I really enjoyed the developing relationship between Darla and Jack, and was glad that this wasn't overblown. I will read another book in this series as the two characters are charming.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found Darla to be a completely clueless doormat and a twit. She lets everyone take advantage of her and puts up with ridiculous amounts of nonsense when she should tell people to shove it. By page 65 I was done with her. I'm moving onto something else that will hopefully be better for me. This was a big miss.

[Ainee Beland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did I like about this read?
I liked that in the end, Darla came to be the better person of herself; her best self-won out in the end and she did get paid that stipend that was promised to her for finding the rare Tiffany lamp and it was suggested that she become one of those knowledgeable talent scouts (an appraiser/finder of antiques) since she is very good at finding the right item; and this lawyer even offered to be her first client since he’s been on the hunt for a Chippendale chair for his office.

Darla had talent for this as she’d proved it to herself, and she even had a client lined up if she would only take the bait and dive into this new life and not have to work for Mr. G…breaking out of her comfort zone completely. It was now or never, and she was going for this new life…and she could not wait to discuss this with her bestie, Ash Channing, who was a food blogger and entrepreneur.

The book was an enjoyable read. The author, Fiona Grace, withheld nothing and getting readers to enjoy her first in a series; but for this reviewer sometime the other in the series become stale and static in that they become too predictable in following the same formula: a mystery, boy meets girl, or girl has broken up with boy and meets a new interesting foe, solving mysteries and getting the villains and perhaps boy and girl gets married and so they go on adventures together…blah, blah, blah. Well, this series has potential for more of the same, as in others of Fiona’s book series, which are all a delight.

Some shared moments within the telling/narrating of the story: Observing manners/delusions, etc.:
“You know that feeling where you don’t buy something, and you regret it forever after.”—having passed up on some antique piece at a sale or anytime when shopping, and it haunts and haunts you since you really wanted it.
“Betrayal felt like a lance in Darla’s chest.” –No finder’s fee and probably no payment, how naïve of her to not realize that Margaret might renege on her offer/stipend for finding the Tiffany lamp.
“Get mad at her and overturn her life for change to happen.”—the angry voice in Darla’s head was telling her that she deserved more and that she should fight for what she wanted because she was in her early thirties, and that low-key feeling of discontent was never going to go away. Our heroine did change a great deal by the book’s end.

This reviewer’s observation is in the manner of Sense and Sensibilities or Persuasion…the likes of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, even.

I especially liked it when Darla confronted the killer, who proclaimed that Darla was the “Nightmare woman.”… This was the perfect crime until you spoiled it.

I must say that I was suspicious of the caller who offered Darla this wonderful opportunity; I thought perhaps her boss’s new assistant appraiser was trying to lure Darla away. When she met up with her ex-boyfriend, I wondered if he had set her up, but that was not the case. I am glad it wasn't a gag on Darla. Darla had to overcome many obstacles: it was hoped that she would sort out her problems between the detective, Mr. G., and her sister, as there seemed to be a triumvirate of trouble heading her way. –She’d overcome them all and solved this case. Hooray!

I was happy to be given the chance to read another of author Fiona Grace's series. Thank you!

[Cidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It made me smile most of the way through and that's no mean feat!! Darla Digby is fed up of being an appraiser, well not that bit actually, but fed up of her boss's secretary falling over herself to ensnare their boss when she isn't even good at her job. Darla on the other hand is and is feeling fed up of all this by now. Then she gets a call from a wealthy woman who wants to pay Darla an obscene amount of money to track down a willow Tiffany table lamp she saw at an auction and wasn't able to buy it. She will pay her well and all expenses if she can find it. Well Darla is that fed up that she hands in her notice and leaves right away. As you would really! Then she starts getting cold feet as she is wondering is she is being spun a yarn as the woman isn't paying her upfront and she firstly has to borrow her sister's car as she has to get around, and then when she does track down the missing lamp she has to find a hotel which takes in dogs too. (She has a sweet little doggie called Winston who turns out to be very helpful in the detecting stakes!).

She turns up at the auction where the lamp is being auctioned and it's at a very swish hotel and the auctioneer is interested in hearing her say she would pay him well if he doesn't sell it at auction but sells it to her instead. He will be earning much more money that way. Then the auctioneer ends up dead before the auction can take place and the local police officer thinks that Darla did it, and she meets a rather nice guy called Jack who likes dogs and decides to look out for her as he thinks Darla is entering darker unsafe waters.

I like the pacing of the story, the storyline itself and the characters in it, and am so intrigued as to what happens to Darla and Jack that I want to continue with this series!

[Charmain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The summary sounded so intriguing; however, I found it very disappointing. The author really should have done more research on Tiffany lamps because the main character, Darla acted like an amateur instead of a professional appraiser and didn't seem to know what she was talking about while trying to negotiate a price for her client.
I also found the police work very sloppy. Not only did they clear their number one suspect within a matter of hours (completely unrealistic as it would have taken them days to collect evidence and witness statements) they even let that person leave town while the investigation was ongoing.
The author immediately set up the possibility of Darla being a suspect even though she was the key witness in the crime and it made absolutely no sense that the police would suspect her right away.
The person Darla witnessed standing over the body had their lawyer plant the idea that Darla might have worn gloves to cover her tracks and prevent her fingerprints from being on the dagger used to commit the crime. Instead of searching everywhere for these alleged gloves, the police instead questioned Darla again and all but accused her of murder.
Even more infuriating not once does Darla even think about getting a lawyer, which is what anyone would do if they were faced with the possibility of being charged for a crime they didn't commit.
The ending was very rushed, and it was awfully convenient the real murderer just confessed everything rather quickly in front of multiple witnesses.
I will say that in spite of everything there were some things I enjoyed. I absolutely loved Darla's adorable dog, and the story was well written.

[Natelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darla Digby enjoys learning about and finding rare antiques. She doesn’t particularly enjoy being given menial tasks so her boss can fawn over the newest assistant. Needless to say, she jumps at the chance to find a rare piece for a client who offers her a big bonus if she succeeds. Her investigation into the desirable peace leads to another investigation when she finds herself a suspect in a murder case. Will she and her dog come out of this safe and together?

Another book that delivers on the cozy mystery expectations. It seemed to move slowly and not really have much mystery to it, however, so I probably won’t pursue this series.

[Frank Ferrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darla Digby and her adopted Jack Russel pup Winston are the two clueless protagonist in this murder mystery. Together they must find a valuable lamp and accidently run from one little adventure to another. Darla manages to bump into her ex and her next making this a bit of a romance too. Winston with his unpredictable behaviour is by far my favourite character in this story. Without him nothing would happen and Darla would still be working in a boring office instead of rubbing shoulders with the upper rich.

There is a bit for everybody in this story even a cool rock band and a hot car chase.

[Sara Rothery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ropey ending

Firstly, I need to whine about the use of the non word 'gotten' it's overly American and not actually a word. There is nothing wrong with got and is better English.
As for the story, a nice little comfy cute fluffy easy go lucky murder case but the ending was too easy. Literally 'you did this' 'if it wasn't for you meddling women I would have got away with it' oops said it Infront of witnesses who were very fast to confirm so. It gave scooby doo ending. I like the characters and of course scrappy doo ... I mean Winstan. Easy read

[Avid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, fun, fast, who-dun-it stumble on in mystery read. It's a bit more complex than your Scooby Doo detective work, but there is a handy misfit pup who goes along on the capers throughout the book as the young unskilled accused murderer attempts to find a killer instead of landing in jail.

It's light-hearted. I found myself laughing a few times. I have to admit, the feisty pound puppy made the book for me.

👍

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters are different, interesting, and the whole plot was like a snowball rolling down the hill and getting bigger. The premise is finding out who killed the auction house owner and why. The answers were hard won and crazy sometimes. It's like the main character stumbled on clue after clue, but her being an appraiser didn't hurt. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one.

[Kandi A. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Story

I really enjoyed this story! It has a unique perspective, a good pace of events the occur, nicely developed characters, and an exciting roll out of events regarding a murder, and a satisfying ending, and the potential for a little romance. I can't wait to read more in this series, especially reading about Winston, the dog, and if he will keep challenging dogs that are bigger than him!

[Lorna Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the start of this mystery, but half way through was annoyed by the fact that Darla was incapable of having her client pinned down re expenses. I seriously thought of not going any further in this read but am happy I continued on. I am putting this in my review only to encourage anyone like myself to carry on, as it is now clear that the author is letting us see the vulnerabilities in Darla as she grows and developed during her first case.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and Unpredictable

Intriguing and unpredictable, perfect for a new read. Darla is refreshing as a main character and that Darla gets to use her arts history degree and it features so prominently in solving the murder!

And also, delightful that her Jack Russell is such a large part of the story and I’m going on to the next book - fresh take on the cozy mystery genre and an absolutely worthwhile read

[John Arciniega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Formulaic for a cozy mystery

I must admit when I first got introduced to Darla. I was thinking wash your hands of this whole episode, but as I read the story, I became more invested. I’m curious to see what happens next I have a feeling that this is a series that will grow on you, darling Digby is a character that has a chance to possibly develop. This is a quick read easily finished within the day.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding antiques

Darla decides to take a side job from her usual appraisal of antiques job and find a Tiffany lamp that a customer wants. She definitely had lots of crazy adventures along the way and even stumbles across a murdered antiques dealer. Lots of twists and an unexpected ending. Enjoyable read.

[Joyce A Higginbotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Chase

I enjoyed the many directions this story took. I was stumped until the end. Jack was a fun addition and hopefully he will be back in another Darla Digby tale. Winston was a great sidekick and once he learns a few manners, he will be a good detective along with Darla.

[Leigh Prouty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antique, murder,and furry friends.

A different twist on a murder and furry friend. The antique collectors and a very good appraiser make for very interesting story. Fast moving, characters described well no loose ends.

[Gary Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively quick and interesting read. First time reading this author and there was plenty of twists and turns and even a surprise ending at least to me. The bad person wasn't who I was thinking it might be. Definitely like to read more of this series.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story, just wasn’t crazy about the narrating

[Jessica Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook. Female narrator has a good voice but doesn’t differentiate make and female voices. It was irritating.

[Andrea Latham]

Narrator: Vivienne (synthesized voice)
Releases Date: August 1, 2025
Publisher: Fiona Grace

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

drama

Cute story with an unforeseen ending . Just the right length. Also liked the doggy part in the story with the monies for animals

[Donna Kaczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

This book is a very interesting book. With all the twists and turns it will keep you guessing until the very end.

[Patricia M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery with great characters and story line. It has quick action and quick-thinking characters making common sense decisions and a cute dog side kick.

[Debra Third · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

I love this I can't wait to read #2This was a great book I'm not leaving any spoilers or anything.

[Mrs. S. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

This was a light hearted 'Who Done It', delving into the world of antiques, and murder. A very easy engaging read.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

I thought there was a lot of surplus very descriptive writing that I skipped over, so I could continue with the crime aspect, that’s why it got three stars from me.

[Georgia Guerra- Munson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much nonsense

I couldn't get into it. Too much nonsense about the dog. Too many mishaps.
I had to go to the last chapter to find out what happened.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Cozy Series

The main character Darla is interesting as well as the antiquity aspect. I am going to check out book two in the series.

[Liza]

Darla is looking for a Tiffany vase on behalf of a client. She needs to track it through a variety of owners to its current location.

3Oops. Murder happens. Who done it?