What do you think?
Rate this book
Sarah Vane Mysteries #5
A Country Manor Murder
The sweeping lawns and old stone walls of Coates House make it the perfect backdrop for a baking competition. But Sarah Vane must put her scones aside to figure out who would kill for it…
Sarah Vane’s making the most of her retirement, entering the annual baking competition at the stately Coates House. Normally it runs like clockwork under the eagle eye of Madeleine Brett-Coates. But when Sarah stumbles across the body of the lady of the manor, a string of bunting wrapped tightly around her neck, the event is plunged into chaos.
Mrs Brett-Coates’s children appear heartbroken but soon Sarah learns that the kind old woman ruled her roost with an iron rod. And as well as whispers of a secret fling, Sarah discovers that someone’s name was hastily crossed out of her will just days before her death…
Everybody at the manor, even the staff, had a motive and all of them have secrets they’d kill to keep. But when one of the Brett-Coates heirs vanishes, and a threatening note is sent to the others, Sarah suddenly sees a much bigger plot unfolding. Can Sarah track down the killer before another victim is claimed?
A delightfully cozy and utterly unputdownable murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Clare Chase who are looking for their next addictive read.
Sarah Vane’s making the most of her retirement, entering the annual baking competition at the stately Coates House. Normally it runs like clockwork under the eagle eye of Madeleine Brett-Coates. But when Sarah stumbles across the body of the lady of the manor, a string of bunting wrapped tightly around her neck, the event is plunged into chaos.
Mrs Brett-Coates’s children appear heartbroken but soon Sarah learns that the kind old woman ruled her roost with an iron rod. And as well as whispers of a secret fling, Sarah discovers that someone’s name was hastily crossed out of her will just days before her death…
Everybody at the manor, even the staff, had a motive and all of them have secrets they’d kill to keep. But when one of the Brett-Coates heirs vanishes, and a threatening note is sent to the others, Sarah suddenly sees a much bigger plot unfolding. Can Sarah track down the killer before another victim is claimed?
A delightfully cozy and utterly unputdownable murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Clare Chase who are looking for their next addictive read.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryAdult
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2026
About the author
Alice Castle
23 books158 followersAlice 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 9, 2026
This dysfunctional family was highly entertaining.
April 10, 2026
Dysfunctional. vile, self importance, greedy, snobbish, rude, and a convoluted, messy, irritating mystery and murders.
I enjoyed the mystery, and Sarah and the dogs, but the family was just too much, to the point of making me tired of all the drama.
I think the mystery could have been solved quicker, but I DID LOVE THE ENDING!!!
Hope the next book in the series has better character development.
I enjoyed the mystery, and Sarah and the dogs, but the family was just too much, to the point of making me tired of all the drama.
I think the mystery could have been solved quicker, but I DID LOVE THE ENDING!!!
Hope the next book in the series has better character development.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Country Manor Murder is exactly the kind of cozy crime novel that invites you in with the promise of scones and sweeping lawns, then quietly tightens its grip with a wonderfully tangled web of motives. It’s an irresistible blend of village charm and manor‑house menace.
Sarah Vane is a delight—sharp, observant, and enjoying her retirement on her own terms. Her excitement for the annual baking competition at Coates House is infectious, which makes the shock of discovering Madeleine Brett‑Coates’s body all the more jarring. The image of bunting used as a murder weapon sets the tone perfectly: festive on the surface, sinister underneath.
As Sarah begins to peel back the layers of the Brett‑Coates family, the story becomes deliciously knotty. The grieving children, the staff with long memories, the whispers of an affair, and the suspiciously edited will all create a classic closed‑circle mystery where everyone has something to hide. The disappearance of one heir and a chilling note to the others raise the stakes beautifully, giving the plot a steady, satisfying momentum.
What makes the novel shine is its balance: it’s cozy without being twee, atmospheric without losing its sense of fun. The manor setting is wonderfully drawn, and Sarah’s gentle tenacity makes her an endearing sleuth you can’t help rooting for.
Perfect for fans of Faith Martin and Clare Chase, this is an addictive, comforting mystery with just the right amount of bite. A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me turning pages long after I meant to stop.
With thanks to Alice Castle, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Sarah Vane is a delight—sharp, observant, and enjoying her retirement on her own terms. Her excitement for the annual baking competition at Coates House is infectious, which makes the shock of discovering Madeleine Brett‑Coates’s body all the more jarring. The image of bunting used as a murder weapon sets the tone perfectly: festive on the surface, sinister underneath.
As Sarah begins to peel back the layers of the Brett‑Coates family, the story becomes deliciously knotty. The grieving children, the staff with long memories, the whispers of an affair, and the suspiciously edited will all create a classic closed‑circle mystery where everyone has something to hide. The disappearance of one heir and a chilling note to the others raise the stakes beautifully, giving the plot a steady, satisfying momentum.
What makes the novel shine is its balance: it’s cozy without being twee, atmospheric without losing its sense of fun. The manor setting is wonderfully drawn, and Sarah’s gentle tenacity makes her an endearing sleuth you can’t help rooting for.
Perfect for fans of Faith Martin and Clare Chase, this is an addictive, comforting mystery with just the right amount of bite. A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me turning pages long after I meant to stop.
With thanks to Alice Castle, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
February 21, 2026
4.5 upped to 5
Alice Castle returns to familiar territory with this fifth Sarah Vane mystery, delivering a charming and thoroughly enjoyable escape. The country‑manor setting comes with all the cosy‑mystery tropes one expects: a baking competition, a domineering matriarch, a family full of secrets, and a murder that feels both inevitable and delightfully absurd. Castle balances comfort and intrigue with her usual light touch.
Sarah remains an appealing protagonist. Observant, quietly stubborn, and gently mischievous, she moves through the Coates household with calm precision. Her encounters with the various family members and staff are among the book’s highlights. The cast is lively, though its size means a few characters stay flatter than ideal.
The mystery is neatly constructed, with clues placed carefully and red herrings used playfully. The middle section does slow, lingering longer than necessary before the investigation gathers pace again, yet this never truly affects the pleasure of reading. Castle’s humour keeps the tone buoyant, and her affectionate wit ensures even the quieter chapters remain engaging.
This instalment continues the series’ gentle rhythm. It does not aim to shock or reinvent the genre. Instead, it offers a reliably enjoyable puzzle in a setting that feels instantly familiar. Readers who appreciate a traditional British cosy with a modern sensibility will find much to enjoy. It is a comfortable, clever mystery that leaves you content and ready for Sarah Vane’s next outing.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Alice Castle returns to familiar territory with this fifth Sarah Vane mystery, delivering a charming and thoroughly enjoyable escape. The country‑manor setting comes with all the cosy‑mystery tropes one expects: a baking competition, a domineering matriarch, a family full of secrets, and a murder that feels both inevitable and delightfully absurd. Castle balances comfort and intrigue with her usual light touch.
Sarah remains an appealing protagonist. Observant, quietly stubborn, and gently mischievous, she moves through the Coates household with calm precision. Her encounters with the various family members and staff are among the book’s highlights. The cast is lively, though its size means a few characters stay flatter than ideal.
The mystery is neatly constructed, with clues placed carefully and red herrings used playfully. The middle section does slow, lingering longer than necessary before the investigation gathers pace again, yet this never truly affects the pleasure of reading. Castle’s humour keeps the tone buoyant, and her affectionate wit ensures even the quieter chapters remain engaging.
This instalment continues the series’ gentle rhythm. It does not aim to shock or reinvent the genre. Instead, it offers a reliably enjoyable puzzle in a setting that feels instantly familiar. Readers who appreciate a traditional British cosy with a modern sensibility will find much to enjoy. It is a comfortable, clever mystery that leaves you content and ready for Sarah Vane’s next outing.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
February 21, 2026
If you're looking for a fabulous cosy murder mystery
This is a book (and series) that you really must see.
An engaging read to keep your attention
And Sarah Vane and her friends are well worth a mention!
Sometimes a distraction is just what you need
And a baking competition could be where Sarah will succeed.
The only problem is getting there almost on time
Only to discover a horrific crime!
The body of the organiser is what she discovers
The lady of the manor will be judging no others!
But that's just the start of another brilliant case
And the manor is where all the actions take place.
Madeleine Brett-Coates had ruled the manor for years
No one seems to feel her passing warrants tears.
But there are surprise revelations and family dramas, too,
As Sarah is invited to stay there with her crew.
An intriguing murder mystery with shocks in store
Making this the kind of read that I adore.
The great characters are brilliant portrayed all the way through
Making them easy to relate to in all they say and do.
This is the kind of read you don't want to put down till the end,
One in which it is a total pleasure your time to spend.
The clues are there but keep you guessing all the way
Making it a great read which I highly recommend I have to say.
For my copy of this brilliant book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
This is a book (and series) that you really must see.
An engaging read to keep your attention
And Sarah Vane and her friends are well worth a mention!
Sometimes a distraction is just what you need
And a baking competition could be where Sarah will succeed.
The only problem is getting there almost on time
Only to discover a horrific crime!
The body of the organiser is what she discovers
The lady of the manor will be judging no others!
But that's just the start of another brilliant case
And the manor is where all the actions take place.
Madeleine Brett-Coates had ruled the manor for years
No one seems to feel her passing warrants tears.
But there are surprise revelations and family dramas, too,
As Sarah is invited to stay there with her crew.
An intriguing murder mystery with shocks in store
Making this the kind of read that I adore.
The great characters are brilliant portrayed all the way through
Making them easy to relate to in all they say and do.
This is the kind of read you don't want to put down till the end,
One in which it is a total pleasure your time to spend.
The clues are there but keep you guessing all the way
Making it a great read which I highly recommend I have to say.
For my copy of this brilliant book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
February 18, 2026
In the delightful fifth book of the Sarah Vane Mysteries series, Sarah eagerly anticipates participating in a baking competition. However, her excitement is short-lived when she discovers the body of the manor’s lady of the manor, Madeleine Brett-Coates, at the Coates House where the competition is being held. Clearly, this is a murder case that Sarah must investigate.
Initially, it appears that the victim’s heirs are devastated, but Sarah soon uncovers a web of conflicts and secrets within the household. She is determined to uncover the truth and determine if one of the victim’s heirs is responsible for her death.
Despite being retired, Sarah finds joy in this new chapter of her life. Baking competitions are enjoyable, but she has discovered a hidden talent: she’s a brilliant armchair detective. Having achieved success in solving crimes in the past, Sarah sets high standards for herself and delivers another satisfying mystery.
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Sarah Vane Mysteries series. I admire the strength and resilience of women of a certain age who prove that life doesn’t have to end. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this captivating series.
7Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Initially, it appears that the victim’s heirs are devastated, but Sarah soon uncovers a web of conflicts and secrets within the household. She is determined to uncover the truth and determine if one of the victim’s heirs is responsible for her death.
Despite being retired, Sarah finds joy in this new chapter of her life. Baking competitions are enjoyable, but she has discovered a hidden talent: she’s a brilliant armchair detective. Having achieved success in solving crimes in the past, Sarah sets high standards for herself and delivers another satisfying mystery.
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the Sarah Vane Mysteries series. I admire the strength and resilience of women of a certain age who prove that life doesn’t have to end. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this captivating series.
7Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ahh retirement, who doesn't want to relax, enter baking competitions at a moments notice, and then discover a dead body? Well, Sarah Vane actually, but she, best friend Daphne, and partner, Charles, along with cute dog, Hamish, find themselves stuck at Coates House, home to the Brett-Coates family after doing just that! Asked by Daphne’s daughter, Mariella, the detective in charge of the investigation, to stay at the house and pass on any information they discover. Unfortunately are nearby when a second body is locate making everything far more urgent. With every meal becoming a battlefield and everyone in danger will Sarah be able to discover the killer before anyone else dies?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a cosy with awful family members, things that go bump in the night, and the chance to see Daphne and Charles shine a little. I have no idea if the landed gentry are like this, it could be stereotypical but they were fun and worked well with the three familiar main protagonists in this really good, cleverly thought out storyline. 4.5 rounded up to 5*.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a cosy with awful family members, things that go bump in the night, and the chance to see Daphne and Charles shine a little. I have no idea if the landed gentry are like this, it could be stereotypical but they were fun and worked well with the three familiar main protagonists in this really good, cleverly thought out storyline. 4.5 rounded up to 5*.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 Stars
Sarah Vane’s persuaded to enter the annual baking competition at the stately Coates House by bestie Daphne. Normally it runs like clockwork under the eagle eye of Madeleine Brett-Coates. But when Sarah enters the marquis to display her scones she stumbles across the body of the lady of the manor, a string of bunting wrapped tightly around her neck. Mrs Brett-Coates’s three children appear heartbroken but soon Sarah learns that the kind old woman ruled her roost with an iron rod. Then when the will is read it’s found that she altered it a few weeks before her death.
The fifth outing for Sarah, Hamish, Daphne & Charles plus not forgetting Mariella, a well written cosy mystery with lots of twists & turns. I love Sarah but must admit whilst I like Daphne & Charles they do annoy me at times. I didn’t like the Brett-Coates’ at all, in fact they were awful! I did really like how Sarah worked her way through the clues & red herrings & I must admit Daphne added humour & was a help as was Charles. An engrossing book, which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Sarah Vane’s persuaded to enter the annual baking competition at the stately Coates House by bestie Daphne. Normally it runs like clockwork under the eagle eye of Madeleine Brett-Coates. But when Sarah enters the marquis to display her scones she stumbles across the body of the lady of the manor, a string of bunting wrapped tightly around her neck. Mrs Brett-Coates’s three children appear heartbroken but soon Sarah learns that the kind old woman ruled her roost with an iron rod. Then when the will is read it’s found that she altered it a few weeks before her death.
The fifth outing for Sarah, Hamish, Daphne & Charles plus not forgetting Mariella, a well written cosy mystery with lots of twists & turns. I love Sarah but must admit whilst I like Daphne & Charles they do annoy me at times. I didn’t like the Brett-Coates’ at all, in fact they were awful! I did really like how Sarah worked her way through the clues & red herrings & I must admit Daphne added humour & was a help as was Charles. An engrossing book, which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
February 19, 2026
Favorite Quotes:
Sarah tried to keep herself busy by engaging Bernard in conversation, but it was rather like swimming through treacle with all your limbs tied together.
Goodness, Helena’s going to be as mad as a sack of squirrels about that!
...it’s enough to give my heebie-jeebies the collywobbles.
My Review:
Another entertaining cracker of a cozy murder mystery from the clever Alice Castle, one of my favorite raconteurs. I do love her humorously drawn yet resourceful characters and immersive storytelling. She led me on a merry chase with this one. I couldn’t settle on a villain as the entire family was rather vile, useless, and consumed by their own self-importance and drama.
I adore this series and am now as attached to Sarah Vane as I was to Ms. Castle’s previous creation of the pixie-booted Beth Haldane. The murder mysteries are well-plotted and unpredictable, while the wryly witty and enjoyable storylines keep me engaged and amused. The secondary character of Daphne continues to provide comic relief, and precious little Hamish was also front and center, providing his mistress with comforting snuggles and small but mighty guard-dog protection.
Sarah tried to keep herself busy by engaging Bernard in conversation, but it was rather like swimming through treacle with all your limbs tied together.
Goodness, Helena’s going to be as mad as a sack of squirrels about that!
...it’s enough to give my heebie-jeebies the collywobbles.
My Review:
Another entertaining cracker of a cozy murder mystery from the clever Alice Castle, one of my favorite raconteurs. I do love her humorously drawn yet resourceful characters and immersive storytelling. She led me on a merry chase with this one. I couldn’t settle on a villain as the entire family was rather vile, useless, and consumed by their own self-importance and drama.
I adore this series and am now as attached to Sarah Vane as I was to Ms. Castle’s previous creation of the pixie-booted Beth Haldane. The murder mysteries are well-plotted and unpredictable, while the wryly witty and enjoyable storylines keep me engaged and amused. The secondary character of Daphne continues to provide comic relief, and precious little Hamish was also front and center, providing his mistress with comforting snuggles and small but mighty guard-dog protection.
February 26, 2026
This was such a charming and twisty cozy mystery. Sarah Vane, happily retired, agrees to take part in a baking competition at the grand Coates House. What should have been a lighthearted day of scones and friendly rivalry quickly turns dark when she stumbles upon the body of Madeleine Brett-Coates, the formidable lady of the manor.
I loved how the story unfolded from there. On the surface, the Brett-Coates family seemed devastated, but Sarah’s sharp eye soon revealed cracks beneath the grief. Secrets, rivalries, and a suspiciously altered will made it clear that almost everyone had something to hide. The manor setting gave the mystery that classic feel, where every character could be a suspect.
This was the first time I read this series and author. Sarah is clever, determined, and has a knack for piecing together clues while balancing humour and warmth. Her interactions with Daphne, Charles, and her loyal dog Hamish added both charm and comic relief
The mix of family drama, hidden motives, and manor-house atmosphere made this a thoroughly engaging read.
I loved how the story unfolded from there. On the surface, the Brett-Coates family seemed devastated, but Sarah’s sharp eye soon revealed cracks beneath the grief. Secrets, rivalries, and a suspiciously altered will made it clear that almost everyone had something to hide. The manor setting gave the mystery that classic feel, where every character could be a suspect.
This was the first time I read this series and author. Sarah is clever, determined, and has a knack for piecing together clues while balancing humour and warmth. Her interactions with Daphne, Charles, and her loyal dog Hamish added both charm and comic relief
The mix of family drama, hidden motives, and manor-house atmosphere made this a thoroughly engaging read.
March 22, 2026
Retired doctor Sarah Vane reluctantly agrees to join her friend in a baking competition. But when she sneaks into the tent to add their wares she finds the judge dead inside...
A Country Manor Murder is the 5th book in the Sarah Vane series of cosy murder mysteries.
Sarah and Daphne don't have any chance of winning a baking prize but luckily they have good murder investigation skills instead! Daphne’s police daughter asks Sarah to help out by staying in the stately home with the family to weasel out the motives and suspects. They are joined by her dog Hamish and partner Charles who has a vague connection to the family.
There are plenty of family squabbles to unravel and the staff are also potential witnesses and suspects to investigate. The style of writing is easy to read and there are lots of red herrings to keep readers guessing about the culprit.
A Country Manor Murder is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery and I really like Sarah as the lead amateur sleuth.
A Country Manor Murder is the 5th book in the Sarah Vane series of cosy murder mysteries.
Sarah and Daphne don't have any chance of winning a baking prize but luckily they have good murder investigation skills instead! Daphne’s police daughter asks Sarah to help out by staying in the stately home with the family to weasel out the motives and suspects. They are joined by her dog Hamish and partner Charles who has a vague connection to the family.
There are plenty of family squabbles to unravel and the staff are also potential witnesses and suspects to investigate. The style of writing is easy to read and there are lots of red herrings to keep readers guessing about the culprit.
A Country Manor Murder is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery and I really like Sarah as the lead amateur sleuth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "A Country Manor Murder" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was the fifth book in the Sarah Vane series. Sarah's friend and neighbour Daphne decides to enter them in a baking contest which is being held that afternoon. Since Sarah is involved of course she stumbles upon another murder. Daphne's daughter Mariella is now with the Canterbury police and this is her first big case. The series is excellent but this story was a bit unbelievable because Mariella always actively discourages her mother and Sarah from investigating and in this book she practically forbids them from leaving the murder scene and has them investigating for her, while she is at home sleeping.
This was the fifth book in the Sarah Vane series. Sarah's friend and neighbour Daphne decides to enter them in a baking contest which is being held that afternoon. Since Sarah is involved of course she stumbles upon another murder. Daphne's daughter Mariella is now with the Canterbury police and this is her first big case. The series is excellent but this story was a bit unbelievable because Mariella always actively discourages her mother and Sarah from investigating and in this book she practically forbids them from leaving the murder scene and has them investigating for her, while she is at home sleeping.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the 5th book in the Sarah Vane series. I have not read any of the previous books, and it wasn't necessary to do so.
This is a classical cozy mystery set in the English countryside. The main characters are middle aged Sarah, her friend Daphne, and her boyfriend Charles. In this book they, conveniently and accidentally, became involved in a murder in a country manor. What follows is a typical cat mouse chase, multiple suspects and very poor police work that leads to the MCs discovering the culprit.
It's a nice book, specially if you are into this genre. The characters are likable and the situations they find themselves in make it an easy read. I would recommend it if you are looking for a story that's light, simple and not too long.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for "A Country Manor Murder"
This is a classical cozy mystery set in the English countryside. The main characters are middle aged Sarah, her friend Daphne, and her boyfriend Charles. In this book they, conveniently and accidentally, became involved in a murder in a country manor. What follows is a typical cat mouse chase, multiple suspects and very poor police work that leads to the MCs discovering the culprit.
It's a nice book, specially if you are into this genre. The characters are likable and the situations they find themselves in make it an easy read. I would recommend it if you are looking for a story that's light, simple and not too long.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for "A Country Manor Murder"
February 22, 2026
Sarah Vane, a retired doctor, gets pulled into the investigation of the murder of the lady of the house when she finds the body during her somewhat illicit scone admission to the fair going on at the house. After some investigation she discovers the adult children of the murder victim are far from grief stricken and a recently changed will means there are plenty of reasons for murder. Can Sarah figure out who the killer is before someone else dies?
Exactly what you want from a stately home murder: a highly dysfunctional family, lots of suspects, plenty of red herrings and an engaging amateur sleuth. I enjoyed this.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Exactly what you want from a stately home murder: a highly dysfunctional family, lots of suspects, plenty of red herrings and an engaging amateur sleuth. I enjoyed this.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 18, 2026
Retired GP Sarah Vane and her extrovert friend Daphne take part in a baking competition at the village fete, but the discovery of a body amidst the bunting means more sleuthing for the two friends. The high-society family at the centre of this murder investigation has lots of quirks and secrets, making the mystery twisty and the suspects numerous. The country manor setting makes this a quintessential cosy mystery with an intelligent amateur sleuth aided by her supportive friends. I like the easy-to-follow investigation, the humour between Sarah and Daphne, which lightens the drama and the vibrant cast of characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this cozy mystery early! I’ve never read an Alice Castle book before but she does an amazing job adding details from previous books so a new reader won’t be confused if they (like me) accidentally start 5 books in to the series. This gave me all the comfort of watching the show Murder She Wrote. I definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys a cozy murder mystery. Now I need to go make some tea and scones.
April 7, 2026
Quite a mystery!
So many suspects to rule out because each one seemed to be the one who was the killer. But the how & whys were a jumbled mess. A good read for some snowy days. I liked Sarah's thought process into figuring things out. This is my first reading of the series. It may make more sense to know the relationship background with Sarah, Charles, Daphne & Mariella.
So many suspects to rule out because each one seemed to be the one who was the killer. But the how & whys were a jumbled mess. A good read for some snowy days. I liked Sarah's thought process into figuring things out. This is my first reading of the series. It may make more sense to know the relationship background with Sarah, Charles, Daphne & Mariella.
April 9, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alice Castle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Country Manor Murder. 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 love manor mysteries. I would check out other books by this author.
I’ve read other books in the series. I really love cozy mysteries. This was a fun one. I love manor mysteries. I would check out other books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sarah may be retired, but a sleuth never hangs up their stalker cap! And so it goes when Sarah enters a baking contest and finds the hostess dead. Can Sarah rise like a soufflé and solve the case or will she fall like a too heavy cake? It’ll take finesse and the right ingredients to solve this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dropped in to this cozy murder mystery at the fifth installment - now I have to go back and read all four that came before this one! Lovely setting, interesting characters and it kept a good pace all the way through.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
March 15, 2026
I had up to this book really enjoyed the series, but this book was a struggle to finish for me. Not sure if it was the setting of this grand home, or the fact the paragraph seemed to drag out and flip back and fourth for me, was about to abandon Tim but read through to the end.
April 28, 2026
This is the latest in a set of mysteries featuring retired doctor Sarah Vane. This time she enters a baking competition only to find a corpse in the exhibition tent. A great read from a strong series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cute British cozy mystery where Sarah and her friend were entering a baking contest and instead find a body!
The family in the middle of the murder is super dysfunctional and very entertaining to watch fall apart, and the investigation was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing.
The family in the middle of the murder is super dysfunctional and very entertaining to watch fall apart, and the investigation was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews