Rhubarb Crumble and Rumours

Peridale Cafe #35

by Agatha Frost

Genres: Mystery

398 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2026

About the author

AGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.

When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.

From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.

Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.

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Reviews

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Addition to A Wonderful Family Saga!

I have read every book in this series, and Peridale and all of its inhabitants now seem like old friends and family. Barker is still trying to find his father or at least who he is, but after posting an appeal for information he has more questions than answers. But someone shows up at the cafe and the book signing for his latest novel. Finally Barker is optimistic but Julia is suspicious which leads to friction between them. When the supposed brother is found with a gunshot wound things get very complicated very quickly.

Well written as are all previous books in this series, with finely drawn realistic characters. Julia and their daughter Jesse are determined to prove that a conman is attempting some kind of scam, but Barker is convinced that he's telling the truth. Is it just wishful thinking or are his wife and daughter correct in trying to prove something else is behind it all. Taunt, suspenseful with twists and turns enough to make you dizzy. All of the characters we have grown to love make an appearance lending their own unique blend of personality. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed!

[Lorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe we are now at book thirty five in the Peridale series. I love this series and each book is just as good if not better than the previous one. I'm always excited to hear there are more stories to come. I had no idea where the story was going and it left me wanting to read book thirty six right away! Roll on April!

[PAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Julia and barker story

I have followed all of Agatha Frost books since the beginning.

This newest story is my new favorite of Julia and Barker. A whole different approach to Barker looking for his father.
Great job Agatha!

[Sebrena Banecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many twists!

Best book of the series since the first one that got me hooked! I’m so happy to return to Peridale and all its characters.

[Alisha Henri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always a delight to return to Peridale and Julia's and her family's lives. This visit is perhaps the most angst-filled in Barker's search for his father and the related occurrences, including murder and attempted murder. I was drawn through this story at high speed, tense and fascinated, while loving the characters' growth and interactions. I love Jessie and her forthrightness and righteous anger, as well as Julia's loving persistence to ease Barker's stressors. The village is, as always, amazing in its gossip and support. I very much look forward to the next in the series. Another success!

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Peridale. Barker is still searching for information on his father. He has more questions than answers. Someone shows up at his latest book signing giving him hope. But Julia and Jessie are not so trusting. They believe he is a conman. This causes lots of tension between Barker and them. The town is full of its usual gossip. Plenty of action interaction. Another great mystery. 

[Susan Elkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barker search and highway mysteryw

Wow not put this down it is so intriguing and mysterious ,all the usual characters Julia Jessie Dot etc and a few new one,s that are the centrepiece to the mystery ,Billy is more involved again so is Katie sorting out the village market and still running her nail salon.lots going on . Break in,s murder and lots of rhubarb crumble .

[Christine Margaret Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of this series of books by Agatha Frost. Julia, Barker and family are again in another mystery in the sleepy village of Peridale. Barker is trying to find his long list father, ite set least more information about who he is it was. He gets taken in by a conman, who was very plausible. Love these stories and can't wait for the next book, number 36 in April.

[Polina Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the last - fast paced, mystery within a mystery within a personal quest. Tha character development, the human factor, just a wonderful page turning cozy that is a perfect continuation of the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherry Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

Love this book. Amazing and turn twisting as with all of the books in this series. Love how the murder victim was tied in with Barker but in the end wasn’t

[Gail Souter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best in series

This was a much more serious book! But the author pulled it off! Well worth reading! Can't wait for the next one!

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

[Gareth Jones-Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agatha Frost you have outdone yourself, this is one of the best books in the whole series.

You covered it all here, love, death, con men and reunited love (yay).

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I enjoyed all the story though I had hoped for a happy ending for Barker. But Al least this gives us a new line for him to investigate and get his father’s freedom. We’ll see in next book, won’t we?