The Body at St Edmund’s

A Georgina Drake Mystery #8

by Kate Hardy

When a routine restoration ends in death, photographer Georgina Drake finds herself documenting murder instead of stained glass…

Georgina is photographing the restoration of St Edmund’s church when young craftsman Liam Jacobs collapses after eating homemade banana bread. Despite Georgina’s desperate attempts at CPR, he dies at the scene. An unfortunate allergic reaction seems the obvious answer, until tests reveal something far more sinister…

DI Colin Bradshaw swiftly takes over the investigation, but meanwhile, Georgina has uncovered a chilling historical parallel: over 150 years ago, the church’s vicar and his sister both died in mysterious circumstances, linked to rumours of an ancient treasure hidden beneath the church.

With a Victorian diary revealing dark secrets, whispers of a legendary tunnel, and a podcaster stirring up local treasure hunters, Georgina must navigate past and present dangers alike. But can she unmask a killer before the church’s deadly history repeats itself once more?

An unputdownable blend of cozy mystery and historical intrigue, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, M.C. Beaton and Midsomer Murders.

Genres: Mystery

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 25, 2026

About the author

Kate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.

She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!

Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at St Edmund’s is another solid, easy-to-read instalment in Kate Hardy’s Georgina Drake series. It has all the hallmarks of a good cosy crime, a likeable lead, an atmospheric setting, and a mystery that gradually unfolds without ever becoming too dark or complicated.

When a young craftsman dies during work on the restoration of St Edmund’s church, what initially looks like a tragic accident soon raises questions. Georgina is drawn into the investigation once again, and alongside DI Bradshaw she begins to uncover links to the church’s past that suggest something more deliberate at play.

As with the rest of the series, the strength here lies in the blend of present day investigation and historical intrigue. The church setting adds real atmosphere, and Hardy keeps things moving at a steady, readable pace. Georgina remains a capable and relatable protagonist, and the familiar supporting characters add continuity for returning readers.

It’s not a particularly twist-heavy mystery, and some developments are fairly easy to anticipate, but it’s still an enjoyable, comforting read with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages. A good addition to the series for fans of gentle, character led crime fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘The Body at St Edmund’s’ by Kate Hardy.

Georgina Drake is at the church to take some photographs of some stained glass windows being repaired, but instead she ends up trying to save a collapsed worker. Is the death of a young man due to natural causes or poison? Her partner, DI Colin Bradshaw initiates the investigation. Meanwhile, Georgina’s ghost friend (yep, I said ghost), Doris, informs her that two deaths that occurred 150 years earlier may be linked to a supposed hidden treasure at the church. This leads Georgina and her band of friends to try and solve two cases at the same time. When Colin is a victim to foul play, and additional clues are revealed, Georgina becomes more desperate in her investigation.

Arsenic, treasure, danger, ghosts, and mystery make this a fun and interesting read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Georgina Drake Mystery series and the third one I have read. The setting in and around an ancient church with an abandoned crypt was right up my alley. The addition of stained glass restoration methods at the beginning sealed the deal!

The dual plots of the current murder and the centuries-old cold case are integral to the overall story and are handled excellently. Each of the main characters are well described and believable. Once again, the supernatural aspect was limited, mostly to solving the cold case, which was good - it didn't give the amateur investigators an unfair advantage.

I like the author's style and plotting and I look forward to her next book. I recommend this series to anyone who likes small town British mysteries.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the advance copy.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "The Body at St. Edmund's" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This wonderful addition to the Georgina Drake series is the 8th book. Kate Hardy continues to develop her characters and bring interesting stories and plots to life.

Once again Georgie has been asked to photograph something, this time the restoration of a stained glass window at St. Edmund's Chruch. She is to take photos of Liam Jacobs work restoring the damaged stained glass. She first visits the grave of Doris Brauchamp. The 18 year old who died at Rookery Farm when she fell down the stairs. Her ghost communicates with Georgie and helps her and friends Sybbie and Cesca (The Wenboroug Detectives) solve historical mysteries. Georgie's partner DI Colin Bradshaw doesn't believe in ghosts but has been more open minded in recent books. It's no surprise that Georgie hears "we need to talk" from Doris as she brings her another cold case to look into. Martha Plowright has reached out to Doris and thinks that her brother Bram did not die during the Typhoid Fever outbreak in their village in 1871 but rather was murdered. She thinks that he was poisoned by someone. Then Martha has an "accident" while out riding.

The modern day case is also a poisoning - a complex case of who could have done it and how. Georgie and Sybbie find a link between the cold case and present day. They meet Kathleen and Walter who take care of the church - Abraham Locke was Kathleen's great, great, great uncle. His little sister Martha Plowright was Kathleen's great, great grandmother. Kathleen's husband is sure that the legends about a treasure are true and they could use it to repair the church roof.

There are several suspects in the murder of young Liam. But none of them have clear motive as the why they would kill him and attack several other people as they try to find the prior's treasure.

There is a wonderful surprise ending and a hope that there will be another book in the series very soon. As always it deserves more than 5 stars and I cold not put it down and read it in one sitting.

[TrishAM · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
This is the eighth book in Kate Hardy's "Georgina Drake" series and the third one that I have read.
Georgina Drake has been asked to photograph, and interview, specialist stained glass restorer, Liam Jacobs, as he dismantles the beautiful windows at St.Edmunds, the 13th century flint built church. Georgina is intrigued by the restoration and the work involved and found Liam easy to talk to until.......
Liam is found dead in the church and Georgina's friend Kathleen's, famous banana cake, is thought to be the cause. Georgina's partner D I Colin Bradshaw was quickly on the case, I know that this is a tongue in cheek, cosy mystery, but I really did get a little tired of Colin saying "I really shouldn't be discussing this with you" then proceeding to reveal all to his nosy and interfering partner.
Running parallel to the story of Liam's murder, for which there are many suspects, is the story of a legend of buried treasure, a legend brought to life, and garnering much interest, by local historian, Russell Dawson, on his podcast.
I have to admit that, although lots of people will absolutely love this story, sadly, it wasn't for me, I couldn't really get invested in any of the characters, the partnership between Georgina and Colin somehow was missing a spark. I have enjoyed many stories where ghosts played a part but for me, Doris, the eighteen year old girl who had died falling down the stairs more than fifty years ago, at the home where Georgina now lived, and who Georgina could converse with, a ghost who helped Georgina solve mysteries, didn't really have much character.
I really wanted to like this book but I found myself a little bored around the half way mark, as I said before, this is only my opinion, perhaps I took it a bit too seriously.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Varsha(my plants and my books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My overall rating- 3
Setting- 4
Characters -3
Plot - 2
Prose - 2

This is the 8th book in Georgina Drake's cozy mystery series, and this is my first one. I was really intrigued by the premise of the story, but was surprised by some paranormal elements in it. I am new to the cozy mystery game, but I felt this book didn't quite hit the mark.

The story opens with Georgina Drake's new assignment to photograph Liam, restoring the stained glass at St. Edmund's church. On day one, after a bite of homemade banana bread, Liam dies. This is quickly turns into a murder investigation by Colin(Georgina's beau). There is a parallel storyline with a 150-year-old mystery surrounding the former vicar's death, who was investigating the church's grounds for hidden treasure. This story/ myth is made famous by a podcaster and
Liam's death has thrown the church and its residents into chaos.

This story has so many characters, and since this is my first, it was difficult to follow who has what role. It still works as a standalone novel, but it needs a lot of attention for you to be fully engaged in the storyline. Doris, who is Georgina's ghost-best friend, was an important element in the plot but felt she was underused. There is a lot of talk about the church grounds- charnel, priory, chancel, crypts, tunnels, vicarage, etc., which was foreign to me and honestly quite boring to follow. The plot itself is simple and short but all the discussions regarding the archives were honestly making my eyes heavy.

There is Bert and other pets who would really make a difference in a story's plot, i.e., make it more endearing and engaging, but they were underutilized too. This book might not be the best one to pick first to read in this series, but it does have potential.

Thank you for the advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for honest feedback

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at St Edmunds is a wonderfully engaging blend of cozy mystery and historical intrigue, the kind of story that draws you in with gentle charm before revealing the darker threads running beneath its surface. Georgina Drake, camera in hand and curiosity never far behind, finds herself in the wrong place at the worst possible moment when a young craftsman collapses during a routine church restoration. What looks like a tragic allergic reaction quickly becomes something far more unsettling.

Georgina is such an appealing lead—steady, observant, and quietly determined—and the author uses her photographer’s eye to great effect. Through her, the church becomes a character in its own right: full of shadows, secrets, and echoes of the past. The discovery of a Victorian diary and whispers of an old treasure give the mystery a lovely dual‑timeline feel without ever overwhelming the present‑day investigation.

As DI Colin Bradshaw takes charge and the village begins to buzz with rumours, the tension builds in that wonderfully cozy‑crime way—never too dark, but threaded with enough danger to keep the pages turning. The podcaster stirring up local treasure hunters adds a modern twist that fits perfectly with the story’s blend of folklore and fact.

Atmospheric, gently twisty, and full of charm, The Body at St Edmunds is an irresistible mystery that balances warmth with intrigue. A perfect pick for readers who love their crime fiction with history, heart, and just a hint of danger.

With thanks to Kate Hardy, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgie Drake was at St Edmund's church, photographing the lead light glass which was being removed for renovation. While Liam concentrated at the top of his ladder, Georgie went outside to do more photography and when she returned, Liam was collapsed on the floor. She, along with Kathleen (a volunteer) performed CPR until the paramedics arrived, but unfortunately he couldn't be saved. Immediately DI Colin Bradshaw, Georgie's partner, was called to the scene and the investigation began.

Meanwhile Georgie's friend Doris (a ghostly presence whom only Georgie could hear through her hearing aids) alerted her to two deaths connected to the church, and who were great-great-great's of locals; the rumours of treasure hidden in the church had survived over the years. Georgie needed to find if the treasure was real, if the two people, 150 years prior, had been murdered, and how it all connected with the current day...

The Body at St Edmund’s is the 8th in A Georgina Drake Mystery series by Kate Hardy and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun, entertaining, Georgie up to her neck in mystery and intrigue, Sibby helping out - all a great recipe for a mysterious historical cosy. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @netgalley @stormpublishing and Kate Hardy for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Body at St Edmund’s was such an enjoyable cozy mystery and another great addition to the Georgina Drake series. I loved the atmospheric setting of the old church, the stained glass restoration details, and the way the story blended a modern murder investigation with a chilling historical mystery.

When stained glass restorer Liam Jacobs suddenly collapses inside St Edmund’s church after eating homemade banana bread, what first appears to be a tragic allergic reaction quickly turns into something much more sinister. Georgina once again finds herself investigating alongside DI Colin Bradshaw, while Doris, her ghostly companion, uncovers connections to suspicious deaths from over 150 years earlier linked to rumors of hidden treasure beneath the church.

I really enjoyed how the past and present mysteries intertwined, and the treasure legend added an extra layer of intrigue. The pacing kept me hooked throughout, with plenty of twists, secrets, and suspects to keep me guessing. Doris continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series, and I loved spending time again with Georgina, Colin, Sybbie, and the rest of the familiar cast.

This was a cozy mystery packed with charm, history, danger, and just the right amount of suspense. Fans of dual timeline mysteries, small village settings, and paranormal cozy crime will definitely enjoy this one.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Georgina Drake Mystery series by Kate Hardy and is another fun read with Georgina Drake and her resident ghost, Doris. Their parallel past and present murder investigations are interesting in that they are so similar in the cause of death and the killer.

This time Georgina digs into the death of Liam Jacobs, a craftsman who is restoring stained glass windows at the village’s church. He collapses at the church after eating banana bread, but there is no coconut in it, which he had announced he was allergic to

Doris’s case revolves around a vicar, Bram, who supposedly died from typhoid fever, but his sister’s ghost, Martha, believes he was poisoned because of stories about a hidden treasure at the church. The story of the hidden treasure also plays a part in the modern-day mystery as people are still looking for the treasure.

I don’t think readers will be overly surprised by the killers in both stories, but I don’t think that detracts from the overall story. I enjoy the characters in this series and hope for future stories. I wish Colin was more accepting of Doris because it makes it hard for Georgina to be upfront with him about her investigations.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at St Edmunds brings us back with photographer Georgina Drake and her ghost friend, Doris. There are Georgie's mystery loving friends, and we can't forget Georgie's beau, DI Colin Bradshaw. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let go. I found myself up in the wee hours reading and not wanting to put it down. The stained-glass windows of St Edmunds are going to be repaired but the young glass restorer Liam dies after eating some homemade cake given to him by elderly church member Katherine. Was this a tragic accident or something more sinister. There is also an older cold case that involves ancestors of Katherine.

This story has it all the things I love, centuries old church and graveyard, secret tunnels, great characters and who doesn't love having a ghost for a best friend? It also is one of the best mysteries I have read recently. It intertwines the cold case and present-day incident so well. You get to know the characters so well that you really get invested in this story.

I just can't say enough about this book, except be prepared to lose sleep and getting nothing else done till the book is finished!

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read this book and give my opinion.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word - I thought that the Georgina Drake and Doris series would lose its novelty and become tedious - but 8 books on how wrong was I?

St. Edmund’s Church needs renovations to its entire being and especially its stained glass windows. A local company employs Liam instead of Aaron the nephew of the Churchwarden Walter and his wife, to embark on the stained glass work. Kathleen was related to a vicar in the past and his sister who form the part of the tale that Georgina and Doris need to investigate. Georgina still hears Doris through her hearing aids (and I still have a hearing aided daughter who is very jealous of this skill) , Doris becoming part of the community for Georgie’s friend and her sceptic partner Colin.
Who knew about the uses of orange juice and the ins and outs of treasure hunts in an ecclesiastical setting?

To say more would provide spoilers a plenty and I’m not going to do that - the book needs reading - in fact the whole series does.
As with the other books it is well written, well researched, heart rending with an incredibly poignant ending. Carpe Diem indeed.

Well deserving of its 5 starts I sincerely hope there are many more adventures for Georgina, Inspector Colin, Doris and their friends.and there’s a lot of cake involved.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the latest Georgina mystery is like wearing a pair of your most comfort favorite socks. As always its written in such a way that new readers can enjoy this as well. This time round for me the cold case was more of a side story. A dead body in the church that carefully links to the cold case.. The additional involvement of new characters within the story was interesting as well as the references to well loved characters who took a back seat. This also felt it reflected on the relationships between georgina and colin . Doris felt like she was less involved and in places a happy distraction. I have so enjoyed every book in the series but this feel like maybe the series was either coming to an end (please no) or going in a slightly different direction. I always love the way things are with the cold case never taking anything away from the current investigation and also how georginia usually solves both with a little help from her friends. I always look forward to my next outing and hope there is a lot more to go in this series. Thank you so much netgallery, publisher and author for this absolute gem. 5 stars all the way

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* A pity the body of the title wasn't Boring Colin's. What a drip that man is. Review contains spoilers.

This series is starting to wane, sadly, and I think this is its swan song for me.

There were too many cooks that I think the author was trying to create red herrings from, and it got boring. Georgina's repetition of 'my partner', Sibbie's repetition of 'dear girl' began to get on my nerves. Colin The Bore was even more boring and pompous than usual and I'm frankly sick of Georgina wanting to not talk about Doris to avoid an argument with Mr Not Supportive. I was glad that he ended up a victim in the tale, sadly not a fatal one 😔

The storyline was too farfetched and took too long to get there. The author's adopted JD Robb's modus operandi of mentioning every past/fringe character and giving them a not-always-organic cameo. Boring. Detracting.

The last straw for me was Georgina's acceptance of Colin The Boring's proposal despite being on tenterhooks every time she needs or wants to mention Doris. The man's a bully and a prig. Adieu.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of the books I have read from Storm Publishing, this one was a delight to read! It is the first in the Georgina Drake series that I have read, but I will be returning to Little Wenborough to catch up with Georgie and Sybbie's earlier adventures. The setting and characters are so vividly drawn that I can clearly visualize them and the village where they live. DI Colin Bradshaw, Bertie, and the rest of the characters had me cheering and crying along the way.
The story begins with Georgie heading off to St. Edmunds church to photograph the process while two of the stained glass windows are removed for refurbishment. She heads outside to get pictures of the area outside the church, returning inside when the builder arrives to cover the window area while they are worked on. To their dismay, they find the glass restorer on the floor, not breathing. The investigation begins. Before the crime is solved, a couple of others occur, including the attempted poisoning of Colin and the attack on the older church warden.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read an early copy of this delightful book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina is photographing the restoration of St Edmund’s church stained glass when young craftsman Liam Jacobs collapses after eating homemade banana bread. Despite Georgina’s desperate attempts at CPR, he dies at the scene. An unfortunate allergic reaction seems the obvious answer, until tests reveal something far more sinister. DI Colin Bradshaw swiftly takes over the investigation, but meanwhile, Georgina has uncovered a chilling historical parallel: over 150 years ago, the church’s vicar and his sister both died in mysterious circumstances, linked to rumours of an ancient treasure hidden beneath the church.

The eighth outing for Georgina & another very good cosy mystery. There are strong characters who are supportive of Georgina, I particularly like how her relationship with Colin has grown & deepened. The case is intriguing, especially when links to the cold case are discovered. There aren’t many suspects but I was still left guessing. Things turn darker when one of our main characters is poisoned. A riveting murder mystery with twists & turns, the ending was a delight
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never read any of the Georgina Drake mysteries, or the author’s work at all, I took a chance joining in on a series that has been going on for a few years. I mainly did that because the publishers (shoutout to Storm Publishing) put out my kind of books. I believe I have enjoyed everything I have read by them. Once again, I was not disappointed.

Photographer Georgina Drake helps DI Colin Bradshaw solve a mystery. Georgina is photographing work being done on stained glass when the worker collapses and passes away. Who and how did someone kill Liam Jacobs?

In the middle of this investigation, Georgina starts investigating a historical mystery from the church. Apparently, this is something she does often. Did I mention that a ghost speaks to her? You will have to read to understand.

This was an enjoyable cozy. The characters are strong and the mystery will keep your attention. It is not a long book, but a great way to pass some time.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgina lives in a haunted house. The ghost Doris talks to her in her head from time to time. She is also a talented photographer and is invited to St. Edmund's church to photograph the stained glass windows that will be restored. The friendly young man doing to work explains the process and stops for tea and cake. He explains he has a coconut allergy and is assured that the banana bread doesn't contain any. But he dies after eating a piece. The autopsy confirms that there was coconut oil in the cake.

Georgina is also asked by Doris to investigate a mysterious death from 1871. Could a death called typhoid actually be poison? We learn a lot about arsenic.

I enjoyed this book and was able to keep up with the story even though it's the eighth in the series. Thanks for NetGalley for an advance copy.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgie Drake, professional photographer, is busy recording the removal of a stained glass window at St Edmund's church when the craftsman dies suddenly apparently from an allergic reaction. When it turns out to be poisoning Georgie starts to investigate alongside her partner D.I.Colin Bradshaw. The mystery deepens when Doris, Georgie's friendly ghost, tells her about a previous similar occurrence in the past which may be related.

I love the idea of a friendly ghost who speaks to Georgie through her hearing aids. I also liked very much the way the author uses Doris to further the story when she alone is able to go where the others cannot. The main characters are friendly and likable and the mystery is involved. There is a very sweet ending too! All very readable and entertaining. Four stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this the 8th book in the series Georgina is taking photos of the stained glass windows being removed for restoration when the restorer collapses and dies. This is accompanied by a mystery surrounding hidden historical treasure at the church.
I have only managed to read one of the previous books in the series, which I did enjoy, this one can also be read as a standalone book. It is a cosy mystery set in an English village with a touch of the supernatural, with a varied cast of characters including a Lord and Lady of the Manor, a bumbling vicar and a grieving husband. It isn't, and doesn't claim to be, a gritty crime drama and is all the better for it. I really must get around to reading other books in the series......
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The local church is having part of its stained glass windows repaired and Georgina is hired to photograph the process. When she discovers the restorer collapsed in the church and a prominent church member may be implicated, Georgina begins to investigate to support her new friend. Her ghost friend, Doris, reveals a very old cold case of a vicar who supposedly died of cholera, but was it murder? The cases may be related to each other and also to the legend of a buried treasure in the church.
I thoroughly enjoyed the two mysteries and how they came together. Reading the book with its personable characters and the lovely settings are like coming home for a visit.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a suspicious death in St Edmund's church in Little Wenborough local resident Georgina Drake finds herself investigating once again alongside her partner, DI Colin Bradshaw, while also looking into two unexplained deaths from the 1870s for her spirit friend, Doris. When someone close to her is taken ill Georgie knows she needs to find those responsible in the present before anyone else dies.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is such a fun series and I love the relationships the main protagonists share, especially Georgina and Doris. The information about stated glass and its restoration was really interesting and once again I enjoyed every word.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! As soon as I receive notification of a new ARC, I drop everything else to read it. Interesting cases in this one. The man doing the stained glass restoration at St Edmunds church dies. His partner throws out accusations, left and right. There's a rumour of treasure belonging to the church hidden somewhere. And Doris points them in the direction of a cold case connected to the church. Intriguing mysteies which took some unravelling and all the great characters we've come to enjoy in this series (although we didn't see much of Bert this time!). Another thoroughly enjoyable story.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Kate Hardy for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgie and friends latest adventure somehow felt the saddest to me yet. A talented aspiring glass artist is found deceased in the local parish church after beginning his examination of old stained glass that was needing restoration. The question is: was it murder or just a tragic accident?

Georgie and friends set out to discover what actually happened, not only to the modern young man, but also to a suspicious death a few centuries before.

Tightly written, with loads of details (and food!), The Body at St Edmund's is an entertaining puzzle to solve. It has a few darker moments (partner abuse is mentioned as one) but nothing too explicit.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing for the ARC; this is my honest review.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read and review, this is an honest review.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approval to read this book.

Author Kate Hardy wrote a stellar book with The Body at St. Edmund's... and knowing how to transport readers with a realism that makes you feel as if you visited these towns and their landmarks. This it's a church in St. Edmund's and heart twisting of Liam Jacobs that destroys Georgina whom was through photography the restoration of the ancient church. And its within these old stone and glass, darker secrets that changes the past and present combine.

Recommended.

[lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the previous books in this Georgina Drake series. This was just as the good as those. An easy read crime fiction, as Georgie and her friends investigate a historical mystery and the murder of a worker removing stained glass from the local church. The Investigators work well together with the aid for Doris, a ghost only Georgie can hear and Colin the local DI and his team. My interest was held from the beginning. The characters are developing through the series and although this could be read as a standalone, it would help if you had read previous books.
I can recommend this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cold case for Georgina and Doris to solve, along with a real life murder. The stained glass in St Edmund’s church is being restored, Liam is there to carefully remove the glass and take it away to restore. When Georgina returns to the church with the builder there to secure the windows, Liam is lying on the ground, and despite giving CPR he is pronounced dead.
The rumours of treasure hidden under the church have been going round for years and one person interested is Liam’s partner, who seems be using his death as an excuse to search the church.
Really good cosy murder with plenty going on and a few twists too.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest in the the series of books about Georgina Drake. In this novel, Georgina and her friends investigate the suspicious death of Liam Jacobs, who was restoring stained glass in her local church, with the help of the ghost who speaks to Georgina through her hearing aids.

I have read one of the previous novels in the series as well, and they are well written novels with credible twists. Good for a sun lounger.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another good addition to this cozy crime series which has a wonderful cast of characters including a ghost ! There is plenty going on to keep you page turning trying to figure out who is doing what to whom along with a couple of omg moments. Although book 8 , it may be read as a standalone but if you want a binge read series, this is a good one to try.

Thanks to Netgalley/Storm Publishing for the ARC to review

[Scarlet Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing Georgina Blake mystery. I love these stories. Doris doesn’t feature as much in this tale, but the story packs so much intrigue and twists that I didn’t have time to notice. As usual there’s two intertwining stories set in past and present. A multitude of characters and a few dead bodies kept the pace up and made it a real interesting read. It also has the best ending for fans of the series. Early edition from NetGalley.