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Murder on a Midsummer Night: A Charming Cosy Mystery of Hidden Motives and Murder
As guests gather for Sir Percy’s summer party, a murderer stalks the grounds of Mulberry Hall in this cosy midsummer mystery from bestselling author Lucy Strange.
Preparations for Sir Percy’s summer party have transformed Mulberry Hall into an enchanting wonderland, and siblings Eliza and Bram Rose are thrilled to be part of the festivities. As guests mingle in whimsical costumes and the air fills with excitement, Eliza can’t help but overhear snippets of conversations that hint at secrets and tensions among the grown-ups.
But the evening takes a dark turn when a guest is found dead, plunging the party into chaos. Eliza must use her wits to unravel the means, motive and opportunity behind the murder. But with a host of quirky characters in attendance — from the grumpy gardener to the scorned singer — everyone becomes a suspect.
Preparations for Sir Percy’s summer party have transformed Mulberry Hall into an enchanting wonderland, and siblings Eliza and Bram Rose are thrilled to be part of the festivities. As guests mingle in whimsical costumes and the air fills with excitement, Eliza can’t help but overhear snippets of conversations that hint at secrets and tensions among the grown-ups.
But the evening takes a dark turn when a guest is found dead, plunging the party into chaos. Eliza must use her wits to unravel the means, motive and opportunity behind the murder. But with a host of quirky characters in attendance — from the grumpy gardener to the scorned singer — everyone becomes a suspect.
- GenresMiddle GradeMystery
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
About the author
Lucy Strange
20 books450 followersLucy Strange worked as an actor, singer and storyteller before becoming a secondary school English teacher. She now lives and writes in the heart of the Kent countryside with her partner James, their baby boy and a tortoiseshell cat known as Moo.
Our Castle by the Sea is Lucy’s second novel for children, following her critically acclaimed debut, The Secret of Nightingale Wood.
Our Castle by the Sea is Lucy’s second novel for children, following her critically acclaimed debut, The Secret of Nightingale Wood.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 8, 2026
Book Review: Murder on a Midsummer Night by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Hannah Peck
Rating: 4 Stars
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy mystery that’s as charming as it is intriguing, Murder on a Midsummer Night might just be your next favorite read. Set against the backdrop of Sir Percy’s enchanting midsummer costume party at Mulberry Hall, the story quickly turns from magical to mysterious when a guest unexpectedly falls victim to poisoning.
The vibe is delightfully old-fashioned and very much in the spirit of a classic whodunit. When the grumpy Magnus Cooper is found poisoned, the local policeman’s confusion paves the way for young sleuths Eliza, Bram, and Krish to step up. Together, they unravel a web of secrets—from eerie maze sightings to strange happenings in Sir Percy’s cellar—all wrapped up in a warm, small-village atmosphere.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it's bright, inviting, and perfectly captures the whimsical yet suspenseful tone of the story. The illustrations by Hannah Peck add a lovely touch that really brings the setting and characters to life, making it especially appealing for middle-grade readers.
Overall, this is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read that balances mystery with charm. It’s ideal for readers aged 9 and up who enjoy a smart but accessible puzzle. While it might not break new ground in the mystery genre, its delightful characters and cozy setting more than make up for it. I’d definitely recommend it for a breezy afternoon escape.
A charming mystery that’s fun to dive into and perfect for younger readers looking for their next cosy adventure!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy mystery that’s as charming as it is intriguing, Murder on a Midsummer Night might just be your next favorite read. Set against the backdrop of Sir Percy’s enchanting midsummer costume party at Mulberry Hall, the story quickly turns from magical to mysterious when a guest unexpectedly falls victim to poisoning.
The vibe is delightfully old-fashioned and very much in the spirit of a classic whodunit. When the grumpy Magnus Cooper is found poisoned, the local policeman’s confusion paves the way for young sleuths Eliza, Bram, and Krish to step up. Together, they unravel a web of secrets—from eerie maze sightings to strange happenings in Sir Percy’s cellar—all wrapped up in a warm, small-village atmosphere.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it's bright, inviting, and perfectly captures the whimsical yet suspenseful tone of the story. The illustrations by Hannah Peck add a lovely touch that really brings the setting and characters to life, making it especially appealing for middle-grade readers.
Overall, this is a quick and thoroughly enjoyable read that balances mystery with charm. It’s ideal for readers aged 9 and up who enjoy a smart but accessible puzzle. While it might not break new ground in the mystery genre, its delightful characters and cozy setting more than make up for it. I’d definitely recommend it for a breezy afternoon escape.
A charming mystery that’s fun to dive into and perfect for younger readers looking for their next cosy adventure!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An excellent children's introduction into the literary world of murder mystery! This cozy mystery is clever and humorous, intentionally edited for middle school reading abilities with content appropriate for younger ages, yet entertaining for older kids. There are fun clues and hints of misdirection sprinkled throughout for amateur detectives to follow. It's the adjectives that steal the show, allowing readers to clearly picture what they're reading. Each chapter is accompanied by helpful illustrations keeping readers fully engaged. My favorite part of the book are the caricatures identifying each character before chapter 1! Incredibly helpful to jump right into the book knowing who is who and how they're related.
Favorite moments:
- it is much easier to do hard things if you have purpose!
- "Gazeeeeebo!"
- "beans and locomotive!"
In the book, there are refrences to other mysteries solved by Eliza Rose, but I don't believe readers are missing previous installments- this is billed as the first in a new series. There are many references to Inspector Plum performing below expectations as a means to confer low intelligence and his inability to do the job well, not canon events. Also, "Constable Rose" appears to be an established nickname for Eliza from these aforementioned solved mysteries.
Troupes: sibling rivalry, costumed suspects, amateur sleuth, facing fears, doing hard things bravely
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: lost child
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for this ARC!
Favorite moments:
- it is much easier to do hard things if you have purpose!
- "Gazeeeeebo!"
- "beans and locomotive!"
In the book, there are refrences to other mysteries solved by Eliza Rose, but I don't believe readers are missing previous installments- this is billed as the first in a new series. There are many references to Inspector Plum performing below expectations as a means to confer low intelligence and his inability to do the job well, not canon events. Also, "Constable Rose" appears to be an established nickname for Eliza from these aforementioned solved mysteries.
Troupes: sibling rivalry, costumed suspects, amateur sleuth, facing fears, doing hard things bravely
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 0/5 👀
Triggers: lost child
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
New series from Lucy Strange. I love her Barrington Stoke books because they are normally quite dark and mysterious. This is good but very different to the others.
The Mulberry Hall Murders series features Eliza and Bram Rose - they are teh children of Mr Rose (chef) and Mrs Rose (driver) who work for Sir Percy Swan at Mulberry Hall.
It's Midsummer Night and Sir Percy is having a Summer Ball. His nephew Krish is enjoying using his Uncle's video camera. He has videoed Eliz and Bram bickering over Bram's desire to go into the maze. He says the Crow King will be in the centre at midnight. When Eliza and Krish won't go with him, he persuades Krish to let him use the video camera so he can show them later.
Mr Willow, the gardener, has been upset by one of teh guest who leaves his car in a shrub in the garden. Mr Graves, the butler, also seems upset with this guest who is complaining about teh wine he served. Sir Percy's opera singer friend also doesn't like him!
But this man is a friend of Sir Percy - when the man and Sir Percy begin to talk the man dies! So there are several suspects but who killed him? In the meantime where is Bram and is he safe?
Very good.
Brilliantly illustrated throughout by Hannah Peck.
If you enjoy this I can thoroughly recommend AM Howell Mysteries at Sea series starting with Peril on the Atlantic.
Thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for allowing me an early read via an ecopy
The Mulberry Hall Murders series features Eliza and Bram Rose - they are teh children of Mr Rose (chef) and Mrs Rose (driver) who work for Sir Percy Swan at Mulberry Hall.
It's Midsummer Night and Sir Percy is having a Summer Ball. His nephew Krish is enjoying using his Uncle's video camera. He has videoed Eliz and Bram bickering over Bram's desire to go into the maze. He says the Crow King will be in the centre at midnight. When Eliza and Krish won't go with him, he persuades Krish to let him use the video camera so he can show them later.
Mr Willow, the gardener, has been upset by one of teh guest who leaves his car in a shrub in the garden. Mr Graves, the butler, also seems upset with this guest who is complaining about teh wine he served. Sir Percy's opera singer friend also doesn't like him!
But this man is a friend of Sir Percy - when the man and Sir Percy begin to talk the man dies! So there are several suspects but who killed him? In the meantime where is Bram and is he safe?
Very good.
Brilliantly illustrated throughout by Hannah Peck.
If you enjoy this I can thoroughly recommend AM Howell Mysteries at Sea series starting with Peril on the Atlantic.
Thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for allowing me an early read via an ecopy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed another book by this author and although it comes with a note a the end that it was tested with he age group, it did not sit well with me. I have read quite a few murder mysteries and grown adults are shown to have a remote reaction to death. Some books provide a more complex reactions from people both involved and uninvolved in the crime itself. This book despite neither.
In a bid to focus on the children and their quick thinking and being at the right place at the right time. The author did not dwell on the concept of children having seen a death and or a body. It's brushed aside in a hurry to get to the crime solving itself and I wish it had not been a murder. If it had been any milder form of crime, even an assault that leads a person to be comatose would have been mildly more appropriate.
I could have focused on the simple narration and the interesting children but my mind snagged on that one thing and I couldn't enjoy the rest. I personally wouldn't recommend this although I've read other great books by the author. People who are not as fussy and nitpicky as me will better appreciate the book and it's art.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
In a bid to focus on the children and their quick thinking and being at the right place at the right time. The author did not dwell on the concept of children having seen a death and or a body. It's brushed aside in a hurry to get to the crime solving itself and I wish it had not been a murder. If it had been any milder form of crime, even an assault that leads a person to be comatose would have been mildly more appropriate.
I could have focused on the simple narration and the interesting children but my mind snagged on that one thing and I couldn't enjoy the rest. I personally wouldn't recommend this although I've read other great books by the author. People who are not as fussy and nitpicky as me will better appreciate the book and it's art.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
It’s the shortest day of the year and Mr. Percy is having a costume party. Eliza, Bram and Krish are helping work at the party serving food and filming the whole night. Bram runs into the maze to see the Crow King, at the party there’s a murder and Eliza is the one to solve it with the help of Krish and Bram.
This was a really fun mystery, I really liked how the three of the children had their own skills and each helped to put the pieces together and solved the whole thing. I also really liked that the suspect list was full as so many people at the party had a reason to dislike Mr .Cooper.
It was a really easy mystery to solve but was so much fun throughout, I enjoyed the setting at the costume party, I liked the characters we met, each one was so different and offered a different angle to the story. It was fun going along with Eliza as she was the one to lead the investigation and figure out the what, why and who committed the crime.
The book also came with some great illustrations which I really enjoyed looking at throughout the book. This is a wonderful and incredibly fun read. Perfect for younger readers, it’s easy to read, really fun and has a great case to solve.
It’s the shortest day of the year and Mr. Percy is having a costume party. Eliza, Bram and Krish are helping work at the party serving food and filming the whole night. Bram runs into the maze to see the Crow King, at the party there’s a murder and Eliza is the one to solve it with the help of Krish and Bram.
This was a really fun mystery, I really liked how the three of the children had their own skills and each helped to put the pieces together and solved the whole thing. I also really liked that the suspect list was full as so many people at the party had a reason to dislike Mr .Cooper.
It was a really easy mystery to solve but was so much fun throughout, I enjoyed the setting at the costume party, I liked the characters we met, each one was so different and offered a different angle to the story. It was fun going along with Eliza as she was the one to lead the investigation and figure out the what, why and who committed the crime.
The book also came with some great illustrations which I really enjoyed looking at throughout the book. This is a wonderful and incredibly fun read. Perfect for younger readers, it’s easy to read, really fun and has a great case to solve.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder on a Midsummer Night is a great read for 8-11 year olds- especially for reluctant readers or if a dyslexia friendly book is needed.
This is the story of Eliza and Bram - brother and sister and whose parents work for Sir Percy. who owns Mulberry Hall. This is a "fun" story of adventure and murder as the children become detectives.
Sir Percy is holding a midsummer party where guests are in disguise .The arrival of the moody Magnus Cooper seems to make several people angry and by the time evening arrives he is found poisoned- but who is the murderer? There is also the legend of the Crow King to be solved, a mysterious maze to be discovered and dark cellars with secrets.
Joined by Krish, a family friend, and the bumbling Inspector Plum clues are found and suspect eliminated until the crime is solved.
Fast paced, full of humour and great characters, Lucy Strange has written a winner.. Hannah Peck’s illustrations add a wonderful eccentricity to the book .
This is a fun whodunnit that should appeal as an individual read or even a class read for year 4/5 in KS2
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the advance copy for an honest review.
This is the story of Eliza and Bram - brother and sister and whose parents work for Sir Percy. who owns Mulberry Hall. This is a "fun" story of adventure and murder as the children become detectives.
Sir Percy is holding a midsummer party where guests are in disguise .The arrival of the moody Magnus Cooper seems to make several people angry and by the time evening arrives he is found poisoned- but who is the murderer? There is also the legend of the Crow King to be solved, a mysterious maze to be discovered and dark cellars with secrets.
Joined by Krish, a family friend, and the bumbling Inspector Plum clues are found and suspect eliminated until the crime is solved.
Fast paced, full of humour and great characters, Lucy Strange has written a winner.. Hannah Peck’s illustrations add a wonderful eccentricity to the book .
This is a fun whodunnit that should appeal as an individual read or even a class read for year 4/5 in KS2
Highly recommended.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the advance copy for an honest review.
October 11, 2026
I picked this one up because my class loves Barrington Stoke books - they’re so accessible, especially for readers who need a bit more confidence - and of course, if there’s a murder on the cover, we have to get it!
The story is set at Sir Percy's midsummer costume party at Mulberry Hall, where guests arrive dressed as woodland creatures. Halfway through the book, someone is killed, and siblings Eliza Rose, Bram Rose, and their friend Krish Swan team up to uncover the truth.
One thing I loved was the character guide at the front - it’s so handy to flick back and remember who’s who and what their costumes look like. It adds a lovely visual touch.
I also appreciated that the mystery is simple. There are no complicated twists, making it perfect for introducing younger readers to murder mysteries without any gore.
🌟I’d recommend this to Year 3+ as a gentle but exciting introduction to the genre, while Year 4-6 will enjoy it too.🌟
The story is set at Sir Percy's midsummer costume party at Mulberry Hall, where guests arrive dressed as woodland creatures. Halfway through the book, someone is killed, and siblings Eliza Rose, Bram Rose, and their friend Krish Swan team up to uncover the truth.
One thing I loved was the character guide at the front - it’s so handy to flick back and remember who’s who and what their costumes look like. It adds a lovely visual touch.
I also appreciated that the mystery is simple. There are no complicated twists, making it perfect for introducing younger readers to murder mysteries without any gore.
🌟I’d recommend this to Year 3+ as a gentle but exciting introduction to the genre, while Year 4-6 will enjoy it too.🌟
August 7, 2026
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
Imagine Agathie Christie for kids and you have Murder on a Midsummer Night. This was a fun read and perfect for middle grade readers who want to get into reading mysteries. I liked how the story set up all of the possible murderers to keep kids on their toes but also left a few small hints along the way to see if they could solve the crime along with the characters. The only aspects of the story I did not like were that our intrepid investigators here were a little too okay with seeing a dead body and the police officer is pretty incompetent (I do not especially like when children's content makes adults out to be completely ridiculous). This would be a perfect addition to school and classroom libraries.
Imagine Agathie Christie for kids and you have Murder on a Midsummer Night. This was a fun read and perfect for middle grade readers who want to get into reading mysteries. I liked how the story set up all of the possible murderers to keep kids on their toes but also left a few small hints along the way to see if they could solve the crime along with the characters. The only aspects of the story I did not like were that our intrepid investigators here were a little too okay with seeing a dead body and the police officer is pretty incompetent (I do not especially like when children's content makes adults out to be completely ridiculous). This would be a perfect addition to school and classroom libraries.
July 31, 2026
A children's murder mystery adventure with lots of gorgeous illustrations, perfect for young detectives.
Barrington Stoke books, as expected, are aimed at children with reading difficulties, focusing on making genuinely engaging stories more accessible, and this one was no different. As an adult, I did feel that the murderer and the method was very obvious from the beginning, but hopefully that is a way to ensure that its target readers are still able to guess and piece the mystery together themselves.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
Barrington Stoke books, as expected, are aimed at children with reading difficulties, focusing on making genuinely engaging stories more accessible, and this one was no different. As an adult, I did feel that the murderer and the method was very obvious from the beginning, but hopefully that is a way to ensure that its target readers are still able to guess and piece the mystery together themselves.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
August 17, 2026
While I expected a middle grade level novel, I think this book is geared for younger readers, readers in the 3rd to 5th grade. Thus, I feel not as equipped to write a review since I tend to not read books from this age group. That being said, this book, less than 150 pages, felt short and under developed, but not bad. I think that readers in the target demographic would probably enjoy the read but I am not in that target demographic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a great introduction to the Cozy Mystery genre for young readers. It was an easy read, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and the 3 main characters. I would definitely read more of their adventures together.
I received a free E-ARC from Netgalley & Barrington Stoke publishing for my honest review.
I received a free E-ARC from Netgalley & Barrington Stoke publishing for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Copy...It was what the blurb said...cozy mystery indeed. Oh who murder who and why plus we got the protagonist swept in the mystery and even though clearly over their heads a bit they are cleaver to enough to deal with the situation. All done up in to one nice neat package.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
t is intriguing mystery written with highly accessible language. The story is simple but with enough twists to keep young readers intrigued.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a lot of fun
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
New series from Lucy Strange. I love her Barrington Stoke books because they are normally quite dark and mysterious. This is good but very different to the others.
The Mulberry Hall Murders series features Eliza and Bram Rose - they are teh children of Mr Rose (chef) and Mrs Rose (driver) who work for Sir Percy Swan at Mulberry Hall.
It's Midsummer Night and Sir Percy is having a Summer Ball. His nephew Krish is enjoying using his Uncle's video camera. He has videoed Eliz and Bram bickering over Bram's desire to go into the maze. He says the Crow King will be in the centre at midnight. When Eliza and Krish won't go with him, he persuades Krish to let him use the video camera so he can show them later.
Mr Willow, the gardener, has been upset by one of teh guest who leaves his car in a shrub in the garden. Mr Graves, the butler, also seems upset with this guest who is complaining about teh wine he served. Sir Percy's opera singer friend also doesn't like him!
But this man is a friend of Sir Percy - when the man and Sir Percy begin to talk the man dies! So there are several suspects but who killed him? In the meantime where is Bram and is he safe?
Very good.
Brilliantly illustrated throughout by Hannah Peck.
If you enjoy this I can thoroughly recommend AM Howell Mysteries at Sea series starting with Peril on the Atlantic.
Thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for allowing me an early read via an ecopy.
The Mulberry Hall Murders series features Eliza and Bram Rose - they are teh children of Mr Rose (chef) and Mrs Rose (driver) who work for Sir Percy Swan at Mulberry Hall.
It's Midsummer Night and Sir Percy is having a Summer Ball. His nephew Krish is enjoying using his Uncle's video camera. He has videoed Eliz and Bram bickering over Bram's desire to go into the maze. He says the Crow King will be in the centre at midnight. When Eliza and Krish won't go with him, he persuades Krish to let him use the video camera so he can show them later.
Mr Willow, the gardener, has been upset by one of teh guest who leaves his car in a shrub in the garden. Mr Graves, the butler, also seems upset with this guest who is complaining about teh wine he served. Sir Percy's opera singer friend also doesn't like him!
But this man is a friend of Sir Percy - when the man and Sir Percy begin to talk the man dies! So there are several suspects but who killed him? In the meantime where is Bram and is he safe?
Very good.
Brilliantly illustrated throughout by Hannah Peck.
If you enjoy this I can thoroughly recommend AM Howell Mysteries at Sea series starting with Peril on the Atlantic.
Thanks to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for allowing me an early read via an ecopy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three children connected to Mulberry Hall are allowed to help out at a massive garden party put on by the owner. One of them has been boasting all day of going to the spooky centre of the hedge maze at midsummer midnight to see the Crow King emerge from the ground, but the others know that that's not going to happen. But they might have got it very wrong in thinking this was just a gentle, upper class shindig…
This highly readable junior murder mystery is bloodless and cosy enough, and actually pretty decent. It's not a book that pretends super detective skills for any of the children, but it does make the copper look more than a bit stupid and the kids almost able to stumble into crime-solving. Its brief running time doesn't allow for much complexity or much debate about who might be a suspect, but it doesn't really need that. It has an amiable feel, and in explaining the motive, means and opportunity triad has a very successful claim to be a 'my first mystery' of high appeal.
This highly readable junior murder mystery is bloodless and cosy enough, and actually pretty decent. It's not a book that pretends super detective skills for any of the children, but it does make the copper look more than a bit stupid and the kids almost able to stumble into crime-solving. Its brief running time doesn't allow for much complexity or much debate about who might be a suspect, but it doesn't really need that. It has an amiable feel, and in explaining the motive, means and opportunity triad has a very successful claim to be a 'my first mystery' of high appeal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A really fun middle grade murder mystery book centered around 3 kids solving a crime at a midsummer party hosted in a big Manor House. Short chapters had me flying through the book and the plot was keeping me gripped
July 24, 2026
3.5 stars
I love a murder mystery and this one is no exception! Set in a wonderfully mysterious mansion garden which has a maze, this has gorgeous characters, a great mystery to solve and lots of cakes throughout! Because this is a Barrington Stoke book, it is wonderfully readable and I think my Y6s will love it! The illustrations by Hannah Peck are so full of personality - there’s one in particular that I really love!
I love a murder mystery and this one is no exception! Set in a wonderfully mysterious mansion garden which has a maze, this has gorgeous characters, a great mystery to solve and lots of cakes throughout! Because this is a Barrington Stoke book, it is wonderfully readable and I think my Y6s will love it! The illustrations by Hannah Peck are so full of personality - there’s one in particular that I really love!
Review of advance copy
Absolutely sweet, middle-grade mystery with a great choice of setting for adorable illustrations, which offer up great visual clues for the reader ahead of the text. Great fun for a read along with younger kids too.
I received my copy early in the US through Blackwells.
I received my copy early in the US through Blackwells.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews