The Jam Maker: The cosy murder mystery you've been waiting for

by J E Gash

Four deaths, a pot of jam and a nosey artist.

Artist Bridget Sullivan paints portraits to pay the bills and keep her grumpy husband happy – but she's bored out of her mind. Fortunately, life is about to get much more interesting... but a whole lot weirder.

Commissioned to paint the leader of a famous women’s organisation, she soon finds herself knee-deep in jam, pickles, and wholesome community cheer. It’s outwardly appealing yet Bridget can’t shake the uneasy feeling that there’s more going on than good deeds and womanly support. Is it her overactive imagination or are much darker things lurking beneath the surface?

Confiding in her friend Eddie, a newbie detective who’s keen to test his investigative skills, they decide to start their own investigation. Determined to uncover the truth, Bridget and Eddie soon discover that something much more sinister than they ever imagined is lurking beneath the surface.

Even worse, they might be in way over their heads and in danger themselves…

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett or Bella Mackie.

What readers are saying!
"A great plot, completely unique...how did you come up with that!" CJH
"I thoroughly enjoyed The Jam Maker" BJ
"I haven't enjoyed a book this much in years" AS
"So funny, but tinged with enough darkness...I loved it" WD
"Dark, twisty but so funny as well" BR

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2025

About the author

Jen is an author and artist living and working in South Gloucestershire. Writing her cosy crime novels under the name J E Gash, you can also see her other books written under the name Jen Gash. These include three books titled "Coaching Creativity", "Bored" and "Enabling Positive Change" (co-authored).

Jen is also an occupational therapist and creativity coach, but has painted all her life. In 2018, she won Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year and now splits her time between writing and painting.

Reviews

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the concept, liked the early reveal of the organisations but felt that we were just waiting for the inevitable end where all would be a happy ending. The "mystery" items painted on were kind of obvious. I feel like the characters were weak, between Bridget and her husband (honestly they both need to go to therapy) as well as the role Sylvie (didn't) play. Even the crime fighting duo were rather lacklustre. Also, Anthea went missing, what about Rob- do I even care? Probably not.

[C.J. Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very original story and a great 'cosy'. Artist Bridget jumped off the page and I felt her frustration at having to do what she didn't want to! Lots of great characters, especially the 'villain'. If you enjoy twisted, cosy mysteries with a touch of dark humour, this is for you. I loved the writing style and I've already pre-ordered the next one. Thoroughly recommend and a well deserved 5 stars.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so bored by the first several chapters that I nearly stopped reading, especially as I disliked everyone equally. I did keep going, but I found it a very slow read and had to keep persuading myself to keep with it. Admittedly I skipped a fair bit then read to the end without feeling the need to catch up what I missed. I was only surprised that the heroine's husband and her seemed to get on at the end. I can't recommend it, because I didn't enjoy it.

[Joanne Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page-turner from start to finish and I loved the writing style. An original story with just the right mix of murder and dark humour. The characters were well-developed and compelling, each with their own quirks and depth that made them feel very real. A well deserved five stars from me.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book;