Mord på värdshuset

Julia Bird Mysteries #4

by Katie Gayle

Julia Bird älskar byns pubquiz - men någon i hennes lag kommer inte att överleva nästa tävlingsomgång

Den första tisdagen i varje månad är det pubquiz i Berrywick, och Julia Bird och hennes lagkamrater tar tävlingen på allra största allvar. Vad är det för poäng med att tävla om man inte försöker vinna? Men det verkar som om någon tagit konkurrensen till nästa nivå när lagmedlemmen Lilian, en mycket allmänbildad lokal poliskonstapel, hittas knivmördad efter kvällens sista tävlingsomgång. Kommissarie Hayley Gibson sitter hemma med brutet ben, och istället kallas en inkompetent utredare från grannstaden in. Julia känner ett ansvar för att se till att polisutredningen rullar på - vare sig polisen vill det eller inte. Och när ännu en medlem i Julias quizlag blir attackerad, börjar en kamp mot klockan för att inte fler ska råka illa ut.

Mord på värdshuset är fjärde delen i den charmiga cosy crime-serien om Julia Bird och hennes händelserika liv i byn Berrywick.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult

238 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Bird and her mischievous labrador Jake, loved walking the paths around Berrywick, keeping active and fit. And now Julia was joining the quiz night at the local pub. Fun, entertainment and laughter surrounded the participants and when Lilian, the local police constable and DI Hayley Gibson were walking home after one such night and were run down in the lane, Lilian managed to jump free, but Hayley was left badly injured. Fast forward to the following week and with Hayley out of hospital but recuperating at home, Lilian decided to stay at the Inn after the quiz night. But when Julia went to see her the following morning, she found Lilian had been stabbed to death.

Frustration filled Hayley at being unable to participate in her good friend and colleague's murder, and with a Superintendent brought in whom Hayley had had dealings with in the past, she knew nothing good would come of it. Julia decided to help Hayley out and investigate herself. Digging deeply along with her friend from the library, Tabitha, they slowly made progress. And when another of their friends - and another quiz participant - was attacked, Julia knew the race was on. But could they find the murderer before someone else died?

Murder at the Inn is the 4th in the Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle (combining two people - Kate and Gayle) and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Jake, and his new friend Penny (short for Henny Penny, a chicken!), and loved catching up with the usual characters of Berrywick. A great addition to the series, Murder at the Inn is worth recommending.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Julia Bird Mysteries series has been a fun series, but Murder at the Inn was especially good. I enjoy the atmosphere and comradery of small village life. Two people who are friends or acquaintances of Julia's were attacked and one was killed, both were participants in the local pub quiz. But what would make someone try to get rid of them because of a quiz competition? Once again, Julia and DCI Hayley Gibson put their heads together to find answers. The answers just might surprise you. The path to get those answers was one with twists and turns and clues to sort through.
On another note, another contestant in the pop quizzes might bring about a possible kink in the romance part of Julia's life. Or will she? One more stressor for Julia. A call from her ex-husband gives Julia a shock and surprise that she had not seen coming. On a fun note, her pup Jake has a fun, new, and interesting friend, one that brings on a few chuckles. Changes are happening in Julia's small village of Berrywick in the Coltswolds. This is a great addition to the series, and I am glad to hear that there will be more in the future.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment of the Julia Bird Mystery series and I enjoyed being a part of Julia and Jake's world once again. The plot is cleverly crafted, full of colorful characters and intrigue. There were parts that made me laugh and parts that had me on the edge of my seat. Each time I read a book from this series, it feels like I’m visiting old friends. This series is a a must-read for all cozy mystery fans. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
Murder at the Inn is the fourth entertaining instalment in Katie Gayle's (the joint pseudonym of South African duo Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel) delightful Cotswolds-set series featuring retired social worker Julia Bird as amateur sleuth.

Murder and mayhem again visit the picturesque (fictional) village of Berrywick, this time hitting closer to home as an unknown assailant appears to be targeting the local constabulary, including Julia's good friend D.I. Hayley Gibson. Hayley is seriously injured in a hit-and-run while walking home from a quiz night at the local pub, the Tipsy Turnip, and a week later her colleague, Constable Lilian Carson, is fatally stabbed while staying overnight at the inn.

Meanwhile, Julia's boisterous chocolate Labrador Jake is enjoying a new romance, with feisty chicken Henny Penny.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Inn is the 4th book in the Julia Bird Mystery series and was another interesting mystery that kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed. The whole gang is back and this time they have put together a team to play in the monthly pub quiz. The Agatha Quizteam were having fun and were up against other teams that included DI Hayley Gibson and her constable friend Lillian. During a tournament that found them playing each week for a month, someone tries to run Hayley and Lillian down, seriously breaking Hayley's leg and keeping her off work. The next week, Lillian decides to stay over at the local inn and pamper herself with a massage before returning home, but is killed in her room. Who murdered Lillian and why? Does it have anything to do with the arson case she is investigating? Is it the gang member who was just released from prison? Is Hayley in danger as well? Lots of questions, but Hayley can't investigate and no one at the station will tell her anything. When someone else is killed, things heat up even more and finally Hayley is on the case with Julia's help, of course.

I loved being back in Berrywick with Julia and her mischevious Labrador, Jake, her beau Dr. Sean, her best friend, librarian Tabitha and of course DI Hayley Gibson. There is a lot of fun in this book even though it is a murder mystery. All I am going to say is the relationship Jake and Henny Penny develop had me laughing everytime they were together. There is even a bit of jealousy on Julia's part that has to get sorted. Julia's family are also in the background with her daughter soon visiting and her ex-husband getting remarried. Even the secondary characters played roles in this one both with the investigation and at the quiz. With murders to investigate, it is a bit different with Julia doing all the sleuthing with Hayley on the sidelines. There aren't a lot of suspects which made this one even harder to sort out. I did figure out the murderer before Hayley and Julia did, but it was because of the clues and evidence they uncovered. This was a great cozy mystery with interesting murders to solve, great characters, some humor and finally a wonderful conclusion. I am enjoying this series and look forward to seeing what Julia gets up to in the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what the doctor ordered in times of stress: a nice cosy mystery.

[Midnattsord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Läst svenska utgåvan Mord på värdshuset

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am finding harder to review series I love and read since the beginning than a new series. I love them and enjoy the stories but I’m never sure I’m not rewriting the same review or telling things I already told.
This blah-blah because I thoroughly enjoyed this new Julia Bird mystery, a novel which is high on my sleep deprivation and fun scale, and it kept me reading till late in the night.
Julia, Sam, Jack and the characters I love are at their best and their evolution is making them more likeable and interesting.
There’s a solid and twisty murder that kept me guessing and surprised me.
I would kill for a garden like the one in this book as it’s something on my bucket list.
I strongly recommend this entertaining story.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a pub quiz? Especially if you get a chance to meet up with friends who don't mind if you make a complete fool of yourself! Julia Bird has started going to her local , the Tasty Turnip, along with close friend, Dr Sean O'Connor, where their knowledge and expertise has made them welcome members of the same team.

After an opposing team member is killed and another seriously hurt a new superintendent is put in charge of the ensuing investigation. Julia finds herself reluctantly trying to discover who would target two village quizzers but when another Berrywick resident is attacked the danger moves closer to home and once again she has to intervene.

Book four in this brilliant cosy series is all I wanted and more. The actual investigation is more serious and far-reaching than Julia’s previous cases while in her private life unexpected changes have to be dealt with. Added to this Jake has a new friend which provided a wonderful release of tension when it was most needed. This series has improved with each installment and I can't wait to see what happens next.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed Murder at the Inn and happily recommend it.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really hoped this would be a series I would enjoy..writing not for me

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loving the cozy British murder mysteries

[Melisa Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Julia Bird series featuring her lovely but mischievous dog Jake are my go to books when I know I want to just get lost in a cosy mystery - I haven't read a bad one and the latest in the series is another wonderful addition to sink your teeth into.

In this new story, the action take place at the local pub during a quiz night that Julia has attended along with DI Hayley Gibson and the local police constable, Lilian. Although this is the fourth in the series, it is really nice to see Hayley becoming a bit more involved with village life - Julia's influence is definitely rubbing off on her! However, things don't stay like this for long when following a sucessful night at the quiz, Hayley and Lilian are involved in a hit and run which leaves them quite shaken and Hayley unfortunately with a broken leg. Regular readers will know that this is very bad news for Hayley - she is very much a get up and go character! Things are made even worse when Lilian is found murdered in her hotel room at the Inn a few nights later. 

Despite desperately wanting to investigate what happened to Lily, Hayley is unfortunately sidelined and another Detective is brought in to lead the investigation. Obviously Julia can't help but become involved and essentially becomes the eyes and ears for Hayley. The investigation ramps up a notch when another character is attacked which unsettles Julia and makes her even more determined to get to the bottom of the investigation. Whilst also dealing with this, there is also some light relief involving Jake, her lovely dog, and one of Julia's chickens, the bossy Henny! I won't spoil anything here but I loved this comical storyline!

Murder at the Inn is a fabulously paced cosy mystery that I couldn't put down with it's array of suspects and red herrings, I was kept guessing but did eventually have an inkling and was actually right for a change (this doesn't happen very often!).  I loved been back in Berrywick with it's community spirit and cast of characters that have been around since the beginning of the series and can't wait to go back!

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters and charming village life mixed with murder and a bit of romance. Plus a dopey Labrador. What’s not to love?

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Entertaining

Julia Bird and her friends from Berrywick decide to take part in the local quiz competition. The Agatha Quizteam soon starts to win, thanks to the team members with diverse talents. Local DI Hayley Gibson and Constable Lillian Carson are in another team with equally talented members.

However, an accident puts Hayley in bed with a broken leg, and Lillian is stabbed to death a week later. Superintendent Grave from the regional office takes over the investigation, focusing on Lillian’s professional life. There seem to be a few suspects, even if none of them might be the killer. With a few strange events occurring in the village, Julia wonders if they got it all wrong.

It’s time for Julia and Hayley (with some help) to connect the dots and find the killer before more lives are at risk.

The story comes from Julia’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

Though this is book #4 in the series, it can be read as a standalone, as there is enough backstory for the subplots. The book balanced between mystery and subplots to set the stage for the next one.

Jake, the adorable chocolate lab, is now an adolescent pup but just as naughty and excited for food. He becomes friends with Julia’s bossiest chicken, Henny Penny, which leads to some funny moments in her house.

There’s a little more of Hayley in this book, though she is on leave due to a broken leg. We see a bit of her personal life too. I love Hayley’s energy and how her restlessness and helplessness are portrayed when she is not in a position to solve Lillian’s death. Lillian is her friend and colleague, which makes it even harder for her to sit and do nothing.

Jim, the journalist, makes an appearance, too, and does his bit with Julia in digging up certain information. Sean has a relatively lesser presence, but he wasn’t necessary anyway, so it works well for the plot.

The book artfully tackles the topic of older women and relationships. Societal expectations, assumptions, and how Julia, despite being a smart and good-looking woman, is almost invisible to the common public due to her age (she is around 60).

We also see how Julia’s character changes from being a city person to a villager with a kitchen garden, chicken coop, part-time job, and countless activities. Her journey from someone who disliked cooking to someone who enjoys trying new recipes occurs steadily.

The mystery has a couple of tracks. One is the arsonist Lillian is trying to nab. The other is Lillian’s murder. Then there seem to be break-ins in a couple of houses. There could possibly be an ex-convict out for revenge. Are all these events related? What’s happening in Berrywick?

I could, as usual, connect the dots. But then Julia and others have lives to lead (how annoying), which delayed the mystery (not really, the book is fast-paced). Finally, they do what they should do and solve the case. Tada! There’s a wee bit of action, though the focus is more on introspection of the crimes and the reasons behind them.

The personal tracks have some interesting developments. Julia sure has a few occasions to look forward to in the coming book. I’m curious to see how that will go (coz there’s bound to be another murder).

To summarize, Murder at the Inn is a solid continuation of the series and a good entertainer. I enjoyed the mystery and Jake’s antics. Pick it up if you want a lighthearted read with the right touch of emotions and introspection.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #MurderattheInn

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Bird is happy to join her teammates at the Berrywick’s village pub to participate in the pub quiz. It is always the first Tuesday of every month and has turned out to be one of Julie’s favorite events that she looks forward to. But when Lilian, a quiz participant and a police constable is found stabbed to death the competition takes a turn for the worse. The fun and games quickly end. Detective Investigator Hayley Gibson is unable to respond because she is at home recovering from breaking her leg. So a Superintendent arrives from a nearby town to investigate the murder. The police are sure that the murder has to do with the fact that Hayley is a police officer, Julia is not completely convinced. She begins her own investigation and starts to question the pub goers. When another quiz team member is attacked, Julie knows for certain that she is on the culprit’s tail. But will she discover whodunnit before another team member is found dead?

Murder at the Inn written by author Katie Gayle was a wonderful English cozy mystery. I was hooked from the very first page to the last. This fabulous story was entertaining and the wonderful description of living life in the village was heart-warming. I enjoy Julia’s character so much. She sounds like a close friend that I would love to spend my days with, sleuthing around here and there. This is the fourth installment in the Julia Bird Mysteries Series and it is just as good as the first book. If you haven’t read this fantastic series I suggest you do, it is absolutely fabulous.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia enjoys attending the pub quiz but is shocked when two members of her team are involved in a hit and run and then one is stabbed to death. The deceased, Lilian, was a police officer so could someone have borne a professional grudge or was there a more personal motive...?
Murder at the Inn is the 4th book in the Julia Bird cosy murder mystery series.
Julia needs to get sleuthing again when a police officer is stabbed. Lilian's colleague Hayley was badly injured in the prior hit and run incident so is bitterly frustrated that she cannot investigate the death of her friend. Lilian was investigating a series of arson attacks, an old adversary had been released from prison and Lilian had recently separated from her husband. Plenty of suspects and motive!
Julia's attempts at investigating are hampered by the lead police officer who is deliberately trying to exclude her and Hayley from the case. I liked the tension this created and the ensuing tenacity that Julia displays. The case isn't straightforward and more deadly deeds change the direction of the investigation.
There is a lightheartedness in the tone of the book despite the murderous content. Several personal subplots have been included to counterbalance the murder mystery. Julia's dog Jake forms an attachment with one of her hens, her ex husband announces he wants to remarry and her current boyfriend has another admirer.
Murder at the Inn is an enjyable cosy murder mystery.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the first Tuesday of each month, the Topsy Turnip pub in Berrywick holds a quiz night Julia Bird and her Agatha Quizteam team mates take part. Then Lilian Carson, the local police constable and all-round general knowledge expert, is found fatally stabbed after the evening’s final round. DI Hayley Gibson is stuck home with a broken leg and an incompetent Superintendent is brought in from the nearby town, it’s up to Julia to make sure the investigation stays focussed. Then another quiz team member is attacked
This is the fourth outing for retired social worker Julia & another captivating read. The pace is good & the characters well portrayed. I love the way the mystery is intertwined with Julia's private life. There are twists & turns & plenty of red herrings to keep your interest. Jake the labrador has a new friend which makes for some light hearted moments, Julia’s ex husband has some surprising news & Julia’s relationship with Sean is progressing nicely. An entertaining cosy mystery
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Di Hayley Gibson stuck at home with a broken leg , an inept replacement Superintendent is brought in which irks Julia Bird and her Agatha’s quiz team at the Berrywick village pub in the Cotswolds , when she starts investigating the Murder of Lilian Carson the police constable who by all accounts was an expert in all round knowledge… so Julia is on track along with her librarian friend Tabitha to solve the mystery but when another quiz member is attacked who can the culprit want and what is the link? Hayley helps out how she can too. I love young pup Jake making a clucky friend Henny Penny . This has all the ticks a good cosy needs , its quirky amateur sleuth and sidekick, local constabulary friend , inept police too , adorable pets love interest , great supporting characters and murder mystery and chaos .Very well written , a compelling well described story.
I read an advance copy of this book and my review is voluntary

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Bird goes to the local village Inn
Her team hope the pub quiz to win.
However, the rivalry is great
But someone is deciding to tempt fate.

Whilst walking home from that night
Hayley and Lillian are given a terrible fright.
Haley is seriously injured, Lillian just slight
But who hit and ran after the quiz night?

Next quiz night Lillian decides in the Inn to stay
And there Julia discovers her body next day.
Who would commit such a dreadful crime?
And will there be another victim next time?

With quizzers, questions, murder and mystery
This is a story with roots in history.
Can Julia discover who the perpetrator might be?
You need to read it yourself to see!

I really enjoyed this enthralling case,
With so many clues to try to place.
A brilliant community and great plot, too,
Keeping you guessing the perpetrator is who?

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Bird seems to find herself caught up in murder after murder. She moved to the country for a quiet life, but the murder rate there seems to be sky-high! This time someone seems to be targeting members of a local pub quiz team.
I do enjoy these mysteries, the combination of a murder to solve and the humour that comes through really works well. This time, Julia's rather naughty dog Jake found himself a new best friend; a chicken!
I didn't manage to solve this one until nearly the very end when I had guessed who had done it, but it was more of a guess than any cleaver deducing on my part. Still, it was a fun read and I'm looking forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pub quiz should be fun and entertaining. In this village it is quite a serious one and everyone taking part wants to win. The teams are quite level, there are all sorts of people taking part and all of them are experts in one field or another. The problem begins when one of their more distinguished panellists are found murdered, and then the numbers seem to increase with murders and attempted murders abounding.

Julia and DI put their heads together to sort out random unconnected clues. Even the hit and run where the DI was injured in hindsight, does not look accidental so the need is immediate before more murders take place.

This murder streak in this small village in the Cotswolds is jarring for the inhabitants as well as the serenity of this village. The end was not surprising for me, though the reasons unraveled were.

A good cozy mystery.

[Connie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Cotswolds.

I've read the entire series so far. It's one of my favorites. This book started out just a little slow, but then it picked up, and I couldn't put it down. I love the main characters, Julia, Jake (my favorite), and actually, the whole village of Berrywick. It sounds beautiful and ideal. I love Julia's little cottage. I like that she is old enough to be retired and that, even though some people dismiss women her age as someone who should be rocking away on the front porch and knitting afghans in their spare time, Julia is still plenty sharp, putting together the clues and solving murders. I think one of the best and most clever parts of this book was the relationship between Jake and HennyPenny. This series, the sweet little cottage, the village...they all put the cozy in cozy mystery. I can't wait for the next book.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia Bird has a large role in solving the mystery this time when DI Hailey Gibson is off with a broken leg. I liked how the author wove together a pub quiz team competition, history, a research project and a new book for the reason for deaths, injuries and danger.
Julia and Dr. Sean’s relationship continues to grow. Jake, the dog, gets a new friend, which is a funny part of the book.
I like the pacing of this mystery series. Set in the Cotswolds, there is urgency to finding answers but an overall restful feel to the books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. I recommend getting to know Julia Bird.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Four in the Julia Bird Mysteries series is the first I have read. The mystery is complete and acceptable to read as a standalone. The community characters are fundamental to cosy mystery, so reading the books in order is probably best.
The main characters have a believable dynamic, and their animal companions add a lovely humorous element that gives the story authenticity. The murder mystery is twisty and has many suspects. Julia's investigative processes are well described, immersing the reader in the investigation. I liked the location, the cast of characters and the balance of humour and crime.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Inn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ On the first Tuesday of each month, Julia Bird and her Agatha Quizteam teammates take part in Berrywick’s village pub quiz. They take it seriously – what’s the point of playing, after all, if you aren’t in it to win it? But it seems someone connected with the quiz night has taken the competition to a whole new level when Lilian, the local police constable and all-round general knowledge expert, is found fatally stabbed after the evening’s final round.”

The writing on this one was good. The characters were well thought out. And the overall mystery was a good one. Overall this was a great cozy mystery.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment very much, indeed. The authors are amazingly in synch and create a believable and interesting world, with many details, both charming and mundane. I did suspect the correct murderer in advance, which is not normal for me, and I felt a couple loose ends could have been tied (Jim should have appeared again, perhaps?) but overall was deeply engrossed. Loved the Henny/Jake development, the meal planning and food, a little more development of DC Walter. The authors handled most deftly the issues of women becoming invisible as they age as well as the recently widowed father of young children. I was quite upset with that murder, though.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The retired social worker solves another mystery.

Julia Bird just thought she was retiring to a quiet life in Berrywick. Between her volunteer work at the thrift store and solving mysteries, she’s also working on her cooking skills, raising chickens, and dating a Bond doppelgänger. Still finding her way socially in the small village, she joins a trivia team at the local pub. All is fun and games, until other participants become victims. Julia, joined by her friends librarian Tabitha and detective Hayley—herself a victim—search for the murderer of their friend Lillian. I enjoy the narrative filled with village life and naughty dog Jake.

[Laura Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite cozy series. The relationships, the plotting, the impact of the story--they all just feel a step above many of the cozies I read. This installment involves pub quizzes, the interesting village residents, along with new characters as needed for the story. And best of all, there's main character Julia, who's a smart, appealing amateur sleuth. This series just gets better with each new book!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well well, Julia, yet again stumbles on a body, and this time, it's a copper, and a friend of hers and DI Gibson!
I'm really getting attached to the village and its inhabitants, they're growing on me 🥹
The plot, the sitting, the characters, were very well presented, crafted and developed. This book, as well as the precedents, get you hooked from page one, and what I really like about this series is that you really have to pay attention to every word, move, gesture, eye contact to be able to solve the mystery alongside Julia and crazy Jake!

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It’s definitely feel to it quintessentially English and the descriptions of the village were detailed and vivid The characters are quirky and interesting. I did suspect who the killer was about midway through and was right but this didn't harm the story for me. I loved the story of Jake and his chicken too. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.