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A Midnight Murder
Discover a BRAND NEW instalment in bestseller Kate Wells' addictive cozy mystery series. A must-read if you love Faith Martin, Clare Chase and Merryn Allingham. 🔎Fireworks, family feuds… and a fatality 🎇
Jude Gray is ready to ring in the New Year the proper way – at the local pub, surrounded by friends, neighbours and the usual Malvern mix of good cheer.
But this year, all eyes are on the Merebrooks. Wealthy, enigmatic and woven into the fabric of Malvern for generations, they’ve always been a family people talk about… and not just because of the scandalous murder of years gone by.
When a marriage proposal sends shockwaves through the already fractious clan, the atmosphere turns from celebratory to strained. And then, as the clock strikes twelve and fireworks light up the sky, tragedy strikes. One of the Merebrooks is found dead.
As suspicion falls on the feuding family, Jude finds herself drawn into yet another mystery. Because behind closed doors, this family has been hiding secrets for years. And Jude is willing to bet someone would kill to keep them buried – at any cost.
A gripping new instalment in the Malvern Farm Mystery series, from the BESTSELLING author of A Very Merry Murder.
Praise for Kate
'A complex and intriguing murder mystery set in beautiful British countryside where the farm animals are as demanding as the local residents. Kept me guessing all the way to the end.' T A Williams
'An original setting and clever plot. Had me hooked from page one.' E.V. Hunter
'A tantalising corkscrew of a plot ... featuring a plucky quartet of very different women working together to uncover the truth about a series of dreadful crimes...' Debbie Young
'I loved this rollercoaster of a book! It was stylish, pacy and gripping, with engaging characters. I rooted for Jude the sleuth from the first page. It's a hugely supenseful story, compelling, well-crafted and cleverly calculated.' Judy Leigh
'A cryptically clever cosy mystery that will transport you to the beautiful Malvern Hills. I couldn’t put it down!' Jessica Bull
Jude Gray is ready to ring in the New Year the proper way – at the local pub, surrounded by friends, neighbours and the usual Malvern mix of good cheer.
But this year, all eyes are on the Merebrooks. Wealthy, enigmatic and woven into the fabric of Malvern for generations, they’ve always been a family people talk about… and not just because of the scandalous murder of years gone by.
When a marriage proposal sends shockwaves through the already fractious clan, the atmosphere turns from celebratory to strained. And then, as the clock strikes twelve and fireworks light up the sky, tragedy strikes. One of the Merebrooks is found dead.
As suspicion falls on the feuding family, Jude finds herself drawn into yet another mystery. Because behind closed doors, this family has been hiding secrets for years. And Jude is willing to bet someone would kill to keep them buried – at any cost.
A gripping new instalment in the Malvern Farm Mystery series, from the BESTSELLING author of A Very Merry Murder.
Praise for Kate
'A complex and intriguing murder mystery set in beautiful British countryside where the farm animals are as demanding as the local residents. Kept me guessing all the way to the end.' T A Williams
'An original setting and clever plot. Had me hooked from page one.' E.V. Hunter
'A tantalising corkscrew of a plot ... featuring a plucky quartet of very different women working together to uncover the truth about a series of dreadful crimes...' Debbie Young
'I loved this rollercoaster of a book! It was stylish, pacy and gripping, with engaging characters. I rooted for Jude the sleuth from the first page. It's a hugely supenseful story, compelling, well-crafted and cleverly calculated.' Judy Leigh
'A cryptically clever cosy mystery that will transport you to the beautiful Malvern Hills. I couldn’t put it down!' Jessica Bull
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2026
About the author
Kate Wells
53 books48 followersLibrary of Congress Authorities: Wells, Kate, 1959-
Senior technical instructor of dyeing and printing, Royal Coll. of Art, London
Senior technical instructor of dyeing and printing, Royal Coll. of Art, London
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 11, 2026
If you love the cosy, twist-filled mysteries from Faith Martin, Clare Chase or Merryn Allingham, this will feel like coming home.
It’s New Year’s Eve in Malvern, and Jude Gray’s looking forward to nothing more than a friendly pint at the local pub, watching the fireworks go up. But the mood’s already off — everyone’s watching the Merebrooks. Old money, long whispered about, and still carrying the shadow of a murder from years back.
Then a surprise proposal tears what’s left of their family unity right apart. And just as the clock strikes midnight and the sky lights up, one of them is found dead.
Naturally, fingers point straight at the feuding Merebrook clan — but Jude knows there’s always more lying beneath the surface. These people have guarded their secrets for decades… and it looks like someone’s prepared to kill to keep them that way. Perfectly paced, packed with small-town tension and hidden truths — exactly the sort of mystery you’ll devour in one sitting.
It’s New Year’s Eve in Malvern, and Jude Gray’s looking forward to nothing more than a friendly pint at the local pub, watching the fireworks go up. But the mood’s already off — everyone’s watching the Merebrooks. Old money, long whispered about, and still carrying the shadow of a murder from years back.
Then a surprise proposal tears what’s left of their family unity right apart. And just as the clock strikes midnight and the sky lights up, one of them is found dead.
Naturally, fingers point straight at the feuding Merebrook clan — but Jude knows there’s always more lying beneath the surface. These people have guarded their secrets for decades… and it looks like someone’s prepared to kill to keep them that way. Perfectly paced, packed with small-town tension and hidden truths — exactly the sort of mystery you’ll devour in one sitting.
September 16, 2026
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the publisher's blurb or reveal the plot!
This is the eighth book in this series. I've read two of the earlier novels, so am familiar with some of the main characters; however there is enough detail in the novel to make it work as a standalone read if you haven't read any of the others in the series.
This time - as the title says! - there is a murder at midnight on New Year's Eve. Once again, Jude is in the thick of things as she is present when the killing takes place, and had observed some tensions between the victim and others around the festive table.
As well as a cast of recurring (and very nice) characters, there are some obnoxious characters in this tale - well written and believable (I'm sure most people will be familiar with the "type"). There are several suspects, all with motives, and a family mystery to uncover - in the midst of several red herrings.
Recommended if you're a fan of cosy murder mysteries - particularly with a festive setting.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This is the eighth book in this series. I've read two of the earlier novels, so am familiar with some of the main characters; however there is enough detail in the novel to make it work as a standalone read if you haven't read any of the others in the series.
This time - as the title says! - there is a murder at midnight on New Year's Eve. Once again, Jude is in the thick of things as she is present when the killing takes place, and had observed some tensions between the victim and others around the festive table.
As well as a cast of recurring (and very nice) characters, there are some obnoxious characters in this tale - well written and believable (I'm sure most people will be familiar with the "type"). There are several suspects, all with motives, and a family mystery to uncover - in the midst of several red herrings.
Recommended if you're a fan of cosy murder mysteries - particularly with a festive setting.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Its New Year’s Eva and Jude Grey, Marcus, Lucy and Noah are going to The Lamb to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, despite the blistering cold weather. Lucy is heavily pregnant and is looking forward to a last night out before the birth of her and Noah’s much awaited baby.
Welcomed into the warmth of the Pub, they discover the Merebrook family, a local family with wealth and scandal attached, are also attending the party. They prove to be a spoilt, unpleasant family with which to share their table; entitled, fractious and impolite they dampen the fun of the evening. To complete a somewhat difficult evening, a surprise proposal sets off the complex issues of dislike within the Merebrook family.
When they all troop outside to welcome in the New Year over glowing firepits, a scream rends the festive atmosphere when a man, a member of the Merebrook party, is found dead; stabbed three times in the back.
As Jude, Bini and Sami, the best of Malvern’s Police force, are present they immediately set about securing the scene, which leads to another complex murder in Malvern. As the days pass, Jude finds as an Honorary Detective, the case is fascinating, not just because it is a local family of wealth and entitlement but because of the history of family and an unsolved murder.
She firmly believes the tragic family history is connected to this latest murder but as the various avenues are discovered and investigated, the amount of people who could have killed Danny Howell continues to grow to the point until a chance conversation lets the final pieces of the jigsaw fall into place.
A Murder at Midnight from Kate Wells is wrapped up in village life, a complex mix of characters and a cold case murder where the killer was never found, apparently disappearing or also murdered.
Once again, a riveting cozy murder from Kate Wells could A Midnight Murder be the final book in the The Malvern Mysteries, as the final chapters draw to close with some heartwarming conclusions. Guess we will have to wait and see what the future holds for Jude Grey and her delightful family and friends.
Welcomed into the warmth of the Pub, they discover the Merebrook family, a local family with wealth and scandal attached, are also attending the party. They prove to be a spoilt, unpleasant family with which to share their table; entitled, fractious and impolite they dampen the fun of the evening. To complete a somewhat difficult evening, a surprise proposal sets off the complex issues of dislike within the Merebrook family.
When they all troop outside to welcome in the New Year over glowing firepits, a scream rends the festive atmosphere when a man, a member of the Merebrook party, is found dead; stabbed three times in the back.
As Jude, Bini and Sami, the best of Malvern’s Police force, are present they immediately set about securing the scene, which leads to another complex murder in Malvern. As the days pass, Jude finds as an Honorary Detective, the case is fascinating, not just because it is a local family of wealth and entitlement but because of the history of family and an unsolved murder.
She firmly believes the tragic family history is connected to this latest murder but as the various avenues are discovered and investigated, the amount of people who could have killed Danny Howell continues to grow to the point until a chance conversation lets the final pieces of the jigsaw fall into place.
A Murder at Midnight from Kate Wells is wrapped up in village life, a complex mix of characters and a cold case murder where the killer was never found, apparently disappearing or also murdered.
Once again, a riveting cozy murder from Kate Wells could A Midnight Murder be the final book in the The Malvern Mysteries, as the final chapters draw to close with some heartwarming conclusions. Guess we will have to wait and see what the future holds for Jude Grey and her delightful family and friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is another great installment in the Malvern Mysteries series. There's a lot going on in Jude's life: her sister is about to give birth, her partner may be about to ask a big question Jude may not want to hear, lambing season is upon them, and her good friend the police detective is thinking about a major life change!
Despite all of that, Jude definitely has time to help her friend out when there's a murder at a New Year's Eve party Jude was attending. The victim had just asked Jessica, the spoiled daughter of the town's wealthy family, to marry him. She said yes, but her father Alexander didn't seem happy. As it turns out, there's no shortage of suspects for the murder.
Jessica and her family, the Merebrooks, are definitely amongst the suspects. This is one of the most dysfunctional families ever created! Years ago Jessica's mother Heather had an affair, and her lover was murdered. Heather disappeared, leaving behind lots of clues that she had killed him then fled.
Jude, however, begins to wonder if the real truth of what happened in the past is still hidden. And what does it have to do with the current murder? When a second murder is discovered, Jude and her friends find themselves deep in a mystery covering multiple families and years and secrets.
This is a great cozy mystery with a setting including sheep, lambs, dogs, family and friends. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
Despite all of that, Jude definitely has time to help her friend out when there's a murder at a New Year's Eve party Jude was attending. The victim had just asked Jessica, the spoiled daughter of the town's wealthy family, to marry him. She said yes, but her father Alexander didn't seem happy. As it turns out, there's no shortage of suspects for the murder.
Jessica and her family, the Merebrooks, are definitely amongst the suspects. This is one of the most dysfunctional families ever created! Years ago Jessica's mother Heather had an affair, and her lover was murdered. Heather disappeared, leaving behind lots of clues that she had killed him then fled.
Jude, however, begins to wonder if the real truth of what happened in the past is still hidden. And what does it have to do with the current murder? When a second murder is discovered, Jude and her friends find themselves deep in a mystery covering multiple families and years and secrets.
This is a great cozy mystery with a setting including sheep, lambs, dogs, family and friends. Highly recommend.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
September 9, 2026
In this final (😭) instalment of the Malvern Farm Mysteries, Jude is celebrating New Year’s Eve at the local pub for drinks and silent fireworks with those closest to her in her life. However, shortly after the clock struck midnight, another party guest, Danny, is stabbed and killed and no one has seen who did it.
His new fiancé Jessica and his closest friend Rachael are beside themselves with grief and Jude just can’t help but wonder what happened to Danny and helps her best friend Detective Inspector Binnie to solve the case.
In the background, Jude’s sister is nearing her due date and lambing season is approaching. The sheep and farm itself are always such delightful characters in the story. Jude’s nephew Sebbie is gearing up to become a big brother and his relationship with his stepfather Noah is so sweet in this book.
I can’t believe this series has come to a close. I’ve been lucky enough to get ARCs of 7 of the 8 books in this series and have been absolutely in love with the atmosphere and setting Kate Wells has created on Malvern Farm.
I can see myself rereading this series over and over as the years go on, as it’s my happy place and a nice cozy getaway from regular life.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
His new fiancé Jessica and his closest friend Rachael are beside themselves with grief and Jude just can’t help but wonder what happened to Danny and helps her best friend Detective Inspector Binnie to solve the case.
In the background, Jude’s sister is nearing her due date and lambing season is approaching. The sheep and farm itself are always such delightful characters in the story. Jude’s nephew Sebbie is gearing up to become a big brother and his relationship with his stepfather Noah is so sweet in this book.
I can’t believe this series has come to a close. I’ve been lucky enough to get ARCs of 7 of the 8 books in this series and have been absolutely in love with the atmosphere and setting Kate Wells has created on Malvern Farm.
I can see myself rereading this series over and over as the years go on, as it’s my happy place and a nice cozy getaway from regular life.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"A Midnight Murder by Kate Wells” the final instalment in the The Malvern Farm Mystery series. This is the first book I have read in the series and by this author, if you love mysteries set England this is for you! I plan on going back and reading the complete series
Fireworks, family feuds… and a fatality
I liked the dynamics between the investigative team, Jude and how they played off each other. I loved the farm setting with the sheep and other animals as well as the side characters, it has made me want to read the series from the beginning.
The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I was sad to see this was the last book in the series but at the end of Murder at Midnight is a sample of a new mystery by Kate Wells which I have pre-ordered already. It sounds intriguing and I can’t wait to read it.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fireworks, family feuds… and a fatality
I liked the dynamics between the investigative team, Jude and how they played off each other. I loved the farm setting with the sheep and other animals as well as the side characters, it has made me want to read the series from the beginning.
The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I was sad to see this was the last book in the series but at the end of Murder at Midnight is a sample of a new mystery by Kate Wells which I have pre-ordered already. It sounds intriguing and I can’t wait to read it.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review❣️
4 stars for me!
I went into this one completely new to Kate Wells' writing, and I'm so glad I did. This was my first book by the author, and it instantly made me want to pick up the rest of the mysteries. The cozy countryside setting, the New Year's celebration, and the tense atmosphere around the feuding Merebrook family created the perfect backdrop for a classic whodunnit.
What I enjoyed most was how effortlessly the mystery kept me engaged. Every family member seemed to have something to hide, and just when I thought I'd figured it out, another secret or red herring changed everything. Jude is such a likeable protagonist, curious, kind, and believable and I loved investigating alongside her without the story ever feeling overly dramatic.
This was a solid 4 star read for me. It was twisty, comforting, and genuinely difficult to put down, even as a standalone. If you love cozy mysteries with memorable characters, family secrets, and an ending that keeps you guessing, I'd definitely recommend giving Kate Wells a try.
4 stars for me!
I went into this one completely new to Kate Wells' writing, and I'm so glad I did. This was my first book by the author, and it instantly made me want to pick up the rest of the mysteries. The cozy countryside setting, the New Year's celebration, and the tense atmosphere around the feuding Merebrook family created the perfect backdrop for a classic whodunnit.
What I enjoyed most was how effortlessly the mystery kept me engaged. Every family member seemed to have something to hide, and just when I thought I'd figured it out, another secret or red herring changed everything. Jude is such a likeable protagonist, curious, kind, and believable and I loved investigating alongside her without the story ever feeling overly dramatic.
This was a solid 4 star read for me. It was twisty, comforting, and genuinely difficult to put down, even as a standalone. If you love cozy mysteries with memorable characters, family secrets, and an ending that keeps you guessing, I'd definitely recommend giving Kate Wells a try.
September 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read "A Midnight Murder" in exchange for my honest review.
This is disappointingly the last book in the series. The reader would think that developments in the book would open the way for more stories but it ended with many loose ends.
Lucy and Noah were expecting their first baby - due during lambing season. Everyone was heading to a New Year's Eve party at The Lamb. Jude was sat next to The Merebrook family and thus began a complicated storyline that mixed the past and the present together. Alexander Merebrook's wife Hannah was suspected to killing the family gardner and then disappearing.
Of course, were Jude is, murder will follow as a dinner guest ends up dead. The best character was always Granny Margot who lived at a care home but was eager to be involved in investigations that Jude was carrying out.
Jude's meddling in this case brought her as close to death as she's ever been as she faces a cruel and uncaring criminal.
This is disappointingly the last book in the series. The reader would think that developments in the book would open the way for more stories but it ended with many loose ends.
Lucy and Noah were expecting their first baby - due during lambing season. Everyone was heading to a New Year's Eve party at The Lamb. Jude was sat next to The Merebrook family and thus began a complicated storyline that mixed the past and the present together. Alexander Merebrook's wife Hannah was suspected to killing the family gardner and then disappearing.
Of course, were Jude is, murder will follow as a dinner guest ends up dead. The best character was always Granny Margot who lived at a care home but was eager to be involved in investigations that Jude was carrying out.
Jude's meddling in this case brought her as close to death as she's ever been as she faces a cruel and uncaring criminal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At the New Year's Eve party that the pub, Jude is dismayed to find herself seated beside the quarrelling family who live in the biggest house in town. It's an uncomfortable dinner for her, but when they leave the building to see the fireworks, they leave the most objectionable member of the family behind. After just a few minutes, a scream is heard from inside, and Danny is found dead of stab wounds. Jude assists Binnie with her investigation, but she's worried that Binnie is not well, still suffering from migraine headaches. She lets Jude know that she's thinking of leaving the police force.
I understand from the writer's afterword that this is the last book in this series. I'll miss reading about the lambs, as that was very enjoyable. Glad that everything wound up so nicely, with baby lambs and a niece born. A very good series. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.
I understand from the writer's afterword that this is the last book in this series. I'll miss reading about the lambs, as that was very enjoyable. Glad that everything wound up so nicely, with baby lambs and a niece born. A very good series. Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.
September 15, 2026
Murder at Midnight is the final entry in the excellent Malvern Farm mystery series. I have followed this series since Murder on the Farm and have fallen in love with Jude Grey and her sister Lucy, Noah, Marco, DS Binita Khatri, Sami and all the animals. Before the neatly tied up conclusion, Jude solves one final mystery. During a New Year's Eve celebration at a local pub, Jude is seated with members of the wealthy and very unpleasant Merebrook family. At midnight, amid the cheers and fireworks, a Merebrook in-law is stabbed to death. Of course, Jude helps Binnie and Sami, the killer is found and the murder is linked to a long ago disappearance. I loved this series and am so disappointed that it is ending. However, at the end of Murder at Midnight is a sample of a new mystery by Kate Wells. It’s intriguing and I can’t wait to read it. 5 stars and a reluctant goodbye to Malvern Farm.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Kate Wells for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Kate Wells for this ARC.
September 28, 2026
Sadly, this is the final installment in a wonderful series set in the picturesque Malvern Hills. The story begins with Jude, her family, and friends heading to the local pub for a New Year’s Eve dinner. Barbara, the landlady of the pub, decides to seat everyone together at one large table. Jude ends up next to the wealthy and entitled Merebrook family, with patriarch Alex being particularly sleazy as he tries to draw her into conversation. While she attempts to enjoy her evening, she keeps getting pulled into their family drama. At one point, Jessica Merebrook receives a proposal from her boyfriend, a top London record producer. But as the fireworks light up the night sky, a murder occurs, and once again Jude is pulled into the investigation. Teaming up with her dear friend Binnie to piece together clues and uncover the truth, Jude uses her wit to unmask the killer.
I’ve loved getting to know Jude Gray, but all good things must come to an end. She’s a fantastic lead for a mystery series, driving the action and doing things the police can’t. Her knack for mulling over clues and solving the case makes these stories so compelling. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of the ARC in exchange for a review.
I’ve loved getting to know Jude Gray, but all good things must come to an end. She’s a fantastic lead for a mystery series, driving the action and doing things the police can’t. Her knack for mulling over clues and solving the case makes these stories so compelling. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of the ARC in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s New Years Eve & Jude Gray is ready to ring in the New Year the proper way – at the local pub, surrounded by friends, neighbours and the usual Malvern mix of good cheer. But this year, all eyes are on the Merebrooks. Wealthy, enigmatic and woven into the fabric of Malvern for generations, they’ve always been a family people talk about. When a marriage proposal sends shockwaves through the already fractious clan, the atmosphere turns from celebratory to strained. And then, as the clock strikes twelve and fireworks light up the sky, tragedy strikes. One of the Merebrooks is found dead.
The eighth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’ve loved getting to know Jude, Marcus, Lucy & Noah, it feels like I’m catching up with friends. Another engrossing cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. I must admit I didn’t like any of the suspects, however I was caught up in the mystery with the twists, turns & red herrings. I hope there will be more books but there were conclusions in the final chapters so I wonder!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The eighth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’ve loved getting to know Jude, Marcus, Lucy & Noah, it feels like I’m catching up with friends. Another engrossing cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. I must admit I didn’t like any of the suspects, however I was caught up in the mystery with the twists, turns & red herrings. I hope there will be more books but there were conclusions in the final chapters so I wonder!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 15, 2026
This new cozy murder mystery brings Jude Gray a new case just in time with the New Year.
The story brings us a lot of emotions, and friendship and family connections. Her sister is about to give birth, she is busy with the farm, and now when she goes to the pub for a peaceful night, there is an engagement happening that will not bring joy to the future bride's family.
And some times later, the future groom is found dead. And of course the suspects are obvious, the fiancée's family.
But Jude like always will help her friend detective to solve the case.
If you are in need of a cozy smalltown murder mystery that take place in winter, this is the one for you.
It was a good read and I liked it so much.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
The story brings us a lot of emotions, and friendship and family connections. Her sister is about to give birth, she is busy with the farm, and now when she goes to the pub for a peaceful night, there is an engagement happening that will not bring joy to the future bride's family.
And some times later, the future groom is found dead. And of course the suspects are obvious, the fiancée's family.
But Jude like always will help her friend detective to solve the case.
If you are in need of a cozy smalltown murder mystery that take place in winter, this is the one for you.
It was a good read and I liked it so much.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jude and her family and friends are at a New Year’s Eve party and get seated at a table with the Merebrooks, the local rich family with snobbish, rude attitudes. The daughter becomes engaged during the party, but it’s short-lived when her fiance is murdered that same night. With many suspects and motives, the police and Jude are busy.
I love reading about Jude’s farm, her sweet animals, and the quiet farm life she has built. The Merebrooks have a dark history with the disappearance of the mother years before after her lover was murdered.
This is a lovely cozy mystery with a complex mystery and a peaceful village and farm setting. I loved the characters and the setting.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
I love reading about Jude’s farm, her sweet animals, and the quiet farm life she has built. The Merebrooks have a dark history with the disappearance of the mother years before after her lover was murdered.
This is a lovely cozy mystery with a complex mystery and a peaceful village and farm setting. I loved the characters and the setting.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 24, 2026
Jude and family attend a New Year's Eve party at the local pub and have the misfortune of sharing a table with an infamous local family who prove to be less-than-diverting dinner companions. A suspicious death occurs as the New Year is welcomed with fireworks, and Jude finds herself investigating with her friend, the local police detective. I like the farm and village setting, which authenticates the story. The family dynamic is believable, and the mystery is full of false leads and unexpected twists. The suspense increases as more secrets are revealed, and the final chapters are full of menace. The conclusion is satisfying, especially for those who have read the entire series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 15, 2026
This is an awesome series with great characters, human and animal. I have really enjoyed getting to know Jude and her family.
A thoroughly disgusting man is killed at the New Year's Eve celebration. I had already decided that I hated him for being so unfeeling about the fact that fireworks terrify farm animals, so was happy to see him get bumped off. The entire family were nothing but terrible people.
Binnie isn't doing well after coming back to work too early, and asks Jude for help investigating.
I'm thinking that this is the last of the series from something the author said, but I have really enjoyed all the books, and will be awaiting the new series in 2027!
A thoroughly disgusting man is killed at the New Year's Eve celebration. I had already decided that I hated him for being so unfeeling about the fact that fireworks terrify farm animals, so was happy to see him get bumped off. The entire family were nothing but terrible people.
Binnie isn't doing well after coming back to work too early, and asks Jude for help investigating.
I'm thinking that this is the last of the series from something the author said, but I have really enjoyed all the books, and will be awaiting the new series in 2027!
September 22, 2026
Jude Gray is looking forward to ringing in the New Year with her family at the local pub .
As you would expect where Jude is , a death usually follows .
The Merebrooks are a wealthy family who have lived locally for generations .
The family group is full of tension and disagreements and at the end of the evening one of them will be dead.
This cosy mystery is easy to read and the main characters are likeable and it’s like meeting up with old friends.
Jude uses her detecting skills and helps the police find the murderer .
A great cosy mystery , a perfect read for the cold winter nights with a mug of cocoa.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
As you would expect where Jude is , a death usually follows .
The Merebrooks are a wealthy family who have lived locally for generations .
The family group is full of tension and disagreements and at the end of the evening one of them will be dead.
This cosy mystery is easy to read and the main characters are likeable and it’s like meeting up with old friends.
Jude uses her detecting skills and helps the police find the murderer .
A great cosy mystery , a perfect read for the cold winter nights with a mug of cocoa.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the third book I have read by this author which is part of the "Malvern Mysteries" series. I think it is the best so far, although it seemed to go a little slow at times. Once again Jude displays her amazing deductive skills while dealing with all the farm chores, pregnant sheep and a pregnant sister. She's what makes the books worth reading.
All the suspicious characters were truly unlikable, and I couldn't figure out who was responsible until revealed dramatically at the end. Overall, a well-written mystery
I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
All the suspicious characters were truly unlikable, and I couldn't figure out who was responsible until revealed dramatically at the end. Overall, a well-written mystery
I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
September 14, 2026
New Year and Jude, Marco, Lucy and Noah are seeing it in at the pub, where a meal is being laid one followed by fireworks. Unfortunately Jude finds herself next to the Merebrooks., having to listen to their bickering. Danny proposes to Jessica Merebrook’s causing a stir, especially with her father. Later during the fireworks Danny is murdered and as they were all present Jude is again caught up in an investigation, helping her friends Bonnie and Sami with their case.
Another good cosy mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc,
Another good cosy mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc,
September 14, 2026
Jude Gray gets involved in another death, this time on New Years Eve. This is probably Judes most emotional investigation so far. The characters in this story are the sort you wished you had for friends. They are always there for each other. The story moves along apace and has a satisfying finale. This would appear to be the final book in the series which is a shame as the stories are so nice to read. Thoroughly recommended for all lovers of cosy mysteries.
With thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book
With thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gripping from start to finish. This is the 8th in a series. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, although I have now downloaded them all to read as was so impressed by this book. Although knowing the full back story would have been useful, this didn't impact on my enjoyment of the book. I look forward to reading the rest. Highly recommended. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy and leave this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2026
A Midnight Murder by Kate Wells ⭐⭐⭐
Final book in the series but events makes you think that more books to follow, so that's disappointing to me as a reader. Don't get me wrong the book as well as the series are great reads and I recommend reading them if mysteries are your genre.
Jude is a great main character and her wit helps her "get her man or woman" lol. As she solves the mystery and finds the killer.
Final book in the series but events makes you think that more books to follow, so that's disappointing to me as a reader. Don't get me wrong the book as well as the series are great reads and I recommend reading them if mysteries are your genre.
Jude is a great main character and her wit helps her "get her man or woman" lol. As she solves the mystery and finds the killer.
October 3, 2026
Jude is ensconced in the local pub bringing in the New Year. However a marriage proposal, fireworks and a then a dead body take all the cheer out of the festive season.. Jude finds herself drawn into the mystery as she is sure that someone is willing to kill just to keep secrets buried.
I have enjoyed this collection of cosy mysteries and am sad that it is the last in the series set in the Malvern Hills.
I have enjoyed this collection of cosy mysteries and am sad that it is the last in the series set in the Malvern Hills.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed the mystery entwined with the rhythm of farm life. And what a horrid family the mystery involved. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 5, 2026
Another great read, with a mix of suspects, twists as well as touching family moments. A very easy page turner that keeps you guessing. And an excellent way to wrap up the series which has been very good throughout. Highly recommended
October 15, 2026
Loved it. Just gutted it's the last in the series.
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