Wedding Day Death Bells: An Old Bell Inn Cozy Murder Mystery

by Khloe Kass

Murder is the last thing on the wedding itinerary… but in Merrivale, trouble is always on the guest list.

Emma Sharpe is thrilled to host the wedding of the season at the Old Bell Inn. With her best friends—Lily the florist, Rose the baker, and wedding planner Kate—everything is in place for a perfect celebration. But when controversial developer Richard Sterling is found dead in the inn’s garden, the festivities come to a screeching halt.

Richard’s plans to bulldoze Merrivale’s historic farmlands had already divided the village, igniting old feuds and unearthing long-buried secrets. Now, with Detective Inspector James Harris on the case, suspicion falls on wedding guests and locals alike—including the groom, Andrew Grant. But Emma isn’t convinced it’s that straightforward.

Alongside her fiercely loyal friends—and her spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Cooper, who has a nose for sniffing out more than scones—Emma begins to unravel Richard’s shady business dealings, uncovering a trail of hidden artifacts and a mystery rooted deep in the village’s past. But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Someone is desperate to keep the past buried… no matter who gets hurt.



Can Emma piece together the clues before the killer strikes again? Or will her curiosity—and Cooper’s keen nose—lead them straight into a trap?



Wedding Day Death Bells is a warm and twisty cozy mystery perfect for fans of village intrigue, clever sleuths, and a crime-sniffing Jack Russell Terrier with impeccable instincts.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 26, 2025

Reviews

[Jane Austen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book no 1 in a delightful new series.
Emma has moved into a charming little village.
And opens a B&B, along with her very cute dog.
There is a murder - the victim wanted to change
Everything that makes the village charming!
The suspects are aplenty! Emma’s dog and her
Friends decide to investigate. The Officer on the
Case has soft spot for Emma. I enjoyed this book
Didn’t guess the killer. I would’ve preferred more
Of Emma’s background- why this particular village.
What did she do before- what of her family. However
These are things that can be addressed in future books.
A little English village, and a cute dog had me. I will
Read the next book. Hopefully I find out more of
Emma’s story.
I would like to thank Khloe Kass, the Author.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Emma Sharpe and Cooper cozy mystery series. I enjoyed both book and thus book was especially twisty. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, something else happened that changed the direction of the storyline. I did enjoy how the friendships of Emma, Kate, Rose and Lily developed. And Coooer, he was so precious during the entire book. I love JRT's. Cooper's relationship with Emma is very special. And he keeps the village entertained between his sniffing out clues.

This book takes place sometime after the first. There are mentions if at least three other cases Emma and her friends help to resolve. Reading it I felt like I was missing the book in between. That is my only real criticism.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. My recommendation is voluntary and honest. I recommend both books. I loved the book so much I purchased an ebook when it became available. Can't wait until the next book is released.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming and well written who-done-it. Emma and Cooper were on the case long before murder was in the mix in Merrivale. Richard had big plans for innovation, and it would cost the small community plenty. Could Emma and the girls find a common ground for all? Turned out to be mute when Richard turned up dead. With so many members of the community up in arms about his plans, and his past actions having left bitter effects, the suspect list seemed endless. I enjoyed the banter and interactions between characters as Emma worked to narrow down the suspects and sus out clues. Even as she danced around Inspector Harris (James), she chose her words carefully. I will admit, I was surprised, though not shocked, by the final revelation. I look forward to following another mystery with Emma and the gang soon!

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Sharpe is excited to host a very special wedding and has everything lined up with her friends, Kate as the wedding planner, Lily for the flowers and Rose for the baking. So, Emma and her trusty, smart and clue finding Jack Russel, Cooper are ready for the celebration. But unfortunately, Richard Sterling, a very controversial developer is found dead in the inn's garden which puts a halt on the wedding since even the Groom is under suspicion. We find there are many suspects and many secrets being held back and the town is split. Detective Inspector James Harris is on the case and of course, Emma, Lila, Kate and Rose are on the case. With so many twists and turns you are taken to a surprise ending. I highly recommend this book! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[JOAN SALLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an unscrupulous developer comes to the small town of Merrivale his actions bring forth many enemies. When he is found dead at the scene of a wedding reception at Emma's Inn, she and her friends start sniffing around trying to find out who hated the developer enough to want him dead. An interesting mystery, quick read.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the middle of what should be a very happy occasion, the hated man from town, Richard Sterling, is found dead after the champagne toast. Emma and gang start looking into his background and friends to see what he was up to. Sterling was buying up a lot of the property in their small town to help update the area for tourists but nothing was coming of the up dates. Lots of people that wanted him dead and lots of reasons to kill him.
I received an arc and this is my review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cozy!

A suspense filled cozy with Emma and her friends investigating the murder of a ruthless developer. So many suspects, but who is guilty and how can it be proved? I enjoyed this book.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.