The Body at the Windmill

A Georgina Drake Mystery #7

by Kate Hardy

When a school trip turns deadly at a restored windmill, photographer Georgina Drake finds herself swept up in a murderous plot…

After a class of children falls mysteriously ill and their teacher dies from eating poisoned sausage rolls, suspicion falls on mill owner Louise Wilkins. And when Georgina’s beloved spaniel Bert eats the same contaminated food, the case becomes deeply personal.

Working with her aristocratic friend Sybbie and the ever-sceptical DI Colin Bradshaw, Georgina delves into the mill’s dark history and uncovers a chilling over a century earlier, the miller’s daughter was accused of poisoning a local family with arsenic-laced flour. Is someone using the Victorian case as a blueprint for a modern-day murder? With the poisoner growing bolder and time running out, can Georgina solve both mysteries before the truth is buried forever…?

Fans of Faith Martin, M.C. Beaton and Midsomer Murders will be gripped by this cozy mystery where even the most idyllic setting can harbour dark secrets.

Genres: Mystery

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

Kate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.

She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!

Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.

Reviews

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

​History, mystery and a dash of arsenic! A delightful read!
When a group of children is poisoned at a beautifully restored windmill, leading to the tragic death of their teacher—the village is left reeling. Enter our intrepid amateur sleuth, Georgina, who is quickly on the case alongside her friends, her detective partner, Colin, and the ever-reliable Doris to add a dash of paranormal. ​This richly atmospheric mystery is peppered with fascinating historical insights, particularly regarding the lethal history of arsenic.
Reading this series feels like catching up with old friends; every character is relatable and full of depth. Georgina remains a standout protagonist, determined, empathetic, and smart as a whip.
The side stories add interesting layers and help us get to know our characters even better.
With an ending tied up as neatly as a box of sausage rolls wrapped in a bow, this is a must-read for any cozy mystery fan. I can't wait for the next one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arranging a school trip can be a logistical nightmare but if the children all fall ill while you're out in the countryside it becomes something even worse. After Georgina Drake learns that the teacher has died and the owner of the windmill they were visiting is the main suspect she is concerned. When her ghostly friend, Doris tells her about a similar incident over a century earlier piquing her interest she begins looking into the historical case but then her beloved dog Bert also falls ill and it becomes very personal indeed. Who would want to injure young children and a dog? As her partner, Detective Inspector Colin Bradshaw, looks into more fatalities related to the poisonings, and Georgina’s investigation takes her ever closer to danger, can they discover what happened before more people die?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is such a good series, the concept is highly original, it's written in an engaging and exciting manner, and each new release has become a must read for me. Georgina and Colin are a great couple and their differing ideas on the cases are always fun. Their friends add another layer to these books but its Doris's input and the resulting second investigation in each story is what takes it to the next level and is always a fascinating addition. This wasn't as cosy as normal with Bert taking centre stage for worrying reasons but is still an excellent and highly recommended read.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body at the Windmill by Kate Hardy was such a fun reading experience and easily one of those books you fly through in a day or two.

This was my first time picking up a book in this series, and I genuinely had no idea going in that there would be such a strong supernatural element. Ghosts are introduced almost immediately and very casually, which perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the story. From that point on, I knew I was in for something quirky, chaotic, and entertaining. This book is delightfully weird in the best way and fully embraces its cozy mystery meets paranormal vibe.

There is a lot happening here. Poisonings, school children getting sick, dogs in danger, business sabotage, and a historical miscarriage of justice from the 1800s all swirl together in one story. Somehow it manages to feel both busy and oddly light at the same time. I especially enjoyed the historical thread and the way the past and present echo each other around the windmill setting. That part added depth and gave the story an extra layer that kept me engaged.

The characters are fun and memorable, even coming in fresh to the series. Georgie is an easy main character to root for, and the sense of community around her really shines. The tone is cozy and warm, even when things get dark, which makes it a very easy and comforting read.

While the modern day investigation itself felt a bit light, and the pool of suspects was fairly small, the journey was so entertaining that it did not dampen my enjoyment. The reveal was over the top, slightly ridiculous, and completely in line with the rest of the book. Everything wrapped up quickly and neatly, maybe a little too neatly, but in a way that fits the cozy genre perfectly.

Also, I will never read the words sausage rolls the same way again.

Overall, this was weird, wacky, fast paced, and a genuinely good time. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, eccentric characters, and a story that does not take itself too seriously, this is absolutely worth picking up.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something instantly comforting about a village mystery that takes its time to settle in, and Body at the Windmill delivers exactly that. Kate Hardy drops us into a small community where secrets hum beneath the surface like the creak of old wooden beams, and the discovery of a body at a much loved local windmill sends ripples through everyone who lives there.

At the heart of the story is Georgie, whose gentle determination makes her a wonderfully easy heroine to follow. With her loyal little dog Bert trotting faithfully at her heels sniffing for sausage rolls and her ghostly friend Doris offering both insight and a link to the past, the investigation has a unique and delightful dynamic that sets this book apart from more traditional cosy mysteries.

What I especially enjoyed was the steady, unhurried pacing. This is not a book that relies on constant shocks, but instead builds its mystery piece by piece, letting the characters and their relationships take centre stage. The windmill itself feels almost like a character, quietly watching as secrets and suspicions swirl around it.

While the mystery is satisfying, some of the clues and reveals are a little predictable, particularly for seasoned cosy crime readers. I would have loved a few sharper twists or a more surprising final reveal. Even so, the warmth, charm, and clever blend of ghostly help and grounded investigation make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

This is a cosy mystery with heart, humour, and just a whisper of the supernatural, perfect for curling up with on a rainy afternoon.
My thanks go to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of this book

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what fun it is to have all my favorite characters back again!

When a stomach bug seems to be affecting the whole town and certain adults die, it becomes apparent that someone is tampering with the food.
Georgie is sure that someone is setting up Louise Wilkins, the local baker and owner of the restored windmill. She is the baker who made the sausage rolls that made the kids sick on a class trip. Or else someone is after Billy the butcher ,since it was his meat that Louise used to bake her goods.
With the help of Bert ( her dog), Sybbie Walters her unconditional friend, her boyfriend DI Colin Bradshaw, Doris the ghost and her son Will, Georgie will race against time to find out who is adding poison to the food before someone else dies. She will do this while also solving an old story about a mad Miller murdering someone over a hundred years ago.

I was so happy to read about Georgie and her whole gang. I got really emotional when Bert got sick and Doris stayed by his side the whole night. Aside from Georgie's sleuthing, I really enjoyed reading about Will and his work problems. It reminds me that Georgie is a regular mom who is also worried about her adult children. I am so happy that Colin is more accepting about Doris and doesn't give Georgie such a hard time about her anymore. He has really come around since the previous books.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eArc. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recieved as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the approval to read this book.

The Body at the Windmill is quick, lovely and intriguing cozy read that begins with a school trip to local, well known mill turns sour leaving the day ruined. But an expected death changes things within the town that could mean a poisoned class trip was hiding something far more darker. The beautifully resorted mill has a harrowing past that Georgina and DI Colin Bradshaw must discover the truth buried among legendary stories to bring a killer to justice. As the case gets more personal time is running out to know why a killer started down a road that only brings tragedy.


A good recommended read.

[mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, it can completely be read as a standalone, but I will be rereading the series from the start and then give a full review on Instagram.

These are characters that I immediately felt I knew, but also wanted to get to know even more, I’m excited to have a new series to binge

[lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book. The 7th book in the series, about Georgina Drake, set in Norfolk. The characters feel like friends as you read the series, all ,likeable people with the places also familiar to me. Doris, as always adds an extra dimension to the story. An enjoyable read from start to finish. The attention to detail and historical facts are good. A recommended read.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "The Body at the Windmill" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 7th book in the wonderful Georgina Drake Mystery series. As always Ms. Hardy has added layers to the characters that the readers have come to love.

Georgina Drake runs a holiday let at Rookery Farm. She is in a relationship with DI Colin Bradshaw and she has a delightful liver & white English springer spaniel.

The story starts with Harry the son of Georgie's cleaner Jodie getting ill on a school trip. The class was visiting the Great Wenborough Windmill when all the students and the teacher fell ill at the same time. Were the warm sausage rolls everyone ate to blame?

Georgie and her friends Sybbie, Cesca and Jodie often solve Colin's cases and cold cases that Bert manages to dig up. Miss Hurst the supply teacher does not make it. How did everyone get so sick, so fast.

Louise Wilkins owns the mill. Riley the Rat Man says that there are no vermin at the mill, yet the children found a dead rat in the grain store. Or was it food poisoning but everyone knows how careful Louise is about food safety. Why would someone meddle with the food, does someone have a grudge against Louise?

Doris the ghost of an 18 year-old girl who died falling down the stairs at Rookery Farm half a century ago talks to Georgie through her hearing aids and helps her solve cold cases. Only Georgie can hear her, her friends and children all know about Doris and are very supportive of her. Colin on the other hand is skeptical about Doris and refuses to accept the existence of ghosts. They've had many a row and almost split up over this.

A twist from the usual, where Bert finds bones, Doris is contacted by the victim and they solve the crime. This time they are helping Margaret Chorley the miller's daughter who was hanged for murder in 1845 at the age of 21. She says she wasn't the killer and has been moving things around at Louise's mill trying to find evidence to prove her innocence. Herbert Forrest's young son died after eating a cake that had poison in it. Herbert's wife was an invalid who could only drink milk thickened with flour. The court said that Margaret sent the flour to their house sprinkled with arsenic. The cook didn't use it to make pap but rather baked a cake that 6 year old Daniel ate, no one else had any of the cake. Margaret insists that she did not poison the flour and she was not in love with the horrible, sweaty little man that looked like a toad.

One of our favourite characters also becomes very ill from sausage rolls that Georgie bought for Colin to share with his team. When Georgie visits Bert's former owner and takes her some sausage rolls, she also falls ill. When they find two different poisons being used does that mean there are two poisoners? And why is someone targeting poor Louise?

One of the best parts of this book is Georgie's son Will comes for a visit and is excited to "meet" Doris for the first time. He is a lovely young man who sets to helping Georgie and Sybbie research Margaret's case and is a calming effect on poor Louise when she has a panic attack.

When all the pieces of the puzzle are put together, a very complicated plot comes to light and unexpected murderer(s) are revealed. The case of Margaret is also solved by our gang.

As always the reader can look forward to the next adventure that Georgie and her friends get into.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two mysteries. Both involving poisoning. One old. One new. And, somehow, right in the middle of both, is photographer Georgina Drake. Who knew simply driving a friend to pick up a child who gets sick on a school field trip could lead to an investigation. Although initially most found it odd an entire group of children would get sick with the same thing at almost exactly the same time, no one thought too much about it. Then the teacher heading that field trip dies. Now it's a murder investigation that sucks Georgina into it in ways she'd just as rather have never happened.

I don't want to give away too much more of the plot, it's a good one that'll keep you guessing, but will say it involves greed, family angst, manipulation, small town gossip, a dead rat, and the difficulty newcomers often face while trying to fit into a new place. You'll also get some serious background on windmill operation and the whys of the way things are done to manufacture flour. Lots of bits of history, too, mostly tied to the old murder. That's where Georgina's friend Doris comes into play. She has a talent Georgina doesn't. Doris is a ghost that only Georgina can hear through her hearing aid. She also seems to have the ability to slip in an out of locations not just effortlessly... I mean, would we expect anything less of a ghost .... but find and talk to deceased souls involved. In this case it's Margaret, accused and hanged for murder nearly a century ago. Doris' presence doesn't come across as spooky, just as the way it is, so don't hesitate to read this if you're a ghost skeptic. As you'll discover, some of the characters were/are, too.

Which brings me to why I keep returning to this series. The characters are well fleshed out and it was particular fun to see Georgina's son Will home and playing a major role in the investigation. Actually, in both investigations. Even daughter Bea makes a brief appearance via a phone call, so it was a bit of a family reunion. Colin, the detective inspector and Georgina's boyfriend, is coming around but I was more impressed to see his open willingness to not just buy into Doris' existence but how he handled dealing with Will's work issues that brought him home. Not pushy, just available to listen if needed. In the process, we all learn a bit about the evolution of arsenic via some past research Will did for schooling. In any case, I liked the characters and how their connections have evolved. And, hey, if you enjoy a dose of Shakespeare and/or literary references, you'll definitely like this book. The mystery is solid, with several suspects and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. Thanks #StormPublishing for initially introducing me to this series and allowing me an early peek at how life is treating Georgina. My own affinity for picking up my camera without thought makes her a bit of a kindred soul for me.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was there a body at the windmill and I missed it? And what does Georgina see in Boring MCP Colin who doesn't respect her, despite his professing?

I normally enjoy these cosy mysteries but the author brought too much in this time. There was Georgina's son Will who was struggling with a new female boss that was either a micromanaging bully, or a new broom intent on bringing her own people in (the storyline went nowhere; he was just around for some research on arsenic). There was an absent wanker merchant banker husband. There was a seemingly on-Louise's-side MIL. There was lovely Louise who was either the killer or bringing targeted, together with the poor butcher and his daughter. There was the unfriendly nanny. Bert got ill but thankfully recovered. Boring Colin spouted his normal stuff, bordering on being an MCP. Am I the only one who sees how disrespectful he is of Georgina and Doris? The glances? The judgey short sentences? The way Georgina anticipates a difficult response from him and braces and carefully words things so as not to mention either 'Doris' or 'ghost'? The man's a boring old fuddy duddy!! Even when she called to tell him of developments in the case, he dismissed her offhand, saying he didn't have time to talk to her, but made time when she said the magic words. What a git. I hope he's the next victim in the series, tbh. And please don't talk about sausage rolls made with minced chicken!! Wtaf??

The murderer was too obvious just by the clunky over-mentions of their character. They didn't like their employer, well, only one of them, as it turned out, and they didn't like the locals. The husband merchant banker was a wanker and a cheat. I hope Louise gets the kids, the house and her business when she divorces him.

The storyline delved way, way into the village's past, with a wronged ghost talking to Doris. I liked that she got a very, very late posthumous pardon and her name cleared, but hated that the bad guy got away with it, and with her family's mill, land and fortune going to his descendants. There was some eye-rolling with a certain person being charged with harm to Bert - that wasn't intentional harm, because Bert did eat six chicken sausage rolls not intended for him. Harm to others was intended, but the Bert charge couldn't stick with the CPS in 2025. This wasn't the best outing in the series but I live in hope Boring Colin the MCP will be a future victim!

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.

[Tzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A routine school trip to a lovingly restored windmill takes a turn when the whole class is hit with a sickness bug, along with their substitute teacher. It turns out that all of them were given a freshly made sausage roll in the morning, made by Louise - originally from London but recently relocated to Norfolk where she runs a bakery as well as being the owner and restorer of the mill. When things take a tragic turn, Louise naturally falls under suspicion as an outsider, and it's down to her friends and the local police to find out the truth.

I had so much fun with this but can't even begin to explain it. I know this is part of an established series, and I definitely think I would have found it easier to keep track of the characters had I read a couple of the previous books. Georgie is a fun MFC - feisty, clever, independent but calls for help when needed. Colin her partner seems like an absolute sweetie as well as being a part of the local police force, and their dog Burt is clearly adorable. They're joined by a host of others and together do give the impression of being a lovely, tight knit community.

A feature I loved was the investigation of an historic case - in the 1860s a young woman was found guilty of murdering a local boy and was hanged for the crime; but Georgie and friends are out to prove that it was a miscarriage of justice. It was a really unusual feature for a cozy and I really enjoyed it. I also liked how well researched the book was, the author obviously draws on a combination of local knowledge and diving in the archives - which really comes across in the details.

My biggest criticism is that there really isn't a lot of investigation of the modern death...so much time and energy is put into the historic case that the modern victim actually doesn't get any page time, and I really don't like how incidental that character ended up being. Also...not a lot of emotional depth on display - an attempt was made at making the killer more relatable, but this was undermined immediately by their utter lack of empathy. Now, that could have been deliberate but it felt a little more like rushing the conclusion to me.

I really enjoyed this, it was a good time read especially on a rainy weekend.

- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in exchange for an honest review -

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series - this can be read as a standalone but if you haven’t managed them all then you have missed a treat.

I am the most sceptical ever about ghosts and the paranormal and this series wouldn’t normally have appealed at all. But the idea that a ghost can communicate through the main character’s - Georgina - hearing aids did appeal as I have a deaf hearing aided daughter - what does she hear we don’t I wonder?
Once again Doris communicates with departed characters and reports back to Georgina. Her friends and especially Colin are beginning to realise that Georgina must be getting her inside information from somewhere as she often knows something no-one else could.

Back to this book - Kate Hardy deserves praise for her research into poisons and how she wove that research into the studies of Georgina's son Will.

As with others in the series there are two mysteries, a contemporary one and a historical one. This time though Georgina’s dog Bert didn’t unearth any bones - though he did have a central part.

This involved a mill where a modern day baker Louise, had restored the mill and opened a business and Margaret - historically connected to the same mill and hung for murder in the mid 1800s.
Once again we meet core characters, Sybbie and Colin who is the detective in the story. The police procedure - which this isn’t - is incidental to the story. This is a cosy mystery about relationships between people - the police are there for the modern day murders rather than reams about what the police should or shouldn’t do.

I had worked out who had dunnit long before the end but hadn’t foreseen one aspect of the story at all. I found the denouement a bit rushed if I am honest but maybe that was because I had worked out the perpetrators in the contemporary murders. The historical one was well worked out by Georgina, Will and Sybbie and it was interesting to read how they used historical records to do so.

A great read and I look forward to the next in the series

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body at the Windmill by Kate Hardy is the seventh installment of the Georgina Drake mystery series. This story starts with school children becoming ill during a class trip to a flour mill (windmill). When Georgina Drake’s friend Jodie calls to tell her that her son had fallen ill during a class trip, Georgina springs to action to take Jodie to pick up Harry. When Harry’s teacher dies because of the poisoning, the police are called in and discover rat poisoning in the food. Georgina enlists Sybbie’s help to investigate as she thinks it is unlikely that Louise Wilkins would spend over a year refurbishing the windmill to create a business and be careless. Suspicion also falls on Billy the butcher as he supplied the meat used to make the sausage rolls everyone ate.

While investigating the food poisoning in hopes of clearing Louise’s name, Doris (Georgina’s resident ghost) discovers a ghost at the windmill, Margaret Chorley, who was hanged for poisoning a little boy in the 1800s. There appears to be parallels between Margaret’s case in the past and what is going on with Louise.

Georgina enlists her son Will, who is in town for a visit, and Sybbie to investigate Margaret’s case with the hopes of exonerating her. Of course, DI Colin Bradshaw, Georgina’s boyfriend, is involved as well in his capacity as law enforcement. The poisoning gets personal when Georgina’s dog, Bert, gets sick from eating sausage rolls and his previous owner, Valerie, falls ill after eating one.

I think the culprit was obvious, but it didn’t detract from the story. The fight to exonerate Margaret was interesting. I like how Colin has become more accepting of Doris’s presence, even though he is not 100% on board yet. Readers will enjoy the setting of the story as well as the main characters of the series. I anxiously await the next book in the series as they are so much fun to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at the Windmill is a charmingly atmospheric cozy mystery that blends village intrigue, historical echoes, and a wonderfully relatable amateur sleuth. Kate Hardy delivers a story that feels comfortingly classic while still offering enough twists to keep you turning the pages long past bedtime.

Photographer Georgina Drake is an instantly likeable protagonist—curious, grounded, and fiercely loyal, especially when her sweet spaniel Bert becomes collateral damage in a chilling poisoning case. What begins as a tragic incident during a school trip quickly spirals into something far darker, and Hardy does a lovely job of balancing the emotional stakes with the gentle humour and warmth that cozy‑mystery fans adore.

The restored windmill setting is a standout. It’s picturesque on the surface, yet Hardy cleverly uses its history to weave in a parallel Victorian mystery that adds depth and a deliciously eerie undertone. The question of whether a modern killer is mimicking a century‑old crime gives the story a satisfying dual‑timeline feel without ever overwhelming the main plot.

Georgina’s dynamic with her aristocratic friend Sybbie and the sceptical DI Colin Bradshaw adds charm and texture—there’s a real sense of community here, complete with quirks, tensions, and secrets simmering beneath the surface. Fans of Faith Martin, M.C. Beaton, and Midsomer Murders will feel right at home.

This is a cozy mystery with heart, history, and just the right amount of menace. Hardy keeps the pace brisk, the clues well‑planted, and the atmosphere delightfully immersive. A thoroughly enjoyable read that proves even the most idyllic English setting can hide something sinister.

Perfect for readers who love their mysteries gentle but clever, with a dash of nostalgia and a heroine worth rooting for.

with thanks to Kate Hardy, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[TrishAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Photographer, Georgina (Georgie) Drake, was investigating a centuries old murder at the same time that her partner, DI Colin Bradshaw, was investigating a current murder, the two were to become intrinsically twisted together.
A party of school children were on a school visit to Great Wensborough Windmill, most of the children became ill with food poisoning, all of them recovered but unfortunately the teacher didn't, was this an accident or was it murder ?
Louise Wilkins had bought the windmill and lovingly restored it, her hygiene was beyond dispute, but it was Louise's sausage rolls that were blamed for the outbreak. Louise confided in her friend Georgie how worried she was, the local butcher was also under suspicion. When Georgie's much loved dog, Bert, became ill and an elderly lady died after eating Louise's sausage rolls, things became even more desperate, both Louise and the butchers businesses had to close down.
Louise didn't really want to return to London, she loved it in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, the children had settled well in school, but if she had to sell the mill she would have no choice.
Georgie noticed similarities with the murder that happened at the windmill centuries ago, with what was happening with Louise now.
Georgie decided that the two murders were linked, along with her friends, Jodi, Sybbi and Cesca, she went into full investigative mode, if she solved the old one, she could help Colin with the current one.
This is a tongue in the cheek, cosy mystery with a good amount of woo woo from Doris, the ghost who whispers into Georgie's hearing aid. I must admit that I did guess the ending very early on but it was still an enjoyable read.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Georgina Drake took her friend Jodie to the restored windmill, where a group of school children had been having an outing, all the children were ill, not just Harry. With Georgina's significant other, DI Colin Bradshaw, investigating the suspected poisoning, then the school teacher died, it was obvious there was someone out there who was creating havoc. Did they want Louise to close down the mill she'd lovingly restored? Were they aiming their anger at Billy the butcher? Colin was determined to find the answers.

Meanwhile, Georgina was investigating a cold case, with the help of Doris (her resident ghost), Will, Georgina's son, and Sybbie, her good friend. The hanging of a young woman over two hundred years prior for something she didn't do, was bothering Georgina - could she get the answers to that case as well?

The Body at the Windmill is the 7th in A Georgina Drake series by Kate Hardy and I've loved each and every episode, including this one! With Georgina, Sybbie and Colin as the constant MCs, along with Bert, their adorable dog, the different stories are intriguing and thought provoking. I actually had the bad guy pinpointed early this time, but the journey to the finish was exceptional. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Acantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this book.

It was my first one in this series and I had no idea going into it, that there would be such a supernatural bent to the whole case. Just casually tossing around ghosts and the like by chapter two. That pretty much set the tone for the rest of the story. It was utterly insane, a glorious mess and just a delightfully good time.

There is so much happening in this book, so many poisonings, kids, people, dogs, a miscarriage of justice from the 1800's... And yet so little. I felt so sorry for the first murder victim, she was very short changed here, she didn't even get a first name. I would have loved some actual investigation around her death, rather than what little investigating there was, being around the idea that someone was trying to sabotage a business. As if the idea that the woman could have been murdered on purpose wasn't even worth considering.

Our killer was... well. Also insane, but in a different way from the rest of the book, I couldn't believe what I was reading at times, although I had worked it out, simply because there didn't seem to be anyone else it could be. This book isn't brimming with suspects, there is a very narrow selection here.

Also, sausage rolls as two words have lost all meaning to me. They were said so many times.

This was, like I said, a lot of fun, weird, wacky, wrapped up really fast and maybe a little too neatly. Also I had to laugh at the fact the killer was charged for a number of their crimes, but not all of them?

A fun little book that can be done in a day or two and will keep you entertained.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Body at the Windmill
Series: The Georgia Drake Mystery #7
Author: Kate Hardy
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: February 2, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages 225

Georgina Drake is a professional photographer n and amateur sleuth – so when a school trip turns deadly at a restored windmill. Georgina Drake finds herself swept up in a murderous plot…it takes all of Georgina‘s sleuthing skills to unwind the truth…
After a class of children falls mysteriously ill and their teacher dies from eating poisoned sausage rolls, suspicion falls on mill owner Louise Wilkins. And when Georgina’s beloved spaniel Bert eats the same contaminated food, the case becomes deeply personal.
Working with her aristocratic friend Sybbie and the ever-skeptical DI Colin Bradshaw, Georgina delves into the mill’s dark history and uncovers a chilling parallel: over a century earlier, the miller’s daughter was accused of poisoning a local family with arsenic-laced flour. Is someone using the Victorian case as a blueprint for a modern-day murder?
I have read others in this series and loved them. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I was reading after dinner so all the research on poison food wasn’t appetizing-plus I have a serious good allergy.
However, I did love Ms. Hardy’s ‘A Letter From the Author’. She goes into a lot of details that I found interesting.

I want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 2, 2026.

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at the Windmill
by Kate Hardy
Pub Date: Feb 02 2026

"The Body at the Windmill" is a gripping addition to the Georgina Drake mystery series, blending contemporary suspense with a chilling historical parallel.

The story is about when a school trip to a restored windmill turns tragic. A teacher dies and a class of children falls ill after consuming poisoned sausage rolls, leading suspicion to fall squarely on the mill owner, Louise Wilkins.

The stakes become deeply personal for protagonist Georgina Drake, a photographer, when her beloved spaniel, Bert, also eats the contaminated food. Alongside her aristocratic friend Sybbie and the skeptical DI Colin Bradshaw, Georgina uncovers a century-old case involving a miller's daughter accused of poisoning a family with arsenic-laced flour. The core mystery centers on whether a modern-day killer is using this Victorian tragedy as a blueprint for murder.

What I liked about this book is it's a dual mystery connecting a cold case from over 100 years ago to current events. The idyllic backdrop of the restored windmill contrasts effectively with the "dark secrets" and "chilling parallel" of the murders.

This novel is a "must-read" for fans of cozy mysteries.

Thank you #TheBodyattheWindmill #NetGalley & #StormPublishing for giving me the opportunity to review this E-ARC

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a visit to a local windmill, a class of children falls mysteriously ill and their teacher dies from eating poisoned sausage rolls, suspicion falls on mill owner Louise Wilkins. And when Georgina’s beloved spaniel Bert eats the same contaminated food, the case becomes deeply personal. Working with her aristocratic friend Sybbie , the ever-sceptical DI Colin Bradshaw & Doris , Georgina delves into the mill’s dark history and uncovers a chilling over a century earlier, the miller’s daughter was accused of poisoning a local family with arsenic-laced flour.
The seventh outing for Georgina & co & another engrossing cosy mystery. I loved that there was once again two cases & loved all the historical facts about the sale of & use of arsenic. The characters have lovely depth & the pace never lagged. The cases are intriguing with twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing as to who the villain was. We got to know a bit more about Will, Georgina’s son, & I loved how accepting he was of Doris. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to be back in the world of a Georgina Drake mystery!
I really enjoy how we have two mysteries to solve in one story, a historical one that is introduced by Doris and an ongoing one that takes place in the community.
This time there is a poisoner on the loose - causing the local windmill owner and producer of baked goods to be under suspicion as a whole class of children plus teacher became ill after eating sausage rolls supplied on a school visit to the windmill.
The historical mystery is a miscarriage of justice for the daughter of the mill owner, so is life repeating itself again with the modern day accusations?
Georgina is drawn in further when those close to her also fall victim to eating from the same place.
An intriguing story that was fast paced and emotional in parts.
I was entertained throughout the story and I enjoyed trying to work out who was responsible and why.
A delightful cosy mystery that was fun to curl up with and digest.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book, both by this author and in the series, and I can’t say that I was captivated. The premise sounded intriguing, but I wasn’t really into the story. I haven’t read the previous books in the series, so there were some things that left me confused and, while I didn’t like most of the characters, I still think that some of them were well-drawn and with an engaging story. The mystery started interesting, but I figured out the truth halfway through the book and there wasn’t much suspense in it. I found the second mystery much more interesting, the historical one, as it created a darker and more interesting subplot. Overall, a nice mystery novel, but not a series I will keep reading.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgina is involved in solving two mysteries, both involving a local windmill used to grind flour in the past. A class of school children are visiting the historic mill when they all begin being sick. When the teacher dies, the owner of the mill/bakery comes under suspicion. Georgina believes it’s not that straightforward and when her friend dies, she is determined to get to the truth. She also is helping the ghost of a falsely accused woman who was executed for a murder she didn’t commit, with the help of her own resident ghost, Doris.
This is an entertaining series and I enjoy the characters and the mysteries. I couldn’t wait to find out whodunit!
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[K McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable cozy mystery read in a an equally enjoyable series centered on photographer Georgie, police inspector boyfriend Colin, and a regular cast of characters in their village. In this one, a mysterious death and apparent poisoning at a local historical windmill end up sparking an investigation into both the current case and a historical case at the mill. The series has a supernatural element in the form of a ghost that only Georgie can talk to. That element isn’t overdone in my opinion but is definitely part of the plot. Both mysteries are well-plotted and offer the chance to catch up with regular characters. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

A school trip to the local mill ends early due to an outbreak of food poisoning with the pupils, luckily the children recover, unfortunately their teacher is not so lucky.
Georgina decides to buy sausage rolls to take to visit her friend and Bert’s previous owner, she buys extra for Colin to take into work, Bert had other ideas and ate them, unfortunately making him very ill.
Now it looks like someone has it in for the mill, which mirrors a case from the 1840s when the daughter of the mill owner was hanged for murder, a crime that Doris has told Georgina that Margaret did not commit. Another case for Georgina and her friends, including ghost Doris, are determined to solve.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc, a good read

[Liz Fielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging characters, twisty plot Another great book in the Georgina Drake series from Kate Hardy. A school visit to the Windmill ends in tragedy. Once again Georgina is drawn in the mystery of how and why with the help of a delightful cast of friends and neighbours as well as Georgina's partner, the gorgeous DI Colin Bradshaw. There's also a secondary historical death to be investigated with a little paranormal help from Doris. The beautiful Norfolk setting is almost another character. Kate's books are always a joy and I read this one straight through. Can't wait for the next one.

I received an ARC copy of this book at Netgalley but my own copy arrived on my Kindle from Amazon this morning.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read, we find Georgie and Edith involved in a mystery that turns into murder, with no obvious suspects but with a connection to a piece of local folklore. I really like the regular characters in this series, especially Bert, who has a large part to play, yet not his usual rooting out of old bones. There are a several good suspects, the odd red herring with some good twists and turns. I love how Georgie and Edith communicate, and the way Georgie’s friends and family readily accept Edith, with Colin also coming round to her existence. This was an intriguing read, with a satisfying conclusion. Thanks to etgalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a school trip goes disastrously wrong, the owner of the Windmill, the children visited, is under suspicion, and Georgina finds herself embroiled in the ensuing investigation. Further incidents make poisoning the likely culprit, but who has the motivation and means to commit such a deadly crime? A tragic incident in the Windmill's past echoes the recent events there, and Georgina must determine whether it can shed light on the current crimes. Georgina is an intuitive detective, and with the help of friends and family, she pieces together the clues to both mysteries. I enjoyed unravelling the complex mysteries, the cast of characters who all add to the story, and the emotion that underscores events and makes them feel realistic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a most entertaining read. When people start dying due to the food supplied by the restored Windmill, suspicion falls on the owner. But of course, the explanation is much more complex. Georgina and her ghostly sidekick Doris also investigate the hanging of Margaret Chorley, who was framed in a similar way, back in history. Both plots were clever, and at least in the present day, justice was done. Although part of a series, it would work as a standalone book, however, I do hope there are more books to come. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this book for my pleasure and for a freely given honest review.