Murder on the Downs

A Chance Inquiry #5

by Holly Newman

Two deaths. One village. Countless secrets buried beneath the Downs.

When tragedy strikes the peaceful village of Mertonhaugh, grief turns swiftly to suspicion. The magistrate’s spirited daughter dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances. Days later, the vicar’s wife is found at the base of the cliffs—an apparent suicide.

Eager for closure, the magistrate declares the case the vicar’s wife administered a fatal potion to his daughter, then took her own life in remorse. But Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke aren’t so sure. Behind the polite facades and Sunday smiles, they sense something darker stirring.

As the Branstokes quietly pursue the truth, their inquiries expose old resentments, forbidden liaisons, and the invisible rifts dividing Mertonhaugh’s tidy society. Yet the deeper they dig, the more peril creeps toward their doorstep—endangering not only their reputations, but the life of their young son, Hugh.

In a world where appearances deceive and justice wears many faces, the Branstokes must tread carefully… or risk losing everything they hold dear.

Newman’s Murder on the Downs delivers the quintessential English village mystery—elegant, atmospheric, and steeped in period charm. Fans of traditional historical mysteries will find themselves utterly engrossed in Mertonhaugh’s secrets, where every character has something to hide.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I was hooked from the start. This is the first book I’ve read in the series but I felt as if I’ve known these characters forever. They and this small English country town come alive as you read. They and this mystery is both tragic and intriguing. There are plenty of secrets and who knew gossip could be used for good?! What a clever way to catch a culprit! Very much looking forward to the next book!

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Holly Newman's regency romance since I read A Grand Gesture way back when so when given the chance to read an ARC of Murder on the Downs, I jumped at it. Overall, the mystery was well plotted, the characters were well-drawn, and the historical details really anchored the setting/time period. But...I felt disadvantaged because I haven't read any of the other books in the series (I prefer starting a new-to-me series with its #1) and constantly felt I was missing pertinent details about the main characters, etc. There were also a few instances across the story where the dialogue and behaviors rang more 21st century than 19th century, and I had to remind myself this was a historical murder mystery. Overall, I would recommend this book. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I think readers would enjoy it more if they started with Book 1, Murder in Trade. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Lady Cecilia Branstoke along with husband Sir James enjoying a picnic with friends and their children!
It was an idyllic scene until one little lady Charlotte ran away and James and Lord Aldrich notice a body over the cliff!
They are in time to hear the dying words of the Vicar’s wife Mrs Jones. This sets them on the path to resolve now not one but two murders!
There is a saying that comes to mind when I think of the haughty residents of Mertonhaugh village. There are secrets, black mailers from the local Lord to the Vicar! How James and Cecilia sort the deception from truth is another page turner! It is nonstop action as they find out the truth!
When a victim becomes the Victor! I love these mysteries and a touch of romance! Bravo well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thrilling murder mystery with a touch of romance rolled in. We have the Branstokes’ – Sir James and Lady Cecilia, enjoying a picnic with friends when a second murder occurs. The first was the magistrate’s daughter who dies under mysterious circumstances. Added to this is the vicar’s wife, Mrs. Jones takes her own life after “killing” the magistrate’s daughter.

All this does not sit right with Cecilia and James, so they decide to launch their own investigation which opens them up to danger and leaves their young son, Hugh in peril as well.

They must tread very carefully, trying to expose the actual murderer while keeping their young son and themselves out of harm’s way. An exciting new story that you will thoroughly enjoy. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Kate Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author, and while this book works as a standalone, I do wish I’d started at the beginning of the series. There are threads and backstory woven throughout that I feel would have added even more depth had I been familiar with them beforehand.

That said, I would still happily recommend this book. The storyline is refreshingly different, and the atmosphere of the village and time period comes through clearly and vividly as you read. I was easily immersed in the setting and characters.

I’ll definitely be going back to find the start of this series, as this has been a very promising introduction to the author’s work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Branstokes and their friends along with their children are on a picnic when they come across a disturbing site, the body of the vicar's wife. She seems to have fallen down a cliff. Unfortunately, she dies before a doctor can arrive. Not everything is as it seems. There is the question as to whether she jumped or was pushed. When the Branstokes begin investigating they discover some disturbing information about the magistrate and his family. Are they able to bring to light the evil they have discovered before they become its victims too?
Very twisting and disturbing mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir James and Lady Cecilia Branstoke are at their estate when two deaths happen. As they look into the last death (the vicar’s wife) they realize the connection to the first one. How they work together with the aid of some of the secondary characters is very interesting. The major crimes are solved in this story, but there is a lead into the next book in the series in the epilogue. I enjoyed the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. This may have been one of my favorites.

James and Cecilia are enjoying their time on their country estate. Unfortunately, two deaths occur; at least one is suspicious but they think both are. Of course, they set off to investigate and catch the guilty party.

A lot of intriguing characters and plot. It was fun to try to figure out the mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable murder mystery story that James and Cecilia must strive to solve as they don't believe the magistrates verdict of murder and suicide. Is there more to this murder mystery than meets the eye.

[Carolyn Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Murder Mystery

A book that one would find hard to put down.. Intriguing and skillfully written. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who loves a good mystery. Waiting for the next book.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery story. Well defined, good plot and clues. Great characters and twists and turns. Fun to see if I could figure it out before the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.