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The Saint Mary's Cipher: A Homefront Sleuths Mystery
Palm Sunday brings spring to Crofter’s Green—and a deadly secret.
When a postal van crashes outside the Cozy Cup, Dorothy agrees to hold a registered parcel for the shaken driver. Minutes later, the parcel vanishes—and the postman is found murdered. The only clue? An address in London…and a faint cipher that points back to St Mary’s Church.
As Alice prepares the sanctuary for Palm Sunday, she notices something odd., Blake uncovers a hidden code, and Harry traces a careful‑spoken stranger through village lanes. The Sleuths soon discover a chilling scheme, and a whispered signal that could feed a German revenge plan and leave the village in ruins.
Meanwhile, a desperate telegram sends Evie across the Channel on a midnight boat to rescue an old ally—and to confirm a warning that may be the key to stopping the plot before Easter Weekend. With church bells quiet under blackout, a father’s fate to be decided in court, and a wedding hanging in the balance, the Sleuths must outwit a ruthless local ring before the first bombs fall.
Packed with springtime atmosphere, familiar characters, and the cozy charm you love about Crofter’s Green, The Saint Mary’s Cipher delivers heart, humor, and high stakes in equal measure. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Rhys Bowen, and Jacqueline Winspear.
One‑click now for village warmth, clever clues, and a race‑against‑time mystery!
When a postal van crashes outside the Cozy Cup, Dorothy agrees to hold a registered parcel for the shaken driver. Minutes later, the parcel vanishes—and the postman is found murdered. The only clue? An address in London…and a faint cipher that points back to St Mary’s Church.
As Alice prepares the sanctuary for Palm Sunday, she notices something odd., Blake uncovers a hidden code, and Harry traces a careful‑spoken stranger through village lanes. The Sleuths soon discover a chilling scheme, and a whispered signal that could feed a German revenge plan and leave the village in ruins.
Meanwhile, a desperate telegram sends Evie across the Channel on a midnight boat to rescue an old ally—and to confirm a warning that may be the key to stopping the plot before Easter Weekend. With church bells quiet under blackout, a father’s fate to be decided in court, and a wedding hanging in the balance, the Sleuths must outwit a ruthless local ring before the first bombs fall.
Packed with springtime atmosphere, familiar characters, and the cozy charm you love about Crofter’s Green, The Saint Mary’s Cipher delivers heart, humor, and high stakes in equal measure. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Rhys Bowen, and Jacqueline Winspear.
One‑click now for village warmth, clever clues, and a race‑against‑time mystery!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2026
194 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Anna Elliott
80 books456 followersAnna Elliott is an author of historical fiction and fantasy. She enjoys stories about strong women, and loves exploring the multitude of ways women can find their unique strengths. She was delighted to lend a hand with the Sherlock & Lucy series, and thrilled to continue a new spin-off series featuring Becky and Flynn. Her first series, the Twilight of Avalon trilogy, is a retelling of the Trystan & Isolde legend. She wrote her second series, The Pride & Prejudice Chronicles , chiefly to satisfy her own curiosity about what might have happened to Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and all the other wonderful cast of characters after the official end of Jane Austen’s classic work.
WEBSITE: http://sherlockandlucy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sherlockand...
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77782...
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Anna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and five children.
WEBSITE: http://sherlockandlucy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sherlockand...
FACEBOOK READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77782...
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anna-El...
Anna lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and five children.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 17, 2026
Some thoughts I had while reading this:
I wish there had been more in France because that was very exciting.
I wanted to see tante Celeste’s reaction to Evie telling her Paul was a spy.
I guess Lady Hawthorne’s friend is never coming back for Bonzo if she’s calling him her dog now?
I’m very happy that Alfie and Pilot are back.
Why does every description of someone have the same description? “they have an intelligent face with intelligent features.”
When Evie uses the oar to move the loose sea mine out of the way of the boat, it seemed very unlikely and yet I was riveted and held my breath!
If the newest spy they’re tracking knows what Mr. Brown looks like and where his office is what is he going to do?
I also still don’t trust Mr. Brown after book 7 and definitely think he’s working with the Nazis.
I wish there had been more in France because that was very exciting.
I wanted to see tante Celeste’s reaction to Evie telling her Paul was a spy.
I guess Lady Hawthorne’s friend is never coming back for Bonzo if she’s calling him her dog now?
I’m very happy that Alfie and Pilot are back.
Why does every description of someone have the same description? “they have an intelligent face with intelligent features.”
When Evie uses the oar to move the loose sea mine out of the way of the boat, it seemed very unlikely and yet I was riveted and held my breath!
If the newest spy they’re tracking knows what Mr. Brown looks like and where his office is what is he going to do?
I also still don’t trust Mr. Brown after book 7 and definitely think he’s working with the Nazis.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2026
Nooooooooo! the book ended on a cliff hanger. I LOVE this series, but I HATE cliff hangers!
March 19, 2026
Excellent…really!! but…
The book was really well done. A new arch enemy has been introduced. And the story was very exciting.
There were several plot lines aligned throughout the book, perfectly placed and paced. Evie and Nigel travel to France for a dangerous mission. Harry has his hands full between several murders, suspicious activities, and threats by the long arm of the Nazis, threatening London, in general, but even their town specifically. Blake continues to amaze with his brilliant ability to decipher coded communications. All of the sleuths work together seamlessly to assemble all the moving parts in attempting to solve the mysteries presented so artfully.
There are plenty of suspects, though the rising body count quickly rules several of them out. There are characters from previous books in the series that play pivotal roles in offering valuable information for the investigation.
My first suggestion to a potential reader is to think twice before reading the character descriptions at the beginning. I felt as if they distracted me…while trying to keep those details in mind AND figuring out people who were threats, those who were victims, or some who were simply minor characters.
Nigel’s mother and his niece and nephew were included in the story, but I felt they served no real purpose, which is unusual these stories.
There were a couple of typos… One was the misspelling of a character’s name which really surprised me. These few slips didn’t interfere with understanding the narrative.
And the only other “complaint” I have is a selfish one… There are so many loose ends left “unfinished” that will probably drive me crazy until the next book comes out!!
I just love these books and the characters all of whom fit so perfectly together, not only as professional investigators/amateur detectives, but also as members of a closely knit community in the English countryside during World War II.
I also have to note that the authors are amazing in how quickly subsequent books in the series are released. The writing is quite good; the characterizations are excellent, overall; and the suspense and the pacing are so on point.
I read this in one sitting—woe is me…I devoured it now I have to wait. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
The book was really well done. A new arch enemy has been introduced. And the story was very exciting.
There were several plot lines aligned throughout the book, perfectly placed and paced. Evie and Nigel travel to France for a dangerous mission. Harry has his hands full between several murders, suspicious activities, and threats by the long arm of the Nazis, threatening London, in general, but even their town specifically. Blake continues to amaze with his brilliant ability to decipher coded communications. All of the sleuths work together seamlessly to assemble all the moving parts in attempting to solve the mysteries presented so artfully.
There are plenty of suspects, though the rising body count quickly rules several of them out. There are characters from previous books in the series that play pivotal roles in offering valuable information for the investigation.
My first suggestion to a potential reader is to think twice before reading the character descriptions at the beginning. I felt as if they distracted me…while trying to keep those details in mind AND figuring out people who were threats, those who were victims, or some who were simply minor characters.
Nigel’s mother and his niece and nephew were included in the story, but I felt they served no real purpose, which is unusual these stories.
There were a couple of typos… One was the misspelling of a character’s name which really surprised me. These few slips didn’t interfere with understanding the narrative.
And the only other “complaint” I have is a selfish one… There are so many loose ends left “unfinished” that will probably drive me crazy until the next book comes out!!
I just love these books and the characters all of whom fit so perfectly together, not only as professional investigators/amateur detectives, but also as members of a closely knit community in the English countryside during World War II.
I also have to note that the authors are amazing in how quickly subsequent books in the series are released. The writing is quite good; the characterizations are excellent, overall; and the suspense and the pacing are so on point.
I read this in one sitting—woe is me…I devoured it now I have to wait. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Saint Mary’s Cipher is a pulse‑pounding look at what people are willing to do in wartime to protect their country and their loved ones. The people may exist only as characters on a page, but the writing brings them alive—and sometimes that will bring a tear to your eye.
Crofter’s Green represents any English village in a time of war. Its denizens, from the Lady of the manor to the townsfolk, all do their best to live an ordinary life. They hang blackout curtains on their windows, and their children attend school. They learn to identify overhead planes by the sound of the engines—friend or foe. And, as anyone who watches mysteries from the BBC knows, one village can be a hotbed of crime. My husband often remarks that he doesn’t want to live in Midsomer.
There is interesting history woven throughout this series. We learn about the Women’s Land Army (WLA), where girls enlisted to work on farms. They came from disparate backgrounds, and they did the work willingly, often saying that if their husbands and sweethearts were off fighting, it was the least they could do.
The home‑front sleuths—Evie, Alice, Dorothy, Blake, Nigel, and Harry—have an added member in Katherine, Blake’s wife. It seems that new characters are added with each adventure. Kudos to Anna and Charles for including a Who’s Who page to help cement the regulars in your mind.
Ciphers play a big part in this book: the one that warns Saint Mary’s is at risk during the Easter service, and the one that sends Evie and Nigel across the Channel to France.
The Saint Mary’s Cipher is fast‑paced and hard to put down. The dangers are softened by a touch of romance that never overtakes the story. As always, do read the Historical Notes section; it contains facts that pertain to the narrative.
To fully grasp the rhythms and relationships of Crofter’s Green, it’s a good idea to read the books in order.
Crofter’s Green represents any English village in a time of war. Its denizens, from the Lady of the manor to the townsfolk, all do their best to live an ordinary life. They hang blackout curtains on their windows, and their children attend school. They learn to identify overhead planes by the sound of the engines—friend or foe. And, as anyone who watches mysteries from the BBC knows, one village can be a hotbed of crime. My husband often remarks that he doesn’t want to live in Midsomer.
There is interesting history woven throughout this series. We learn about the Women’s Land Army (WLA), where girls enlisted to work on farms. They came from disparate backgrounds, and they did the work willingly, often saying that if their husbands and sweethearts were off fighting, it was the least they could do.
The home‑front sleuths—Evie, Alice, Dorothy, Blake, Nigel, and Harry—have an added member in Katherine, Blake’s wife. It seems that new characters are added with each adventure. Kudos to Anna and Charles for including a Who’s Who page to help cement the regulars in your mind.
Ciphers play a big part in this book: the one that warns Saint Mary’s is at risk during the Easter service, and the one that sends Evie and Nigel across the Channel to France.
The Saint Mary’s Cipher is fast‑paced and hard to put down. The dangers are softened by a touch of romance that never overtakes the story. As always, do read the Historical Notes section; it contains facts that pertain to the narrative.
To fully grasp the rhythms and relationships of Crofter’s Green, it’s a good idea to read the books in order.
March 17, 2026
The latest episode in the Homefront Sleuths hits all the emotions. From the death of the postman to Evie receiving a telegram, you know that there will be intrigue that pulls you in to the end. We learn more in regards to the main characters and more about the people we have met in previous books. Even though each story is a stand alone by reading the previous ones you can get a better prescpective on the main characters. The developing relationship between Nigel and Evie, Blake and Katherine re-establishing their connection, as well as Blake becoming more comfortable with how to interact with people.
This is so insightful on what people went through in Crofter's Green and the continent during the war and how resourceful they were. If you have not read the previous books, I would suggest you do. I honestly suggest this series. I received this for an honest review and do not what to reveal too much and spoil anyone's experience. Can't wait for the next story from this father and daughter. They real build the suspense and explore all the emotions.
This is so insightful on what people went through in Crofter's Green and the continent during the war and how resourceful they were. If you have not read the previous books, I would suggest you do. I honestly suggest this series. I received this for an honest review and do not what to reveal too much and spoil anyone's experience. Can't wait for the next story from this father and daughter. They real build the suspense and explore all the emotions.
Read
March 19, 2026Really Harry's book, with not much of the found family aspect that first drew me to this series. Evie and Nigel are shunted into a side plot, as is routine by this point, and Dorothy, Alice, and Katherine do hardly anything at all. This is the first book where a little bit of knowledge of a previous book might actually help, but it also feels like that callback came at the cost of the rich cast of village people we used to encounter in previous installations. It's almost like they belatedly realized this at the last second because Mrs. Benton, Lady Hawthorne, and Bonzo (!) all suddenly are mentioned in the last hour of the book.
Editing is better, with only 2 instances of repeated phrasing that at least diff somewhat. But this installation lacks the warm family feeling of the previous novels, which is ironic because it feels like the first one to be really pushing their group identity as the "Sleuths."
Editing is better, with only 2 instances of repeated phrasing that at least diff somewhat. But this installation lacks the warm family feeling of the previous novels, which is ironic because it feels like the first one to be really pushing their group identity as the "Sleuths."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2026
Loved this, as I have all of the others in the series and can't wait until the next one.
I did think it ended prematurely and there was more that needed to be investigated with regard to the spy that Blake encountered.
Themes I would like to see for future books in the series are:
- the growing relationship between Harry and Alice
- the repercussions of Blake introducing the spy to Mr Brown
- some background on Mr Brown - how did he get into that position, is he really 100% on our side?
- Tante Celeste - what happens to her now she is in the UK?
- Alfie - let's see him grow and become part of the sleuths
As you can tell, huge enthusiasm for the books and looking forward to more please.
I did think it ended prematurely and there was more that needed to be investigated with regard to the spy that Blake encountered.
Themes I would like to see for future books in the series are:
- the growing relationship between Harry and Alice
- the repercussions of Blake introducing the spy to Mr Brown
- some background on Mr Brown - how did he get into that position, is he really 100% on our side?
- Tante Celeste - what happens to her now she is in the UK?
- Alfie - let's see him grow and become part of the sleuths
As you can tell, huge enthusiasm for the books and looking forward to more please.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Homefront Sleuths are being sent helter-skelter in this novel. Trouble in France, lost parcels, lost agents, incomplete codes, bodies all over - each of the Sleuths is running after and investigating their own baffling mystery only to find that the disparate threads come together. This has all the thrills of Manning Coles' Tommy Hambleton series, mixed with the depth of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple books. As always, the authors deliver an excellent mystery for readers to try to decipher, and as always, it baffles me to the very end.
I received an ARC from the authors and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the authors and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2026
I absolutely LOVE these books! This has gone from being my favorite WWII series, to my favorite series, PERIOD. I plan to re-read the entire series in order because I enjoyed them so much.
All the characters, from the main ones, to the secondary ones, to the people who only exist for a few pages, are absolutely wonderful. I would love to have tea with Evie, Dorothy, and Katherine, and work in the greenhouse with Alice.
I hope there will be quite a few more of these! in the meantime, I'm liking the author's Sherlock Holmes series....
All the characters, from the main ones, to the secondary ones, to the people who only exist for a few pages, are absolutely wonderful. I would love to have tea with Evie, Dorothy, and Katherine, and work in the greenhouse with Alice.
I hope there will be quite a few more of these! in the meantime, I'm liking the author's Sherlock Holmes series....
March 17, 2026
Love this series!
I've read this entire series and I always look forward to the next "installment". Set during WWII in a small village, ordinary people, each having a particular skill, whether it's experience with the Resistance, cryptography, healing herbs, military, or just the power of observation, come together with the members of the local constabulary to foil the plans of bad people who want to bring England's downfall. Reading this series is like visiting old friends. I can't wait for the next book. I'll be marking it on my calendar in anticipation.
I've read this entire series and I always look forward to the next "installment". Set during WWII in a small village, ordinary people, each having a particular skill, whether it's experience with the Resistance, cryptography, healing herbs, military, or just the power of observation, come together with the members of the local constabulary to foil the plans of bad people who want to bring England's downfall. Reading this series is like visiting old friends. I can't wait for the next book. I'll be marking it on my calendar in anticipation.
March 15, 2026
I enjoyed reading the latest outing for Evie, Nigel and the rest of ‘the sleuths’. Set during WW2 in a small English village there is plenty of murder and espionage, we start with Blake being tasked with deciphering messages sent by a member of SOE who has gone missing. Then Evie gets a telegram which results in her and Nigel being smuggled into Brittany.
A very good as is usual for this series and which can be read as a standalone, but do read the series.
A very good as is usual for this series and which can be read as a standalone, but do read the series.
March 19, 2026
This has to be the most complex book of the series yet it all the various plotlines seemed to flow into a very surprising conclusion that still hints at more mysteries to come. I really enjoyed having two dogs in the series, Bonzo and Pilot as they somehow helped find more hidden clues that the humans could not see.
I highly recommend both this book and the entire series.
I received an ARC from the authors. My review is honest and voluntary.
I highly recommend both this book and the entire series.
I received an ARC from the authors. My review is honest and voluntary.
March 23, 2026
Awesome cozy mystery
Love the characters and the depth of the mystery. I feel like I've gone back in time to 1940's England during WWII. I admire the strength and resiliency of the people that lived during this war and these books page homage to them, even written fictionally. I love that the characters are ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the greater good.
Love the characters and the depth of the mystery. I feel like I've gone back in time to 1940's England during WWII. I admire the strength and resiliency of the people that lived during this war and these books page homage to them, even written fictionally. I love that the characters are ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the greater good.
March 16, 2026
Terrific mystery with Ev, Nigel, Harry, and the sleuths. Codes to break, bombs to diffuse, and mysterious packages. Lots of action, and a book you do not want to put down! I was an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion
March 21, 2026
British resilience
I realize this is a work of historical fiction but, the plot rings with a sense of truth. The characters represent a cross section of the British peoples who endured the sacrifices, terrors, and triumphs of WW2.
I realize this is a work of historical fiction but, the plot rings with a sense of truth. The characters represent a cross section of the British peoples who endured the sacrifices, terrors, and triumphs of WW2.
March 25, 2026
Best yet!
Such a phenomenal series; I recommend it to every reader I know. Wonderful characters, a vivid setting, the highest stakes yet, yet wrapped in perseverance and hope. A stellar read.
Such a phenomenal series; I recommend it to every reader I know. Wonderful characters, a vivid setting, the highest stakes yet, yet wrapped in perseverance and hope. A stellar read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
27th March 1942 Crofter’s Green, Kent. Danger comes to the village with a murder, and then a cipher indicates that Saint Mary's Church is being targeted. Can the sleuths gather enough information to foil that and others plots in the village, and abroad.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its wonderful characters. Another good addition to this very enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its wonderful characters. Another good addition to this very enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic outing in the series, loved the characters and the mystery had me going right to the end and can’t wait for the next book!
March 16, 2026
Very good book
The Homefront Sleuths Mystery series is set during World War II. If you enjoy reading books of this era as I do then you will want to read this series.
The Homefront Sleuths Mystery series is set during World War II. If you enjoy reading books of this era as I do then you will want to read this series.
March 18, 2026
how lovely
To have an Easter mystery so close to our Easter! A twisty plot, multiple locations, all the familiar characters and a few new ones, both reliable and false,
To have an Easter mystery so close to our Easter! A twisty plot, multiple locations, all the familiar characters and a few new ones, both reliable and false,
March 18, 2026
Great series
I really enjoyed these books , I am hoping that you will write more, would love to see how all the characters end up .
I really enjoyed these books , I am hoping that you will write more, would love to see how all the characters end up .
March 23, 2026
Fabulous
This series has turned out to be one of my favourites. It is original and full of adventures for all the characters. Imperial it will continue for a long time.
This series has turned out to be one of my favourites. It is original and full of adventures for all the characters. Imperial it will continue for a long time.
March 18, 2026
3.75 stars
These WWII mysteries are somewhat addictive with a sympathetic cast of village characters.
These WWII mysteries are somewhat addictive with a sympathetic cast of village characters.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews