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Sound Mind Dead Body
A manor house cosy crime with all the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery.
Devon, 1929. Members of the Pedhurst and de Reve families gather to hear unpopular matriarch Julia Pedhurst (nee de Reve) read from her late husband's will.
One of the house guests is fighter pilot Fred Willets, now an inspector in the Kalgoorlie Gold Squad, who has come to the UK as a beneficiary of the will. When Julia dies before the reading, and another death follows soon after, everybody in the manor house is a possible suspect.
It is up to Willets, assisted by the bright young pharmacist Prudence Meadows, to crack this whodunnit.
Devon, 1929. Members of the Pedhurst and de Reve families gather to hear unpopular matriarch Julia Pedhurst (nee de Reve) read from her late husband's will.
One of the house guests is fighter pilot Fred Willets, now an inspector in the Kalgoorlie Gold Squad, who has come to the UK as a beneficiary of the will. When Julia dies before the reading, and another death follows soon after, everybody in the manor house is a possible suspect.
It is up to Willets, assisted by the bright young pharmacist Prudence Meadows, to crack this whodunnit.
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2026
About the author
Dave Warner
44 books92 followersDave Warner is the author of fourteen crime novels, including the winner of the 1996 WA Premier’s Award for Fiction (City of Light) and the 2016 Ned Kelly winner of Best Australian Crime Fiction (Before it Breaks). He has also written a children's book series and seven non-fiction titles, and screenwritten for film and TV.
Dave Warner originally gained national recognition as a musician-songwriter in the late 1970s with Bob Dylan referring to Dave and Richard Clapton as his “favourite Australian artists”.
As early as 1973 Dave had formed Australia’s first punk band, Pus, playing early versions of tracks such as Suburban Boy and Hot Crotch which he was later to record with Dave Warner’s from the Suburbs. In 1975, Dave went to London and wrote many new songs which expressed a clearly-defined vision of Australia, including tracks such as Convict Streak and Oklahoma. Suburban Boy became the cornerstone of this new style of music, which Dave labelled suburban rock. Warner’s music is probably best described as Lou Reed meets Tomas Pynchon.
Dave's feature films include the cult-horror CUT (starring Kylie Minogue and Molly Ringwald) and GARAGE DAYS (co-written with director Alex Proyas). His many TV credits include scripts for MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS and PACKED TO THE RAFTERS.
Dave was educated at Aquinas College and the University of Western Australia, graduating with a B.A. (Hons.), majoring in Psychology. Growing up an ardent supporter of the East Fremantle Football Club, his passion of Australian football remains.
Dave Warner originally gained national recognition as a musician-songwriter in the late 1970s with Bob Dylan referring to Dave and Richard Clapton as his “favourite Australian artists”.
As early as 1973 Dave had formed Australia’s first punk band, Pus, playing early versions of tracks such as Suburban Boy and Hot Crotch which he was later to record with Dave Warner’s from the Suburbs. In 1975, Dave went to London and wrote many new songs which expressed a clearly-defined vision of Australia, including tracks such as Convict Streak and Oklahoma. Suburban Boy became the cornerstone of this new style of music, which Dave labelled suburban rock. Warner’s music is probably best described as Lou Reed meets Tomas Pynchon.
Dave's feature films include the cult-horror CUT (starring Kylie Minogue and Molly Ringwald) and GARAGE DAYS (co-written with director Alex Proyas). His many TV credits include scripts for MCLEOD’S DAUGHTERS and PACKED TO THE RAFTERS.
Dave was educated at Aquinas College and the University of Western Australia, graduating with a B.A. (Hons.), majoring in Psychology. Growing up an ardent supporter of the East Fremantle Football Club, his passion of Australian football remains.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 18, 2026
Sound mind dead body by David Warner is set in England in 1929.
A murder mystery that Australian Detective Fred Willets solves when he's summoned to England for the reading of a will, but before the will is finalised, the matriarch is found dead.
With the Pedhurst and de Reve families already at odds with each other and the matriarch, was it fowl play or simply natural causes?
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and quite witty, Fred was a likeable character, unlike most of the others aside from Prudence the local pharmacist who helps him and he's keen on.
The personalities were all intriguing and it was quite fun to try and work out the motives and who did what. There were clues dropped here and there, some I picked up, others not until later. I didn't pick who the murderer was though!
There was a lot of different characters to remember and this was made a little trickier with them sometimes being referred to by there surnames and other times by there first name or nickname.
But a great read if your after a mystery that's not too heavy.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Freemantle Press for the book to read and review.
A murder mystery that Australian Detective Fred Willets solves when he's summoned to England for the reading of a will, but before the will is finalised, the matriarch is found dead.
With the Pedhurst and de Reve families already at odds with each other and the matriarch, was it fowl play or simply natural causes?
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and quite witty, Fred was a likeable character, unlike most of the others aside from Prudence the local pharmacist who helps him and he's keen on.
The personalities were all intriguing and it was quite fun to try and work out the motives and who did what. There were clues dropped here and there, some I picked up, others not until later. I didn't pick who the murderer was though!
There was a lot of different characters to remember and this was made a little trickier with them sometimes being referred to by there surnames and other times by there first name or nickname.
But a great read if your after a mystery that's not too heavy.
Thank you Beauty and Lace and Freemantle Press for the book to read and review.
April 17, 2026
Found this cosy crime book to be a real page turner. Loved the character Fred Willets, and look forward to his next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a clever read and had me invested from the start.
Set in 1929 in Devon in the stately Harcroft Manor, where the descendants and relatives of Thomas Pedhurst are gathered to hear what they may get from his will. The twist is that his widow Julia has the final say.
Let's just say that is a recipe for the very worst of human behaviour to show itself.
Fred Willets, who was a pilot in WW1, is in attendance as he rescued the brother of Thomas during an aerial battle, and is being gifted a plane. All the way from Australia, and now a police officer, Fred is dragged into the family drama when a death occurs on the first night all are gathered and he starts to gather evidence for the local constabulary.
The range of characters on offer from the nasty Julia Pedhurst, her trusty assistant Vera, a deadbeat nephew Toby, the estranged step-nephew Charles, to the wily family lawyer Robert Brewer, gave this story many people who could have committed murder. There were many secrets being kept it would seem.
The little drops of information had me thinking I could decipher all the clues and solve this mystery. The twist I never saw coming put an end to that!
If this is what golden age crime is like then I am very much a fan. Could the ending of this one leave things open for a sequel??
Set in 1929 in Devon in the stately Harcroft Manor, where the descendants and relatives of Thomas Pedhurst are gathered to hear what they may get from his will. The twist is that his widow Julia has the final say.
Let's just say that is a recipe for the very worst of human behaviour to show itself.
Fred Willets, who was a pilot in WW1, is in attendance as he rescued the brother of Thomas during an aerial battle, and is being gifted a plane. All the way from Australia, and now a police officer, Fred is dragged into the family drama when a death occurs on the first night all are gathered and he starts to gather evidence for the local constabulary.
The range of characters on offer from the nasty Julia Pedhurst, her trusty assistant Vera, a deadbeat nephew Toby, the estranged step-nephew Charles, to the wily family lawyer Robert Brewer, gave this story many people who could have committed murder. There were many secrets being kept it would seem.
The little drops of information had me thinking I could decipher all the clues and solve this mystery. The twist I never saw coming put an end to that!
If this is what golden age crime is like then I am very much a fan. Could the ending of this one leave things open for a sequel??
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Families can be messy, but this one proves deadly.
The story begins with an unconventional family gathering to hear the reading of a will and quickly spirals into tragedy for all involved. I really enjoyed Dave Warner’s writing style, particularly the subtle breadcrumb trail of clues and the way we uncover information alongside Fred. It made the investigation feel immersive and kept me constantly second-guessing myself.
Just when I thought I had worked out the killer and was feeling quietly smug, Warner completely pulled the rug out from under me. So many moments that felt significant turned out to be clever misdirection, which made the final reveal even more satisfying.
The characters are delightfully unpleasant, mostly unlikeable and positively fascinating. Grudges are plentiful, secrets are held close, and whispers between family members in the dead of night ensure no one is ever boring. Thank goodness for calm, intelligent Fred and the unforgettable Prudence.
That final twist was fantastic and genuinely shocked me. I was gasping out loud.
I sincerely hope we haven’t seen the last of Fred.
The story begins with an unconventional family gathering to hear the reading of a will and quickly spirals into tragedy for all involved. I really enjoyed Dave Warner’s writing style, particularly the subtle breadcrumb trail of clues and the way we uncover information alongside Fred. It made the investigation feel immersive and kept me constantly second-guessing myself.
Just when I thought I had worked out the killer and was feeling quietly smug, Warner completely pulled the rug out from under me. So many moments that felt significant turned out to be clever misdirection, which made the final reveal even more satisfying.
The characters are delightfully unpleasant, mostly unlikeable and positively fascinating. Grudges are plentiful, secrets are held close, and whispers between family members in the dead of night ensure no one is ever boring. Thank goodness for calm, intelligent Fred and the unforgettable Prudence.
That final twist was fantastic and genuinely shocked me. I was gasping out loud.
I sincerely hope we haven’t seen the last of Fred.
April 29, 2026
The year is 1929 and in a stately manor home in England, a group of family members and acquaintances gather to hear the reading of Thomas Pedhurst's will. Nothing is straightforward, because Thomas's widow, Julia, has the last final say.
There is a cast of interesting characters, from Julia's siblings, to our MC Aussie Fred Willets - a WWI pilot turned policeman, who's bravery and compassion Thomas was thankful for.
There's money at stake and everyone wants what they can get. Before long, someone is dead. Fred begins to gather evidence and believes that not everything is as it appears.
I love a whodunit style mystery and this one certainly had me guessing. It's clever, cosy, twisty and definitely reminds you of the Golden Age of an Agatha Christie style mystery.
My verdict: thoroughly enjoyable, and I'm hoping for a sequel
Thank you to Fremantle Press for my gifted review copy
There is a cast of interesting characters, from Julia's siblings, to our MC Aussie Fred Willets - a WWI pilot turned policeman, who's bravery and compassion Thomas was thankful for.
There's money at stake and everyone wants what they can get. Before long, someone is dead. Fred begins to gather evidence and believes that not everything is as it appears.
I love a whodunit style mystery and this one certainly had me guessing. It's clever, cosy, twisty and definitely reminds you of the Golden Age of an Agatha Christie style mystery.
My verdict: thoroughly enjoyable, and I'm hoping for a sequel
Thank you to Fremantle Press for my gifted review copy
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sound Mind Dead Body by Dave Warner is a lovely slow burn cosy crime à la Agatha Christie.
The scene is set beautifully from the first page and the grand house is the perfect setting for a gathering that you know is going to go awry.
The characters are interesting, well developed and full of secrets. The handy family tree and house plan included at the start of the book were so handy, I found myself referring back again and again.
As the story develops, little crumbs are dropped and these had me guessing until the very end on who was involved, why and what did they do. I can honestly say I did not guess the ending.
A little clue dropped in at the end makes me think there’ll be another story coming, hopefully sooner rather than later.
The scene is set beautifully from the first page and the grand house is the perfect setting for a gathering that you know is going to go awry.
The characters are interesting, well developed and full of secrets. The handy family tree and house plan included at the start of the book were so handy, I found myself referring back again and again.
As the story develops, little crumbs are dropped and these had me guessing until the very end on who was involved, why and what did they do. I can honestly say I did not guess the ending.
A little clue dropped in at the end makes me think there’ll be another story coming, hopefully sooner rather than later.
May 13, 2026
Sound Mind Dead Body was my first Dave Warner book and it won’t be my last. Set in the Devon countryside in 1929, this was an intriguing slow burn cozy crime that was cleverly written.
Will readings and money always brings out the family drama and Warner uses that to full advantage in this book. Most of the characters are very unpleasant and when paired with several red herrings throughout the narrative, it really made it difficult to pinpoint who the guilty party is.
Willets is a very unassuming character with a sharp mind and I enjoyed watching him connect the clues together. It was nice that he got a love interest too, I felt like his character deserved that.
If you love a good Agatha Christie-esque historical whodunit then I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to Fremantle Press for a copy to review.
Will readings and money always brings out the family drama and Warner uses that to full advantage in this book. Most of the characters are very unpleasant and when paired with several red herrings throughout the narrative, it really made it difficult to pinpoint who the guilty party is.
Willets is a very unassuming character with a sharp mind and I enjoyed watching him connect the clues together. It was nice that he got a love interest too, I felt like his character deserved that.
If you love a good Agatha Christie-esque historical whodunit then I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to Fremantle Press for a copy to review.
Review of advance copy
If you like Agatha Christie-esque novels then this one is for you. A whodunnit, country estate mystery set in late 1920s England; throw in a 'colonial' detective on leave and you have the perfect scenario for some escapist fun.
June 3, 2026
Having read quite of few of DW's books.
When I came across this on my kobo library I thought why not...
An Australian cop finds himself in an 'Agatha Christie' type scenario in an English country house in 1929...go figure.
Whilst predictable it was a 'cosy' read.
When I came across this on my kobo library I thought why not...
An Australian cop finds himself in an 'Agatha Christie' type scenario in an English country house in 1929...go figure.
Whilst predictable it was a 'cosy' read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Too many errors needing editing.
And, then the town of Shagwell? That's Shadwell.
And, then the town of Shagwell? That's Shadwell.
March 19, 2026
What a fast and cosy almost cluedo style book. Many lovers of Agatha Christie will enjoy this Deco era book. Once in and solving how Aunty was Killed it was intriguing and easy to read.
April 24, 2026
Loved this ‘cosy’ mystery
May 14, 2026
Agatha Christie with an Australian flavour. Sounds unlikely but as always Dave carries it out with aplomb. A very enjoyable and easy read
June 9, 2026
This was a very enjoyable read. As Dave said, this an Agatha Christie style murder mystery, but it is a worthy knock off; intelligent, engaging and well-written. I waggle my wings to you too sir.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews