Murder in the Choir: An utterly gripping and addictive cozy murder mystery

Sarah Vane Mysteries #4

by Alice Castle

The Christmas lights twinkle in the town square as merry carollers bring good tidings. But when a festive feud turns fatal, Sarah Vane is on the case!

While snowflakes fall outside, Sarah Vane cosies up in her cottage with a book when a leaflet for the Christmas choir flutters through her letterbox. Keen to sign up, she pays a visit to choir master Daffyd Jones. But her festive cheer crumbles like a mince pie when she finds him dead in his office. With just a week to go until Christmas, Sarah has a festive case to solve.

As Sarah talks to the devastated choir members, she soon discovers many had a reason to dislike Daffyd. Was it the soprano who was humiliated by him in front of the choir for missing her high note? His long-suffering wife suspected an affair – are her floods of tears fake? And why was his picture-perfect forever home put on the market just days before his death?

But with her tinsel in a tangle, another body is found, this time on the beach. The police think the poor lad had one too many at a Christmas party and fell off the pier, but when Sarah looks closely, she sees a clear link to Daffyd. Can Sarah catch the culprit among the carollers, or will she be dashing through the snow to her demise this Christmas?

A delightfully cozy, utterly compulsive and gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Clare Chase who are looking for their next addictive read.

Readers love the Sarah Vane

‘Wow!!!… I absolutely LOVED this… had me hooked from the start to the end!!… Absolutely gorgeous… brilliant… amazing… incredible… absolutely smashed it out of the ballpark again!!!… completely sucked me in from beginning to end… a page-turner… I felt myself walking around with my kindle in my hand every chance I could get… filled with unexpected twists… absolutely fantastic… addictive… absolutely perfect.’
Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘LOVED!… Many laughing moments!… A real page-turner… once start, you won't be able to put down until finished.’ Coffeeandpages2021, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow!… fantastic… I enjoyed every page… I loved the vivid scenery… I was chuckling throughout… unputdownable… Captivated me from the first to the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… I can't wait for this to come out and for y'all to lose your minds… You're going to want to read this one. I raced through it this weekend… Brilliantly plotted and compelling.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I read this in one day… laugh out loud… I highly recommend this book! More please!!!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐є

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Adult

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

Alice Castle lives in South London. She was a feature writer on national newspapers for many years. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade. Her first novel, Hot Chocolate, sold out in two weeks and her second, the cozy crime novel The Murder Mystery, is an Amazon bestseller. She has written nine more whodunnits starring single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane. She has also written two psychological thrillers for Harper Collins, The Perfect Widow and The Invitation, under the name A.M. Castle

Reviews

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's nothing nicer than snuggling up with a good book and a hot drink when the weather gets wintery, but retired doctor Sarah Vane decides instead to join her local choir with best friend, Daphne. It seems very popular, and she is looking forward to getting stuck into some of her favourite carols. At least she is until the choir master arrives! Daffyd Jones, a one hit wonder many years earlier, showers the choir with harsh comments, devastating opinions, and dismissive remarks, leaving Sarah amazed anyone attends rehearsals at all! After the man retreats to his office, she goes to speak with him, but instead discovers a dead body! With no one, apart from family, seeming to miss the victim, Sarah knows she has her work cut out, but more dead bodies soon appear and it's uncertain if she will actually see her first seaside Christmas!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the op.inions expressed are my own. Sarah Vane has definitely grown on me since this series began, but her lifelong best friend Daphne would still make me rethink my move to live next door to her! This was a fun winter cosy with Sarah second-guessing herself more often than previously and her nemesis, Francesca, on fine form. I enjoyed this as I have all the books so far.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder in the Choir" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the fourth book in the Sarah Vane Mysteries. Sarah is a retired GP and lives with her little Scottie dog Hamish, who has saved her on more than one occasion. Her next-door neighbour and best friend is Daphne Roux. Her new beau is Charles Diggory who owns the antique shop in town. Daphne is very much a third wheel in their relationship. Moving into Sarah's spare room because she doesn't want to stay in her own home. Charles doesn't like to come over when Daphne is there. So he isn't very happy when Daphne ruins a romantic dinner he planned for himself and Sarah with a lovely meal for two that he cooked and prepared the table with candles and flowers. Daphne has no clue that she is in the way and there is only food for two people. She often borders on the rude demanding drinks and snacks wherever she goes.

Of course, wherever Sarah goes there seems to be a murder. She decides to check out the choir and soon the choir master is found dead. He's a dreadful man that insults everyone he meets so there is no shortage of suspects. Daphne's daughter Mariella is the detective in town, along with Tweedledum and Tweedledee aka Dumbarton and Deeside who are bumbling and cause more chaos than solve cases.

Pretty soon everyone she knows is a suspect in the choir master's death and then there are 2 more deaths. Sarah puts herself in danger once again to help solve this case and almost ends up as body number four.

Hamish is sweet on Charles' dog Tinkerbell and they are the best bits to read. Charles leaves us hanging with a major question to Sarah. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Choir is the fourth installment in the delightful Sarah Vane cozy mystery series, and it’s set against the festive backdrop of Christmas in a quaint English seaside town. Retired GP and amateur sleuth Sarah Vane is ready to get into the holiday spirit when a leaflet for the local Christmas choir catches her eye. But her festive cheer quickly turns to shock when she discovers the choir master, Daffyd Jones, dead in his office. With the police writing it off as an accident, Sarah suspects a far more sinister hand at work—and soon finds herself embroiled in a new mystery.

Alice Castle delivers another charming and engaging cozy mystery. Sarah is clever, determined, and relatable, while her Scottie dog Hamish provides endearing comic relief. The seaside village setting, along with the Christmas atmosphere, makes this a perfect cozy read for the holiday season. The choir setting adds an unexpected twist, with plenty of suspects and motives, from the humiliated soprano to the disgruntled spouse, keeping the suspense alive.

While long-time fans will enjoy the return of familiar characters and the series’ ongoing storylines, new readers may find it a little harder to follow without reading the previous books. At times, the story moves slowly, and some of the supporting characters—particularly Sarah’s neighbor Daphne—can be a bit overbearing, but they also contribute to the cozy, small-town charm.

Overall, Murder in the Choir is a fun, festive, and engaging mystery that blends humor, suspense, and holiday cheer. It’s a solid addition to the Sarah Vane series, and I’m already looking forward to Book #5!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early eGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The delightful Sarah Vane cozy mystery series continues with another brilliant installment. Sarah, a retired GP, has settled into the charming village of Merstairs. Initially, she envisioned a peaceful life after retirement. However, her fresh start has transformed her into an amateur sleuth, as numerous murders have plagued the village.

Simply put, she takes it upon herself to solve these murders, even when the police would rather her just mind her own business. Currently, it is the Christmas season and Sarah is disconcerted when she finds the choirmaster, Daffyd Jones, dead in his office. Accompanied by her close friend Daphne and her loyal dog Hamish, Sarah embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind Daffyd’s death and identify the culprit.

Sarah’s stubbornness and determination drive her to investigate, despite the police’s ruling that Daffyd’s death was an accident. Her initial discovery that Daffyd was not well-liked further fuels her belief that his death was far from accidental.

This entertaining read showcases Sarah’s no-nonsense attitude. As winter approaches, it’s the perfect read to curl up with a warm drink. The series boasts lovable characters and intricate murder mysteries, making it a delightful fourth installment in the Sarah Vane series.

As a diehard series fan, I recommend reading the series in order. This approach allows readers to reconnect with familiar characters and story arcs. While Sarah’s dear friend Daphne’s quirks, particularly her constant clinginess to Sarah, slightly diminish the book for me, Hamish’s beautiful and loyal nature quickly restores the balance. With the slow-paced development of Sarah’s growing relationship with Charles, I eagerly anticipate the fifth book in the series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Murder in the Choir
Author: Alice Castle
Series: Sarah Vane Mystery - Book #4
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: September 12, 2025
My Rating: 3.7 Stars
Pages: 280

Sarah Vane is a widow, a retired Physician, and an amateur sleuth.
She and her Scottie dog, Hamish, have moved from London to live in a small cottage by the sea which is also next door to her best friend Daphne Roux.

This story starts with light snow falling and Christmas lights twinkling. aww perfect atmosphere to curl up with a good book. Sarah notices a flier in her mailbox regarding signing up for the Christmas choir. She loves the idea and decides to stop in and see the choir master Daffyd Jones. But her festive cheer crumbles when she finds him dead in his office.

Awww another nice easy enjoyable Alice Castle mystery!
Love these characters as well as the setting – This is the fourth Merstairs mystery!
Yep! I am looking forward to Book #5!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 12, 2025.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah and her friend Daphne decide to audition for the village choir. But during the evening the choirmaster is found shot dead...
Murder in the Choir is the 4th book in the Sarah Vane series of cosy murder mysteries set in Kent.
Ruthless choirmaster Daffyd Jones is found dead. At first it is thought to be suicide except the gun is missing so the police launch a murder investigation. The main police officer is Sarah's goddaughter and Daphne's daughter so the friends are instantly trying to help.
There is plenty of humour from Sarah’s friend Daphne constantly eating but I thought this was wearing very thin and became unfunny by the final third of the book. At best Daphne is thoughtless but at worst is desperately selfish. Sarah's relationship with Charles is strained due to him being a suspect but also Daphne’s constant presence and his easy rapport with other women.
I had a good idea who the killer was but had no clue as to how. The mystery was well sustained over the course of the book with new murders taking place to add clues but also suspects.
Murder in the Choir is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retired GP Sarah Vane cosies up in her cottage with a book when a leaflet for the Christmas choir flutters through her letterbox. Keen to sign up, she & her best friend Daphne go to the meeting. They meet grumpy choir master Daffyd Jones. Sarah then finds him dead in his office. As Sarah talks to the devastated choir members, she soon discovers many had a reason to dislike Daffyd. Then another body is found & then another.
The fourth outing for Sarah & another well written cosy mystery. I really like Sarah & I’m glad her relationship with Charles is progressing. However Daphne grated on me in this book, she just seemed to get in the way & all she wanted to do was eat, I could have done with much less page time for her. There were the usual twists, turns & red herrings as Sarah tried to solve the murders. I actually guessed who the villain was but not all their reasons. An enjoyable murder mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Eva Overbeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Choir is a captivating mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish! Alice Castle has a wonderful talent for blending suspense, intriguing characters, and just the right touch of dark humor.

The story draws you into the world of Sarah Vane and her investigative journey, and the choir setting adds a unique and unexpected layer to the mystery. Honestly, reading it felt just like watching a BBC First mystery, so atmospheric, clever, and perfectly paced.

Sarah herself is a delightful protagonist, clever, determined, and relatable and I enjoyed seeing her piece together the clues while navigating the social dynamics of her community.

Overall, this book is a perfect mix of mystery, charm, and suspense. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to dive into the next book in the Sarah Vane series!

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delight to return to Merstairs to visit with Sarah Vane, her Scottie dog, Hamish, her neighbour and best friend, Daphne Roux, her cat, Mephisto and Charles Diggory and his dog, Tinkerbell (shared with his ex wife, Francesca). One winter evening, Sarah has a leaflet posted through her door asking for volunteers to join a local choir with the famous singer, Daffyd Jones. Of course, she takes Daphne with her! However, it ends in chaos with Daffyd found dead!!! Detective Mariella Roux along with PCs Dumbarton and Deeside are in charge of the official investigation. Although, Sarah is soon looking into what happened as she really can't help herself, lol! Soon afterwards, there are more mysterious events and can Sarah discover the culprit and how they are linked? It was entertaining, full of twists and turns, gripping and unputdownable.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joining the local choir seems like a lovely festive activity for retired GP Sarah and her neighbour and old school friend Daphne. Still, the first meeting they attend isn't the oasis of calm they expected, and soon the choir master Daffyd has died in mysterious circumstances, drawing Sarah and Daphne into the investigation, shortly before Christmas. It's a gently paced cosy with vibrant characters and humour to balance the murders. I like Sarah, who is a perfect reluctant but talented amateur sleuth, and Daphne is overbearing but with a good heart, and the dynamic between the friends is believable. There is a continuing romance between Sarah and Charles, too. I like the characters, the festive setting and the detailed investigation that draws the reader into the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Shree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Choir is my introduction to this series and the author. Reading the books in order might have helped, but the story works fine as a standalone as well.

The pacing was a bit slow, the book wasn't
as gripping as promised, and the characters aren't particularly endearing or memorable either (Daphne, the main supporting character to the lead, seems to be doing very little other than getting in the way or eating).

I was able to guess the identity of the killer although I couldn't guess the how or why. The main plot (who dunnit) wasn't particularly intriguing or unique, but there was a certain small-town charm to the story overall. The writing was simple and straightforward and the subtle humor definitely helped with the overall appeal of the book.

I thank the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of the book.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah goes with her friend Daphne to join the local choir only to find out that the choir director is arrogant, mean, and hateful. When he doesn’t return after leaving the practice, Sarah goes looking and finds his body. It looks like suicide, but where is the murder weapon? Being as he is so hated, there are lots of suspects and motives. More deaths occur, and Sarah gets in deeper all the time. Sarah, with her friends and her cute Scottie, interview suspects and track down motives. In between, Sarah is jealous of her boyfriend’s many former girlfriends (even though she’s in her 60’s). This is a fun cozy mystery in a cozy English village on the coast.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty, entertaining, and festive novel in this series that improves with each new instalment.
There’s always a solid mystery at the core, one that keeps me reading and turning pages.
But there’s also an intriguing part about the evolution and changes of Sarah as she becomes involved in the place and we read about a more self-assured and accomplished amatorial sleuth.
What I also appreciated it’s how the author avoids classic tropes like “FMC falling in love with a great guy after 10 minutes”but keep the focus on Sarah and her friends (To Say Nothing of the Dog!).
I hope there’s going a lot of reader as it means more novels in this series I’m enjoying.
So get this lovely cozy mystery!
Many thanks ot Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Vane is ready for Christmas i’m getting into the holiday spirit, but when she finds a local choir master, she finds that she has another mystery on her hands. With a second body that the police think is just a horrible accident so sees a connection and knows that her murderer loose in town. But will she be able to solve the mystery or is her stocking going to be hung by the chimney with care or tied around her neck this year.

This is the fourth entry in this series and each one has been a solid cozy mystery. I don’t know what it is about British cozy but they’re absolutely fabulous. And this year is just to the point a great example of why I love British cozy mysteries so much.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah and Daphne decide to answer the flyer received through their letterboxes and attend the choir rehearsal that evening. The choirmaster was once famous as a child singer and now strives to win the annual choir competition. There is definitely a lot of bad feeling between the choir and their leader, but everyone is shocked when he goes into the office and seemingly shoots himself. Sarah is not convinced, for one thing, where is the gun.
Sarah, with a reluctant Daphne are determined to help Daphne’s daughter, a detective with the local police, solve the murder.
A reasonable cosy murder mystery, although a bit predictable at times. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A leaflet inviting newcomers to join the choir-
Seemed like a good idea, nothing dire.
However the choirmaster proves to be a bully, but even so
Who killed him and where did the weapon go?

Sarah was there and can’t resist
Wondering what the police might have missed.
With her friend - and Hamish - she’ll do her best
To identify the killer for the police to arrest.

A lovely cozy murder mystery
With great characters, romance and past history.
This is the fourth Sarah Vane mystery
A page turner read with family dramas and history.


For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Vane and Daphne are the amateur detectives who get embroiled inadvertently into every murder that happens in the village. They both epitomize the best of a cozy set in a village. You get the villain in the form of the choir master, done to death in a masterful manner. Disliked by all, intimidating and arrogant towards all, his death is not a surprise. The suspects are numerous as he has been nasty to so many. Both ladies are on the case.

The body count mounts, Daphne’s daughter is exasperated with the two ladies being one step ahead of the Police but the crime is solved in a dangerous and dramatic manner.

An easy to read story.

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth entry in the cozy series set on the English shore where Sara Vane a former general practitioner has retired. The time for this story is the holiday season. Sara and best friend Daphen decide to try out for the local holiday choir. Once at the tryouts, the director turns out to be a tyrant and the two doubt whether choir is for them. Unfortunately, our amateur detective Sara finds the dead body of the director and she just has to investigate, and the body count keeps increasing. At times, the story moved a bit slowly for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sarah Vane decides to find out more about joining the Christmas Choir, she pays the choir master a visit, only to find him dead in his office. Talking to the other choir members she soon discovers that many did not like the man. When another body appears and it only Sarah that sees the connection, it is then up to her to untangle the mystery.
This was book four and it was another excellent murder mystery. The story was easy to read, it had vivd descriptions and plenty of depth and detail to the plot. Overall and engaging read.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas, the carollers are in full swing, and there's a murderer on the loose...or in the choir at least!

I've only read a handful of books by Castle, BUT I have thoroughly enjoyed them. I love a good cosy mystery to curl up under a blanket with. It's perfect reading for this time of year.

This is the 4th book in the Sarah Vane Mysteries and had just the right amounts of suspense, and mystery to keep me engaged.

I do like Sarah, she's a strong, confident woman and I would like to reconnect with her again.

A charming and captivating read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to reunite with the gang in Merstairs for this latest instalment. This book was an engrossing read, with the tension building just the right way until the murderer was revealed. It’s a fantastic series of books that can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to miss out on such a fabulous series. The underlying romantic tension is also building! Cannot wait for the next one!

Thank you Netgalley

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another episode in the world of Merstairs. I enjoy reading about Sarah and her urge to investigate and although I quite like the character of her friend Daphne, I’m afraid I find her rather irritating as she seems to be very self centred and a bit too much “larger than life”. I also worked out the murderer apparently long before either Sarah or the police and would have liked it to be a bigger challenge.

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Choir by Alice Castle. A cozy mystery with engaging characters and several murders to solve. Entertaining and fun read.

Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[MeWriter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Sarah Vane Mystery to send you looking for clues and the murderer! When someone kills the choir master it's not a question of who wanted him dead but rather a question of who didn't? Clever!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really am loving this series and the development of the characters - quite aside from the mysteries! This instalment was another intriguing escapade all over Merstairs, with some persuasive red herrings to derail readers. Superb writing. Alice Castle's prose is always a treat. As ever, I can't wait for the next book.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. But I guess the murderer very early on. More examples of how useless British police are.

[Hannah Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, but predictable

I guessed the murderer within the first several chapters. The story and characters are cute but would’ve loved a slightly more challenging plot! 2.5

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alice Castle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in the Choir coming out September 12, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read other books in the series. I really love cozy mysteries. This was a fun one. I would check out other books by this author.

[Jenna Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery follows Sarah Vane and her friend Daphne as they attempt to join what seems like an ordinary local choir — only to discover that the experience is anything but harmonious. The choir director is a domineering and unsettling figure whose cruel behavior casts a shadow over every rehearsal, creating an atmosphere thick with tension. What begins as a simple social outing quickly spirals into a web of suspicion, secrets, and psychological unease.

The story excels at building dread through everyday settings, turning the choir into a stage for manipulation and fear. As Sarah and Daphne dig deeper, unexpected twists keep the reader guessing, each revelation raising the stakes. The pacing steadily tightens, leading to a gripping finale that feels both shocking and earned.

With strong character dynamics and a villain who is chillingly believable, this novel delivers suspense in surprising ways. It’s a compelling mystery that transforms an innocent pastime into a nerve-wracking ordeal, making for a tense and satisfying read

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

‘Daffyd’s bark is worse than his bite.’ ‘Is it?’ said Sarah doubtfully. Both seemed to warrant a hefty rabies injection, from what she’d seen.

Privacy was a scarce resource in Merstairs, where the slightest bit of gossip gave you a brief edge over almost everybody, and flapping ears were an epidemic disease the likes of which she had rarely seen.

He was the most god-awful, jumped up little squit.


My Review:

I adore Alice Castle’s captivating cozy mysteries. She includes a healthy dose of amusing humor with her brain-teasing murders, which appear to happen more than expected for a small and quirky coastal village. And I scored a new entry for my Brit words and phrases list with squit, which Mr. Google informed is a dialectical British slang term for an insignificant person or for nonsense/rubbish. What fun!