Murder with All the Trappings

by Philippa Lee Mors

A middle-aged saddler. An unexpected corpse. A witty old horse with a nose for murder. Downton Abbey meets Dick Francis in this cozy historical murder mystery.

Somerset, December 1903. Everyone in Pelgren Vale is impressed when Miss Harriet Cobb is invited to Ashwold Abbey, home of the Earl of Ashwold, to attend Lady Eve’s wedding. But Harriet is not a guest—she’s the saddler.

Unfortunately, it seems to be another silly create a decorative saddle with all the trappings for a horseback wedding. Stranger still, the bride has chosen a rather sinister poem for her wedding theme.

Rubbing shoulders with the aristocracy is hardly one of Harriet's favorite things, and she'd rather not fuel romantic rumors about herself and the earl's eldest son. But when her horse, Bertie, is chosen to carry the bride down the aisle, Harriet reluctantly agrees to take the job.

When Harriet and Bertie stumble across a corpse, everyone in the gothic abbey is a suspect, and even the most absurd details must be considered. Why did Lady Eve choose one of the least-romantic poems in history for her wedding theme? Why is the family priest priest obsessed with old pagan traditions? And is this new mysterious death related to a murder that happened at the abbey thirty years ago?

Taking the reins of the investigation, Harriet and Bertie must discover which of the abbey's residents is a murderer—and protect their own secrets while they're at it.

If you like cozy mysteries with humor, history, and witty animal sidekicks, you'll love Murder with All the Trappings, a rollicking ride that will keep you guessing—and galloping—to the finish line.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2026

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel as much as the first one. A good twisty plot with lots of action. I was happy to find that several characters from the first one in the series appeared in this one.

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was surprised to see this pop up on my recommendations (I’d check only days prior to find no listing), and I had just finished Journey to the Centre of the Earth the night before, so I was still in the mood for a more historical read.

Enjoyed the companionship between Harriet and Bertie. We finally meet Byerley’s family (an eye opener), and the mystery unfolds in what amounts to a locked room dynamic. Entertaining, and we meet someone who may know more about the mystery that is Bertie than Harriet! A fast paced fun read. However, there was just something lacking for me in the interaction between Harriet and Byerley. He is still unthinking about the potential consequences of his actions on Harriet (and her reputation), and that irks me. Still, a solid 3.75 🌟

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After waiting for what seems like forever, I devoured this book in an afternoon! Philippa did not disappoint. Bertie and Harriet are just as delightful companions as ever, and (minor spoiler), we discover that one of Bertie’s previous humans was a Scotland Yard detective. I think this one was even better than the first book, and I have very high hopes for the sequel, which is apparently in the works. Also, I’m very curious now about the pagan religion devoted to Epona, which sounds like my kind of faith. Great book, funny and fun! Also, I think Bertie and Harriet need a dog. The one in this book would be perfect. :) thanks for your hard work on this one, Philippa and crew—it shows.

[Renee Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and Surprisingly Intellectual !

Not your average cozy mystery series....
I loved the horse's wit and intellect - reminiscent of the animals in Rita Mae Brown's Mrs Murphy series but set in Britain in early 1900's.
Will be waiting with bated breath for the next book in this captivating series !

[steve beardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder with all the Trappings. Book 2

Excellent, fun, different, well written! Brilliant! This kept the interest and the pages turning with anticipation. Who did it kept you guessing.

[Mary K. Brazzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed

I just finished book 2 in The Saddler Mysteries Series and I have totally enjoyed both books. Just when I think I have the mystery solved Ms. Mors throws in a twist. Thank You so much for sharing your writings. Kathy B

[Debra LaFave-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

So entertaining! Author is equine savvy- characters are so likeable- plot is great with fun twists and turns. I hope to see sequels so I can enjoy more of Harriet’s and Bertie’s adventures.

[Rachel Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, great character, well worth a read

Novel plot, love the tone of these books and the personalities of the characters. It's just a shame there are only two books in the series so far. Looking forward to the next one.

[Sharon Valish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chomping at the bit for more.

I've now read books 1 and 2 in the series. Generally, series aren't unique enough and become repetitive. This was just right. If you missed book 1, you'd still enjoy this one. Yet now I want more.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was AWESOME! I hope Harriet and Bertie will have many more adventures! The cover is wonderful, as well.

[Helen Capacchione · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice change.

I loved it.plenty of twists and turns.And a talking horse.Who could resist. I hope there are more.Bertie is a riot.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as much as the first in the series. Great characters, great story line - twists I did not see coming. Best of all? Her horse talks to her!

[Jennifer Hoge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun horsey read

If Sherlock and Watson were a talking horse and his human, this book series encompasses it. Enjoyed the series for lighthearted fun

[tracey jefcut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

I have loved reading both of the books so far in this series,brilliant characters and brilliant plits. Highly recomended.5 stars

[Valerie Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

This book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the horse/person relationship. The plot was great. I'm looking forward to the next one!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this little series is a delightful new favorite!