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DI Jack Dawes #13
The Village Choir Killer
One close-knit choir. Twenty members, singing in perfect harmony — but two won’t live to see the next rehearsal.
Welcome to sleepy Kings Richington, where nothing ever happens . . . until local butcher and bass singer Charlie Snell is murdered! He’s been conked on the head and dumped in the woods.
Detective Jack Dawes is on the case, with an endless list of suspects to interrogate. In life, Snell was a nasty piece of work, with a talent for making enemies wherever he went.
From his jealous wife to the pretty young sopranos he groped — and the ambitious mayoral candidate who happened to ‘trip over’ his body.
Anyone could be guilty. And anyone could be next.
Just when Jack thinks he’s getting somewhere, a second singer turns up dead.
Is the killer picking off choir members one by one — or singing from their own twisted hymn sheet?
It’s up to Detective Jack to find out before the body count rises again.
This entertaining and absorbing mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, J.R. Ellis, Faith Martin, Catherine Moloney and P.F. Ford.
READERS LOVE THE DETECTIVE JACK DAWES
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A well-drawn cast of eclectic and credible characters populate a swiftly moving, compelling plot and an engaging narrative.’ Ruth G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Five giant glittering stars! A rollercoaster ride with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy.’ Netgalley reader
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A really enjoyable read . . . A great mystery with a few laugh out loud moments which I couldn’t put down.’ Kate B.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A clever, entertaining and thought-provoking read.’ Misfits farm
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I really enjoyed this book . . . I would happily read more from this author.’ Lorraine W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Great plot twist and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle!’ Debbie B.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Detective Inspector Jack Dawes, tall and handsome, looks like the fuzz even when he’s off-duty. He rose up through the ranks at Scotland Yard and now is a well-respected detective in the murder squad. A career copper, he was married to the job until he met Coriander during a money laundering investigation, the case which earned him his promotion to DI. He has logical analytical skills. She has intuitive people skills. So he bounces ideas off her. They make a formidable and funny couple whose skills combine to solve crimes.
Welcome to sleepy Kings Richington, where nothing ever happens . . . until local butcher and bass singer Charlie Snell is murdered! He’s been conked on the head and dumped in the woods.
Detective Jack Dawes is on the case, with an endless list of suspects to interrogate. In life, Snell was a nasty piece of work, with a talent for making enemies wherever he went.
From his jealous wife to the pretty young sopranos he groped — and the ambitious mayoral candidate who happened to ‘trip over’ his body.
Anyone could be guilty. And anyone could be next.
Just when Jack thinks he’s getting somewhere, a second singer turns up dead.
Is the killer picking off choir members one by one — or singing from their own twisted hymn sheet?
It’s up to Detective Jack to find out before the body count rises again.
This entertaining and absorbing mystery is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, J.R. Ellis, Faith Martin, Catherine Moloney and P.F. Ford.
READERS LOVE THE DETECTIVE JACK DAWES
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A well-drawn cast of eclectic and credible characters populate a swiftly moving, compelling plot and an engaging narrative.’ Ruth G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Five giant glittering stars! A rollercoaster ride with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy.’ Netgalley reader
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A really enjoyable read . . . A great mystery with a few laugh out loud moments which I couldn’t put down.’ Kate B.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A clever, entertaining and thought-provoking read.’ Misfits farm
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I really enjoyed this book . . . I would happily read more from this author.’ Lorraine W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Great plot twist and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle!’ Debbie B.
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Detective Inspector Jack Dawes, tall and handsome, looks like the fuzz even when he’s off-duty. He rose up through the ranks at Scotland Yard and now is a well-respected detective in the murder squad. A career copper, he was married to the job until he met Coriander during a money laundering investigation, the case which earned him his promotion to DI. He has logical analytical skills. She has intuitive people skills. So he bounces ideas off her. They make a formidable and funny couple whose skills combine to solve crimes.
- GenresMystery
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2025
192 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Frances Lloyd
45 books47 followersFrances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she eventually fetched up in the south west of England but by then, had become something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from work.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 15, 2025
Fantastic book as ever! Our beloved DI Jack and his team are thrown into village atrocities when local choir members are killed at an alarming rate.
Jack, as usual is under pressure from those above, but leads are alarmingly sparse.
The book flies along at the perfect pace with twists and turns galore. The team dynamic and the humour is what sets these book apart from others of their ilk.
Jack's wife, Corrine is as visible as ever, she and her friends subtly (sometimes) helping things along. Frying pan comes to mind here!
Although part of a series, this is easily read as a standalone.
The ending is all wrapped up as neatly as one of Corrine's famous puddings.
A well deserved 5⭐ from me!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
Jack, as usual is under pressure from those above, but leads are alarmingly sparse.
The book flies along at the perfect pace with twists and turns galore. The team dynamic and the humour is what sets these book apart from others of their ilk.
Jack's wife, Corrine is as visible as ever, she and her friends subtly (sometimes) helping things along. Frying pan comes to mind here!
Although part of a series, this is easily read as a standalone.
The ending is all wrapped up as neatly as one of Corrine's famous puddings.
A well deserved 5⭐ from me!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
July 4, 2025
Engaging Plot; Captivating Characters.
It is such a treat to read a book like The Village Choir Killer where the good guys are just nice people and described to entertain the reader without the distraction of personal problems and sociological hangups. In this book the characters we are encouraged to dislike are described with amusing character flaws and outrageous actions, not labelled as “bad” by having them use unacceptable language on every other page. Frances Lloyd’s writing is excellent, her characters will entertain and amuse you, and her plot keeps you glued to the pages until the unexpected but satisfying conclusion.
Chapter one dives straight in to the story with Dr. Elizabeth Amory out training for a ½ marathon and tripping over a leg. The leg belongs to the body of Charlie Snell the local butcher and basso profundo with the local Kings Richington amateur choir. DI Jack Dawes and his team find themselves investigating a case which has a long list of suspects, but just as they think they are progressing another choir member turns up murdered. And then another death which may be an accident – or perhaps not! Is the choir being targeted? Are they looking for a serial killer who aims to get rid of the choir members one by one, or a series of coincidences?
This is an engrossing, fast-moving mystery with some delightful and captivating characters and a fresh plot with a surprisingly unanticipated ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as an engaging and entertaining read.
It is such a treat to read a book like The Village Choir Killer where the good guys are just nice people and described to entertain the reader without the distraction of personal problems and sociological hangups. In this book the characters we are encouraged to dislike are described with amusing character flaws and outrageous actions, not labelled as “bad” by having them use unacceptable language on every other page. Frances Lloyd’s writing is excellent, her characters will entertain and amuse you, and her plot keeps you glued to the pages until the unexpected but satisfying conclusion.
Chapter one dives straight in to the story with Dr. Elizabeth Amory out training for a ½ marathon and tripping over a leg. The leg belongs to the body of Charlie Snell the local butcher and basso profundo with the local Kings Richington amateur choir. DI Jack Dawes and his team find themselves investigating a case which has a long list of suspects, but just as they think they are progressing another choir member turns up murdered. And then another death which may be an accident – or perhaps not! Is the choir being targeted? Are they looking for a serial killer who aims to get rid of the choir members one by one, or a series of coincidences?
This is an engrossing, fast-moving mystery with some delightful and captivating characters and a fresh plot with a surprisingly unanticipated ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as an engaging and entertaining read.
July 13, 2025
An Absolutely Enjoyable and Enthralling Murder Mystery!!
I have read all of the books in this wonderfully entertaining series of novels. Detective Inspector Jack Dawes and his MIT team are a dedicated group of police officers and dedicated civil servants. In this outing they are tasked with several murders of a group of local community choir members. The members range in age from very young to a octogenarian. But there is more going on in this group than singing. Arrogance, jealousy, secrets, hidden agendas just to name a few. With the discovery of the first victim and very little in the way of clues, Detective Aled goes undercover to try to get close to the choir members and hopefully discover something that will help solve the case. With his lovely singing voice and Welsh background he is a natural. Unfortunately his cover is blown with the murder of another choir member, and the oldest member appoints herself his "deputy." She is such a sweet lady he doesn't have the heart to refuse. But when she becomes victim three, everyone doubles down on their efforts, especially Detective Aled who is very broken up and blames himself I for no being able to protect her.
Extremely well written with likable characters that now seem like old friends. The glimpses of their personal lives provide some very human and sometimes hilarious moments. Inspector Dawe's wing man Busy is especially likable, always ready with a quip or his own take on things, although he is trying to be mire politically correct. And we can't forger Jacks lovely wife Corrie who promises not to get in involved this time, but ends up inadvertently being involved anyway. But this time I think everyone is pleased as she saved one of their own.
Intriguing, with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy it is a roller coaster thrill ride from start to finish. And what a finish it is! I had no clue, a slight suspicion but as usual I was wrong. Another suspicious death, a suicide, the revealing secret lives of so many individuals. Who knew choiresters could lead such secret and sometimes nefarious lives. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!
Kudos to the author...🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟🌟📚💞
I have read all of the books in this wonderfully entertaining series of novels. Detective Inspector Jack Dawes and his MIT team are a dedicated group of police officers and dedicated civil servants. In this outing they are tasked with several murders of a group of local community choir members. The members range in age from very young to a octogenarian. But there is more going on in this group than singing. Arrogance, jealousy, secrets, hidden agendas just to name a few. With the discovery of the first victim and very little in the way of clues, Detective Aled goes undercover to try to get close to the choir members and hopefully discover something that will help solve the case. With his lovely singing voice and Welsh background he is a natural. Unfortunately his cover is blown with the murder of another choir member, and the oldest member appoints herself his "deputy." She is such a sweet lady he doesn't have the heart to refuse. But when she becomes victim three, everyone doubles down on their efforts, especially Detective Aled who is very broken up and blames himself I for no being able to protect her.
Extremely well written with likable characters that now seem like old friends. The glimpses of their personal lives provide some very human and sometimes hilarious moments. Inspector Dawe's wing man Busy is especially likable, always ready with a quip or his own take on things, although he is trying to be mire politically correct. And we can't forger Jacks lovely wife Corrie who promises not to get in involved this time, but ends up inadvertently being involved anyway. But this time I think everyone is pleased as she saved one of their own.
Intriguing, with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy it is a roller coaster thrill ride from start to finish. And what a finish it is! I had no clue, a slight suspicion but as usual I was wrong. Another suspicious death, a suicide, the revealing secret lives of so many individuals. Who knew choiresters could lead such secret and sometimes nefarious lives. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!
Kudos to the author...🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟🌟📚💞
July 12, 2025
The members of the Richington Community Choir are dropping like flies. First DI Jack Dawes and the Met’s Murder Investigation Team in Kings Richington of DS Mike "Bugsy" Malone, DCs Aled Williams, Gemma Fox, “Chippy” Chippendale and profiling star Beatrice “Velma” Dinkley, together with Clive “the geek” investigate the death of butcher Charlie Snell, proprietor of the rather unsavoury Charlie’s Chop Shop and all-round nefarious creature. Even his wife and son couldn’t stand him, so there’s no shortage of suspects but was the man committing worse crimes than adultery? But then a second victim is discovered, someone who couldn’t be more different in character to the first. What connects them? The choir or some other darker motive? With another death amongst their ranks, the remaining members run for their lives and it’s up to the detectives to delve through all the lies and secrets everyone is keeping to discover the truth. Before anyone else gets the chop.
This is truly one of my absolute favourite series and one which I would love to see televised. There is an abundance of warmth and humour between the detectives and their families despite their work solving homicides, and the series features other great characters including Big Ron (Dr Veronica Hardacre) the pathologist with voluminous knickers, DCS George Garwood, always panicking that he might not look so efficient if Jack ever left, Carlene with her fierce loyalty to the Dawes and Garland’s eccentric wife Cynthia. The story itself is cleverly written and suitably twisty to keep the reader guessing to the end. I can thoroughly recommend every book in this series and hope it continues for a long time to come!
This is truly one of my absolute favourite series and one which I would love to see televised. There is an abundance of warmth and humour between the detectives and their families despite their work solving homicides, and the series features other great characters including Big Ron (Dr Veronica Hardacre) the pathologist with voluminous knickers, DCS George Garwood, always panicking that he might not look so efficient if Jack ever left, Carlene with her fierce loyalty to the Dawes and Garland’s eccentric wife Cynthia. The story itself is cleverly written and suitably twisty to keep the reader guessing to the end. I can thoroughly recommend every book in this series and hope it continues for a long time to come!
July 5, 2025
DI Jack Dawes and his team are pitched against a seemingly unsolvable crime in this latest book in the series.
A cleverly woven tale of multiple murders and tangled lives. This instalment of the Jack Dawes series is as intriguing as his previous cases but easily reads as a stand-alone.
Jack and his sidekick Bugsy are called to the scene of a murder on a dark and wet path deep in Richington Forest. The victim turns out to be the notorious womaniser and ne'r-do-well Charlie Snell. Snell had plenty of enemies, but who could have hated him enough to batter him to death? The body was found by the irritatingly pompous Dr Amory who, as a doctor of theology and hopeful future Mayor of Kings Richington, is keen to distance herself from the fallout from the murder. Snell and Amory, however, are linked by being members of the village choir, and they are out and about separately in the woods following a choir practice.
Jack and his team are under pressure from on high to solve the case because of the involvement of the high flying Dr Amory. The body count rises when another choir member is found dead, and it begins to look like a serial killer is targeting the community group!
This is a well crafted story of murder and suspense. The author, Frances Lloyd, brings the characters to life as she uses her skill to weave a little comedy and a lighthearted banter into the twisty tale.
The main characters are a loveable bunch that have been nurtured and developed by Frances over the series, and it is worth considering binge reading from the beginning.
A cleverly woven tale of multiple murders and tangled lives. This instalment of the Jack Dawes series is as intriguing as his previous cases but easily reads as a stand-alone.
Jack and his sidekick Bugsy are called to the scene of a murder on a dark and wet path deep in Richington Forest. The victim turns out to be the notorious womaniser and ne'r-do-well Charlie Snell. Snell had plenty of enemies, but who could have hated him enough to batter him to death? The body was found by the irritatingly pompous Dr Amory who, as a doctor of theology and hopeful future Mayor of Kings Richington, is keen to distance herself from the fallout from the murder. Snell and Amory, however, are linked by being members of the village choir, and they are out and about separately in the woods following a choir practice.
Jack and his team are under pressure from on high to solve the case because of the involvement of the high flying Dr Amory. The body count rises when another choir member is found dead, and it begins to look like a serial killer is targeting the community group!
This is a well crafted story of murder and suspense. The author, Frances Lloyd, brings the characters to life as she uses her skill to weave a little comedy and a lighthearted banter into the twisty tale.
The main characters are a loveable bunch that have been nurtured and developed by Frances over the series, and it is worth considering binge reading from the beginning.
July 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "The Village Choir Killer" by Frances Lloyd. This is the 13th book in the series, and I must confess to not having read the previous 12. But I certainly plan to, having thoroughly enjoyed this entry.
The choir of Kings Richington has just experienced the loss of one of it's members, having been found murdered in the woods by one of the town's 'leading lights'. He was not well-liked, this man, and few mourn him; but DI Jack Dawes and his team nonetheless must investigate and bring the killer to justice.
But then, another choir member meets a horrible end, shortly after making a life-changing discovery. Luke was well loved in the community and his death adds to the team's investigation. And then, oh my goodness, another murder - in a rather gruesome manner; this time a wonderful little old lady who did no one any harm (but maybe, she saw or heard something?)
I likened this story to Midsomer Murders - a cross between a police procedural and a cozy. We have all of the elements: a philandering husband, a tyrannical choirmaster, cheating spouses, an unwed mother....
There's is also a sub-plot which involves International criminal activity.
All in all, a delightful book which can certainly be read as a standalone - there's enough background that you won't be lost. This will be a new series for me and I highly recommend it.
The choir of Kings Richington has just experienced the loss of one of it's members, having been found murdered in the woods by one of the town's 'leading lights'. He was not well-liked, this man, and few mourn him; but DI Jack Dawes and his team nonetheless must investigate and bring the killer to justice.
But then, another choir member meets a horrible end, shortly after making a life-changing discovery. Luke was well loved in the community and his death adds to the team's investigation. And then, oh my goodness, another murder - in a rather gruesome manner; this time a wonderful little old lady who did no one any harm (but maybe, she saw or heard something?)
I likened this story to Midsomer Murders - a cross between a police procedural and a cozy. We have all of the elements: a philandering husband, a tyrannical choirmaster, cheating spouses, an unwed mother....
There's is also a sub-plot which involves International criminal activity.
All in all, a delightful book which can certainly be read as a standalone - there's enough background that you won't be lost. This will be a new series for me and I highly recommend it.
July 10, 2025
Frances Lloyd delivers another satisfying and sharply written mystery in The Village Choir Killer, a title as intriguing as the story itself. With the charm of a classic British whodunit and the precision readers have come to expect from Joffe Books, this novel pulls you in with its quirky premise and keeps you turning pages with its clever execution.
The story revolves around a small village rocked by a series of chilling murders—members of the local choir are being picked off one by one. Lloyd masterfully weaves suspense with a sense of community, peeling back layers of secrets, rivalries, and long-held grudges. The pacing is tight, the clues are carefully placed, and the motive remains elusive until the final, satisfying reveal.
What makes this mystery stand out is its originality—both in concept and character. The setting feels authentic and lived-in, and the mystery itself is expertly crafted to keep readers guessing. It’s the kind of book where every detail matters, and the payoff is well worth the journey.
The Village Choir Killer is a delightfully dark and well-plotted mystery that will appeal to fans of traditional crime fiction with a modern edge. Frances Lloyd delivers once again, proving why her stories continue to captivate mystery lovers.
The story revolves around a small village rocked by a series of chilling murders—members of the local choir are being picked off one by one. Lloyd masterfully weaves suspense with a sense of community, peeling back layers of secrets, rivalries, and long-held grudges. The pacing is tight, the clues are carefully placed, and the motive remains elusive until the final, satisfying reveal.
What makes this mystery stand out is its originality—both in concept and character. The setting feels authentic and lived-in, and the mystery itself is expertly crafted to keep readers guessing. It’s the kind of book where every detail matters, and the payoff is well worth the journey.
The Village Choir Killer is a delightfully dark and well-plotted mystery that will appeal to fans of traditional crime fiction with a modern edge. Frances Lloyd delivers once again, proving why her stories continue to captivate mystery lovers.
July 16, 2025
I hadn't read any of the previous DI Jack Dawes 12 books which is a shame and something I never do. Having said this this is one of the better UK crime stories so I can only suggest that the other 12 books were great to. I have literally read 100s of these type of books but this is up there with the best of them. So why only 4 stars. I'm really over these great coppers having total dropkicks as their senior officers who are only interested in their careers , not justice. It seems to be a majority part of UK crime books. It's not necessary but there are exceptions and those books I have enjoyed more.
DI Dawes is supported by a very likeable and great team. His wife Corrie also gets inadvertently involved with a good ending. There are many twists and turns with characters personal lives being a major part of the book. After 4 murders and 2 suicides Dawes has a lot to do but he and his team succeeds. i guess the other 12 books support DI Dawes success however when the Chief Superintendent's wife suggest Dawes should be promoted to a DCI he says he cannot support it despite being the main winner in Dawes success. If DCS Garwood was in the other 12 books then you would presume it's time for Dawes to move on. An excellent book.
DI Dawes is supported by a very likeable and great team. His wife Corrie also gets inadvertently involved with a good ending. There are many twists and turns with characters personal lives being a major part of the book. After 4 murders and 2 suicides Dawes has a lot to do but he and his team succeeds. i guess the other 12 books support DI Dawes success however when the Chief Superintendent's wife suggest Dawes should be promoted to a DCI he says he cannot support it despite being the main winner in Dawes success. If DCS Garwood was in the other 12 books then you would presume it's time for Dawes to move on. An excellent book.
June 21, 2025
This was so enjoyable. It begins with the discovery of the body of a dead man who was a member of the local village choir as well as owning a butcher shop in the village. It seems the man had no shortage of people who didn't like him but whether this was enough to kill him is another matter. Jack and the team are assigned the investigation which soon escalates when more members of the choir are killed in escalating degrees of violence.
I have enjoyed the books in this series that I have read so far and this was another cracker. I loved how what seems like normal village life is hiding a lot of secrets and I enjoy how Jack and the team get to the bottom of things. There's plenty of humour throughout with one particular shopping trip having me in stitches. Just when things seem to be getting clearer, there's still room for a further twist which was great. The ending also seemed very fitting. I hope there's more to come in the series.
I have enjoyed the books in this series that I have read so far and this was another cracker. I loved how what seems like normal village life is hiding a lot of secrets and I enjoy how Jack and the team get to the bottom of things. There's plenty of humour throughout with one particular shopping trip having me in stitches. Just when things seem to be getting clearer, there's still room for a further twist which was great. The ending also seemed very fitting. I hope there's more to come in the series.
July 17, 2025
3* Something to pass the time, but it wasn't the promised 'enthralling murder-mystery with a twist', sadly.
This is nicely written and feels and reads like a would-be cosy mystery, minus the civilian sleuths I've come to expect.
The Velma character was possibly the best, followed by the old dear that got offed. The main detective didn't come across as entirely believable - I mean, with the times or not, who needs the term hook-up explained in 2025? I'm not sure he did any work, tbh, leaving it to his team. And buying his wife bright yellow peekaboo undies, when he didn't know her size or tastes, didn't come across as believable. I did, however, like the sound of the stuff cooked up, pun not intended, by his wife Corrie, of Coriander Cuisine.
This definitely wasn't the promised enthralling murder-mystery but it was a readable, if stop-start, book.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
This is nicely written and feels and reads like a would-be cosy mystery, minus the civilian sleuths I've come to expect.
The Velma character was possibly the best, followed by the old dear that got offed. The main detective didn't come across as entirely believable - I mean, with the times or not, who needs the term hook-up explained in 2025? I'm not sure he did any work, tbh, leaving it to his team. And buying his wife bright yellow peekaboo undies, when he didn't know her size or tastes, didn't come across as believable. I did, however, like the sound of the stuff cooked up, pun not intended, by his wife Corrie, of Coriander Cuisine.
This definitely wasn't the promised enthralling murder-mystery but it was a readable, if stop-start, book.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
July 21, 2025
I love the DCI Jack Dawes stories. Like the previous novels, this one manages to create an enjoyable mystery which is gritty but also full of warmth and humour.. When local unpopular and adulterous butcher and choir member Charlie Snell is murdered, there is no shortage of suspects. But when other members of the choir also fall victim, it looks like a serial killer is on the loose. Is someone picking off choir members or do Charlie's dodgy dealings have something to do with the deaths? But things are more complicated than they seem. Jack and his team find themselves with a huge puzzle to solve. In trying to find the solution, one of the team is seriously injured, adding that welcome layer of grit to this wonderfully cosy story. This is a perfect mystery for Christmas and I would recommend it for all lovers of entertaining murder mysteries to have in their stockings.
July 4, 2025
The DI Jack Dawes series just keep getting better and better. The local Kings Richington choir is made up of an eclectic group of locals and perform at various charity and community events.
They are rocked when one of their members is found bludgeoned to death on the outskirts of the forest. Suspects are many as this was a repugnant character with lots of less than savoury side hustles. As the death toll mounts, it is feared there is a killer with a grudge against members of the choir at large.
DI Jack Dawes, Sargent Bugsy Malone and their team work their way through suspects with of course a little help from Corrie and Carlene.
I wont give any more away, but as usually these books are a fun read with a bit of humour and characters you can relate to.
They are rocked when one of their members is found bludgeoned to death on the outskirts of the forest. Suspects are many as this was a repugnant character with lots of less than savoury side hustles. As the death toll mounts, it is feared there is a killer with a grudge against members of the choir at large.
DI Jack Dawes, Sargent Bugsy Malone and their team work their way through suspects with of course a little help from Corrie and Carlene.
I wont give any more away, but as usually these books are a fun read with a bit of humour and characters you can relate to.
July 10, 2025
I first discovered Jack Dawes in the Coat of Arms Killer & have since gone back & read the earlier books, so I was very pleased to see a new book in there series.
You couldn't get more of a mixed group of people than those in the Kings Richington Community Choir. Rich & poor, young & old, high flyers & those that hide under the radar and so many different personalities & life circumstances. Add in fraud, adultery & murder.... (not standard activities associated with a community choir!) & it suddenly doesn't seem to be a safe group to be a member of.
An intriguing story & not a simple outcome. I look forward to seeing what Jack, Bugsy, Corrie, Carlene & the rest of the gang get up to next time (and what the frying pan will be used for next!).
You couldn't get more of a mixed group of people than those in the Kings Richington Community Choir. Rich & poor, young & old, high flyers & those that hide under the radar and so many different personalities & life circumstances. Add in fraud, adultery & murder.... (not standard activities associated with a community choir!) & it suddenly doesn't seem to be a safe group to be a member of.
An intriguing story & not a simple outcome. I look forward to seeing what Jack, Bugsy, Corrie, Carlene & the rest of the gang get up to next time (and what the frying pan will be used for next!).
June 18, 2025
4.5 Stars
This book is the latest (book 13) in a long-standing British cozy mystery series DI Jack Dawes and, even though it was a first in the series for me (as well as a first by this author too), the storyline was easy to follow. The writing style and story arc flowed quickly and consistently and the murder mystery was written very well (I wasn't sure who the culprit was and there were plenty twists throughout). I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters' quirks and folksy wisdom and off beat humor. Will definitely return for more novels by this author in the future.
Publisher Review Copy
This book is the latest (book 13) in a long-standing British cozy mystery series DI Jack Dawes and, even though it was a first in the series for me (as well as a first by this author too), the storyline was easy to follow. The writing style and story arc flowed quickly and consistently and the murder mystery was written very well (I wasn't sure who the culprit was and there were plenty twists throughout). I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters' quirks and folksy wisdom and off beat humor. Will definitely return for more novels by this author in the future.
Publisher Review Copy
July 6, 2025
The next instalment in the DI Jack Dawes series is just as gripping if not even more so than the last one and comes with a twist in the tale you don’t see coming.
Easily read as a standalone (although why would you skip the other books in the series?) Dawes and his team set out to find the killer (or is it killers?) behind a series of murders all seemingly linked to the Kings Richington Choir.
There’s blackmail, gossip, history abound and Frances Lloyd weaves them together with a sprinkling of just the right amount of light heartedness and a touch of comedy.
Fab book from start to finish.
Easily read as a standalone (although why would you skip the other books in the series?) Dawes and his team set out to find the killer (or is it killers?) behind a series of murders all seemingly linked to the Kings Richington Choir.
There’s blackmail, gossip, history abound and Frances Lloyd weaves them together with a sprinkling of just the right amount of light heartedness and a touch of comedy.
Fab book from start to finish.
July 11, 2025
An enjoyable read for fans of classic English village mysteries!
Despite being the 13th book in the DI Jack Dawes series, The Village Choir Killer is perfectly accessible for first time readers. With an engaging plot from the start and twists throughout, Lloyd captures the charm and quirks of English village life. From the local gossip to the close-knit community feel, Lloyd creates a setting which feels both eerily familiar and atmospheric.
Whilst not exactly pushing the boundaries of the genre, it delivers exactly what you'd expect from a cosy mystery.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Despite being the 13th book in the DI Jack Dawes series, The Village Choir Killer is perfectly accessible for first time readers. With an engaging plot from the start and twists throughout, Lloyd captures the charm and quirks of English village life. From the local gossip to the close-knit community feel, Lloyd creates a setting which feels both eerily familiar and atmospheric.
Whilst not exactly pushing the boundaries of the genre, it delivers exactly what you'd expect from a cosy mystery.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping book from start to finish. Although book 13 in the Detective Inspector Jack Dawes Mystery, this can be read as a standalone, and you will find yourself wanting to read more of this brilliant series.
It is a well written and gripping storyline and plot with great descriptive and interesting characters.
this does keep you guessing, and there are plenty of candidates to suspect.
You are kept intrigued with the twist and turns and revelations, leading to that final twist of a conclusion.
It is a most enjoyable book, not to be missed.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
It is a well written and gripping storyline and plot with great descriptive and interesting characters.
this does keep you guessing, and there are plenty of candidates to suspect.
You are kept intrigued with the twist and turns and revelations, leading to that final twist of a conclusion.
It is a most enjoyable book, not to be missed.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 16, 2025
4* An ideal read for amateur sleuths.
The first murder victim was a loathsome individual, however the second victim was an agreeable and pleasant young man. Apart from both being members of the local choir, something must link their deaths, apart from the murderer.
For lovers of whodunits, this is a murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie, with bodies mounting up and countless possibilities of the murderer's identity.
Another case for Scotland Yard's Murder Investigation Team lead by Detective Inspector Jack Dawes. A clever plot with unexpected twists, recommended cosy mystery.
The first murder victim was a loathsome individual, however the second victim was an agreeable and pleasant young man. Apart from both being members of the local choir, something must link their deaths, apart from the murderer.
For lovers of whodunits, this is a murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie, with bodies mounting up and countless possibilities of the murderer's identity.
Another case for Scotland Yard's Murder Investigation Team lead by Detective Inspector Jack Dawes. A clever plot with unexpected twists, recommended cosy mystery.
July 4, 2025
Local butcher and bass singer in Kings Richington choir is found dead in Richington Forrest. Soon another choir member is killed at the local garden centre during the interval of a choir performance. Does someone have a grudge against the choir? Detective Inspector Jack Dawes and his team have to find out before anyone else meets an untimely end. This is the thirteenth instalment of the Detective Inspector Jack Dawes series and is a good cosy murder mystery for lovers of this genre. Very suited to read as a standalone if you haven’t yet read any of the others.
July 4, 2025
A Good Read
when local butcher and choir singer Charlie Snell is murdered, no one seems too upset, not even his wife, but it is up to Detective Inspector Jack Dawes and his team to investigate. Charlie was part of the Kings Richington Community Choir led by the choirmaster Bryn Thomas. As they start their investigation another body is found. Could there be a vendetta against the choir or could it be the two deaths are not connected? This was a good read with an ending I did not see coming.
when local butcher and choir singer Charlie Snell is murdered, no one seems too upset, not even his wife, but it is up to Detective Inspector Jack Dawes and his team to investigate. Charlie was part of the Kings Richington Community Choir led by the choirmaster Bryn Thomas. As they start their investigation another body is found. Could there be a vendetta against the choir or could it be the two deaths are not connected? This was a good read with an ending I did not see coming.
July 5, 2025
The latest (book 13) in a series featuring Detective Inspector Jack Dawes as he investigates the murder of a butcher who is a member of the twenty strong Kings Richington village choir.
Well put together with interesting plot twists and well drawn characters, the story moves along well and he checks out many suspects before another death….Again a choir member…Are there to be others until the choir is destroyed?
A recommended part of the series, it also stands alone and can be read without the earlier volumes in Jack’s story.
Well put together with interesting plot twists and well drawn characters, the story moves along well and he checks out many suspects before another death….Again a choir member…Are there to be others until the choir is destroyed?
A recommended part of the series, it also stands alone and can be read without the earlier volumes in Jack’s story.
July 5, 2025
This is a wonderful addition to a fabulous series. Jack Dawes and his team are interesting, smart, talented and work together to solve crimes. This time, there is not just one murder to solve, but multiple deaths. They have to decide if they are connected and committed by one person or multiple people. The team use their collective smarts and unique methods to work the cases. The plot is clever and moves along at just the right pace which all led to a satisfying conclusion.
While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book.
While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend this book.
July 6, 2025
My first introduction to D I Jack Dawes &his trusty Sgt "Bugsy" Malone in this 13th book in the series read well as a standalone.
First the totally unlikeable butcher is ordered, then the young tenor and lastly the sweet but switched on old lady. There were enough twists in the story to keep me turning pages not to mention some laugh out loud happenings .
Then there were the "lady amateur detectives" , keen to assist, the frying pan incident was hilarious.
Thanks Joffes books for introducing me to yet another tbr author.
First the totally unlikeable butcher is ordered, then the young tenor and lastly the sweet but switched on old lady. There were enough twists in the story to keep me turning pages not to mention some laugh out loud happenings .
Then there were the "lady amateur detectives" , keen to assist, the frying pan incident was hilarious.
Thanks Joffes books for introducing me to yet another tbr author.
July 9, 2025
A really good read, although one of a series, reads as a standalone. Charlie Snell is found by a jogger, someone hit him over the head with a branch. The jogger just happens to be a member of the same choir so is able to identify him for the police. However, they struggle to identify who killed him, plenty of people had reason to but they all appeared to have alibis. Then Luke, a young man is also killed and he too is a member of the choir. The team has its work cut out to find their killer.
A very enjoyable book.
A very enjoyable book.
July 15, 2025
3 1/2 stars. When members of a village choir start being killed off it is up to DI Jack Dawes and his fellow police officers to discover who is guilty. This was not a hard-core police procedural; it read a bit more like a cozy without amateur detectives running amok--well a wife might be trying to help out her husband. The characters are relatable and fun to read about. There is humor as well as a compelling mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 16, 2025
This story was a rollicking romp of the cozy crime genre. I loved it. As someone who has been in a community choir, it made me smile as the characters were well drawn. The tale moved at a steady pace and even those it's part of a series, it worked well as a stand-alone piece. The twist at the end was a surprise. I didn't expect it. And I'm irrationally pleased that the choir master got his comeuppance (nuff said). I shall have to read more in this series. It does remind me a bit of Midsomer Murders
August 5, 2025
This is such a nice easy read, it is 13th in the series but I haven’t read any of the previous ones. You can definitely just pick them up as and when required.
The story consists of a choir member being bludgeoned to death in the woods, while the police are trying to work out who’s killed him, more choir members start dropping.
I enjoyed this book, at just over 200 pages it’s a nice easy read. Set in a village it’s easy to see how it reflects real life in village; everybody knows everyone and everything.
The pace is really good, and the story moves along nicely.
The story consists of a choir member being bludgeoned to death in the woods, while the police are trying to work out who’s killed him, more choir members start dropping.
I enjoyed this book, at just over 200 pages it’s a nice easy read. Set in a village it’s easy to see how it reflects real life in village; everybody knows everyone and everything.
The pace is really good, and the story moves along nicely.
July 10, 2025
This is the first book I've read in this series. Now I will go back and read the previous 12 b00ks! It is a very exciting book. Elizabeth Amory, a woman very active in the community stumbles over a dead body in the woods early in the morning while running. She calls emergency. Jack Dawes, the head of Kings Richington Murder team and Sergeant Bugsy got to the site. The dead man is a local butcher named Charlie Snell who was referred to as a nasty piece of work, and he also sang in the Village Choir. The police visit the butchery, and his wife, who doesn't seem very disappointed that he is dead. She figured he hadn't come home after choir practice because he was probably sleeping with a woman in the choir. Aled suggests that he could join the choir and see if he finds out anything that would be helpful. He meets an elder woman, Mrs. Dibble who tells him she wants to help. There is soon another murder in the choir while at a concert at a garden store. Luke, the young man killed was not only a member of the choir, but an employee at the garden store. Then, there is one more murder, still with no one found as guilty and no good suspects in the choir.
Without giving away the culprits, I will say that the three murders were solved with a lot of excitement involved and even a couple of police wives helped out. Near the end, there was another unclear death which actually pointed out the first killer.
I thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Without giving away the culprits, I will say that the three murders were solved with a lot of excitement involved and even a couple of police wives helped out. Near the end, there was another unclear death which actually pointed out the first killer.
I thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
July 4, 2025
A light hearted murder mystery. Who is picking off members of the village choir? How many more are in danger? Not much sympathy for the first victim, a lecherous bully, but then another body turns up. The detective Jack Dawes and his wife Coriander a chef are quickly embroiled in the intrigue. I think the characters’ names are enough to set the tone for the tale. If murder can be amusing, this is!
July 7, 2025
This is the first of Frances Lloyd's detective series I have read. Quite a gentle plot comparable to Midsummer Murder TV series. Held my interest as I am a member of a choir. Catches your attention by an early murder and a good introduction to characters. There is humour sporadically so if looking for a dark psychological thriller, this is not for you. There are some dark moments when dealing with the murders. I enjoyed the book. Easy to read. Interesting plot. A few twists.
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