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Julia Bird Mysteries #10
Murder at the Manor House
Julia Bird is as keen as anyone in Berrywick to see inside the famous Greystone Manor. But when she does, the last thing she expects is to find is a body!
When Julia Bird is asked to clear out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor after the sudden death of Colonel Loxton’s sister, she is intrigued to finally see inside the impressive house. But when she discovers the body of the Colonel, who greeted her only hours before, dead behind the sofa with a bruise on his forehead, Julia believes his death is no accident.
Once forensics confirm it was murder, Julia tries to piece together what happened. On the day the Colonel died, she saw an unknown man getting into a car outside the manor. The butler Garforth and the housekeeper Biddy claim there were no visitors that day, so who was this mysterious man? Or is someone in the Colonel’s family not telling the truth, with tensions running high over the inheritance?
Days later, Julia finds another body dead among the rhododendrons and knows the deaths must be connected. At the Colonel’s funeral she heard his friends talking about a long-buried secret. Had the second victim discovered it, and is it motive enough to kill? With time running out, can Julia solve the case before there’s another murder at the manor?
An addictive and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and J. R. Ellis.
When Julia Bird is asked to clear out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor after the sudden death of Colonel Loxton’s sister, she is intrigued to finally see inside the impressive house. But when she discovers the body of the Colonel, who greeted her only hours before, dead behind the sofa with a bruise on his forehead, Julia believes his death is no accident.
Once forensics confirm it was murder, Julia tries to piece together what happened. On the day the Colonel died, she saw an unknown man getting into a car outside the manor. The butler Garforth and the housekeeper Biddy claim there were no visitors that day, so who was this mysterious man? Or is someone in the Colonel’s family not telling the truth, with tensions running high over the inheritance?
Days later, Julia finds another body dead among the rhododendrons and knows the deaths must be connected. At the Colonel’s funeral she heard his friends talking about a long-buried secret. Had the second victim discovered it, and is it motive enough to kill? With time running out, can Julia solve the case before there’s another murder at the manor?
An addictive and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and J. R. Ellis.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
About the author
Katie Gayle
31 books172 followersKatie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. Unlike their sleuth Epiphany Bloom, neither of them have ever stolen a cat from the vet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 25, 2026
4 Stars
One Liner: A fun read
Julia Bird and her daughter Jess go to the gatehouse at Greystone Manor to clear the space after the death of Colonel Loxton’s sister. On the same day, Julia meets the Colonel in the morning, only to find him dead a few hours later. When her suspicions turn out to be right, and forensics confirm he has been murdered, Julia is curious to know why. Who was that mysterious man with a grey hat, and why did no one see him? When another body turns up soon, and Julia hears whispers of some buried secret, she is even more determined to find the killer.
The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts
The book should work as a standalone. The FMC’s daughter is back home, so she has a slightly bigger role in this one, though not in solving the case.
The murder happens fairly quickly and soon sets off a series of developments. The story balances well between the case and the characters’ personal lives. It’s mostly routine stuff. But summer in the Cotswolds means ripening vegetables and fruits. This time, they have a bumper crop of tomatoes. Turns out, everyone has too many of these red cuties, and the count is piling up. It’s hard not to laugh at the situation.
The mystery is pretty compact. Not many suspects, but this case doesn’t need a whole lot of them. Still, as a well-established series, there are many characters, most of whom are recurring and not directly related to the case. Things come together well, and the reveal (which I guessed) makes sense.
I went a step ahead and wondered if another death was also a murder, but it looks like it wasn’t. Or, maybe it was? *wink*
Jake, the chocolate Lab, doesn’t get much space this time. He is around and helps a bit, but he is not in the limelight this time. He is happy, though.
To summarize, Murder at the Manor House is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a bit of family drama, sleuthing, and crates of delicious red tomatoes!
Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: A fun read
Julia Bird and her daughter Jess go to the gatehouse at Greystone Manor to clear the space after the death of Colonel Loxton’s sister. On the same day, Julia meets the Colonel in the morning, only to find him dead a few hours later. When her suspicions turn out to be right, and forensics confirm he has been murdered, Julia is curious to know why. Who was that mysterious man with a grey hat, and why did no one see him? When another body turns up soon, and Julia hears whispers of some buried secret, she is even more determined to find the killer.
The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts
The book should work as a standalone. The FMC’s daughter is back home, so she has a slightly bigger role in this one, though not in solving the case.
The murder happens fairly quickly and soon sets off a series of developments. The story balances well between the case and the characters’ personal lives. It’s mostly routine stuff. But summer in the Cotswolds means ripening vegetables and fruits. This time, they have a bumper crop of tomatoes. Turns out, everyone has too many of these red cuties, and the count is piling up. It’s hard not to laugh at the situation.
The mystery is pretty compact. Not many suspects, but this case doesn’t need a whole lot of them. Still, as a well-established series, there are many characters, most of whom are recurring and not directly related to the case. Things come together well, and the reveal (which I guessed) makes sense.
I went a step ahead and wondered if another death was also a murder, but it looks like it wasn’t. Or, maybe it was? *wink*
Jake, the chocolate Lab, doesn’t get much space this time. He is around and helps a bit, but he is not in the limelight this time. He is happy, though.
To summarize, Murder at the Manor House is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a bit of family drama, sleuthing, and crates of delicious red tomatoes!
Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
September 24, 2026
Favorite Quotes:
Julia almost collided with a tall, ruddy-faced man, whose most noticeable distinguishing feature was a truly remarkable moustache which luxuriated on his upper lip like a polar bear basking on a rock. It was full and thick and startlingly
white– shades lighter and much thicker than his sparse, dull-grey hair– tapering dramatically at the ends. Julia struggled to drag her eyes from the thing, and for a moment stood blinking at the man in wonder.
Going through a dead person’s clothes always made Julia feel a bit sad. The ragged hem on a much-loved jumper, the worn soles of the shoes… There was a fragile intimacy to it.
‘There’s a good number of them, and look at all the medals,’ said Biddy. She nodded approvingly at her tally. Julia had the impression that not only the size of the crowd but the calibre of the attendees was significant to Biddy. All those suits and medals attested to the colonel’s good standing. And, by extension, the standing of the family and the staff. It was an odd sort of snobbery, especially since someone had disliked him enough to kill him.
That’s young love for you. All hormones and romantic notions, no prefrontal cortex.
My Review:
Team Katie Gayle has conjured another cleverly contrived and humorous murder mystery for our reading pleasure. And it was a pleasure to peruse this delightfully amusing and unpredictable puzzler. The writing style is seamless, easy to follow, well-honed, and continuously engaging. The little pea in my brain merrily gathered clues and formulated theories about the possible culprit while also enjoying the antics of Ms. Bird’s colorful collection of animals. Julia Bird is an authentic, witty, and likable main character, and I always enjoy her inner musings, observations, and snoopy nature.
Julia almost collided with a tall, ruddy-faced man, whose most noticeable distinguishing feature was a truly remarkable moustache which luxuriated on his upper lip like a polar bear basking on a rock. It was full and thick and startlingly
white– shades lighter and much thicker than his sparse, dull-grey hair– tapering dramatically at the ends. Julia struggled to drag her eyes from the thing, and for a moment stood blinking at the man in wonder.
Going through a dead person’s clothes always made Julia feel a bit sad. The ragged hem on a much-loved jumper, the worn soles of the shoes… There was a fragile intimacy to it.
‘There’s a good number of them, and look at all the medals,’ said Biddy. She nodded approvingly at her tally. Julia had the impression that not only the size of the crowd but the calibre of the attendees was significant to Biddy. All those suits and medals attested to the colonel’s good standing. And, by extension, the standing of the family and the staff. It was an odd sort of snobbery, especially since someone had disliked him enough to kill him.
That’s young love for you. All hormones and romantic notions, no prefrontal cortex.
My Review:
Team Katie Gayle has conjured another cleverly contrived and humorous murder mystery for our reading pleasure. And it was a pleasure to peruse this delightfully amusing and unpredictable puzzler. The writing style is seamless, easy to follow, well-honed, and continuously engaging. The little pea in my brain merrily gathered clues and formulated theories about the possible culprit while also enjoying the antics of Ms. Bird’s colorful collection of animals. Julia Bird is an authentic, witty, and likable main character, and I always enjoy her inner musings, observations, and snoopy nature.
September 26, 2026
Everyone in the village wants to see inside Greystone Manor, so when Julia Bird is asked to clear out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor after the death of Colonel Loxton’s sister, she is intrigued to finally see inside the Manor. On the first day there, she finds a body, and it's Colonel Loxton. It is quickly determined that it was murder, so Julia tries to figure out who wanted him dead. Who was the unknown man she saw leaving the manor and getting in his car? No one else is aware of a visitor. Is this about the inheritance. When Julia finds another body dead in the garden a few days later, she doesn't know how they might be connected. Then she finds out that the Colonel had some secrets, but how does this connect to the two murders? Can they figure out who the murderer is before someone else ends up dead?
I always enjoy spending time with Julia and her family and friends. The community doesn't play as big a part in this book, but they were all there supporting Julia and being part of her life. Julia's daughter is home from Japan and they are working together to empty the gatehouse. They find things that they think her daughter might want to keep, and when they meet with Emily, she mentions something about her mother wanting her to live in the manor when she dies. Julia starts to ask questions about the Colonel's life, debts, possessions and more. Working with DI Hayley Gibson, they have plenty of suspects. I had my prime suspect from the beginning, but was not correct. There are several twists, secrets revealed and a huge surprise when the killer is revealed. I read this one in a single day, as I wanted to know what was going to happen. Another wonderful Julia Bird Mystery.
I always enjoy spending time with Julia and her family and friends. The community doesn't play as big a part in this book, but they were all there supporting Julia and being part of her life. Julia's daughter is home from Japan and they are working together to empty the gatehouse. They find things that they think her daughter might want to keep, and when they meet with Emily, she mentions something about her mother wanting her to live in the manor when she dies. Julia starts to ask questions about the Colonel's life, debts, possessions and more. Working with DI Hayley Gibson, they have plenty of suspects. I had my prime suspect from the beginning, but was not correct. There are several twists, secrets revealed and a huge surprise when the killer is revealed. I read this one in a single day, as I wanted to know what was going to happen. Another wonderful Julia Bird Mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Julia Bird is asked to clear out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor after the sudden death of Colonel Loxton’s sister, she is intrigued to finally see inside the impressive house. But when she discovers the body of the Colonel, who greeted her only hours before, dead behind the sofa with a bruise on his forehead, Julia believes his death is no accident. Once forensics confirm it was murder, Julia tries to piece together what happened. On the day the Colonel died, she saw an unknown man getting into a car outside the manor. Days later, Julia finds another body dead among the rhododendrons and knows the deaths must be connected.
The tenth outing for Julia & friends & it does feel like catching up with friends. Another intriguing case & it had me guessing & I must admit I was surprised as to who the villain was. There are secrets, surprises as well as twists & turns plus tomatoes, lots of tomatoes! Julia always seems to be at the right place at the wrong time, I do love her, she’s down to earth, caring & of course nosy. Another well written cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The tenth outing for Julia & friends & it does feel like catching up with friends. Another intriguing case & it had me guessing & I must admit I was surprised as to who the villain was. There are secrets, surprises as well as twists & turns plus tomatoes, lots of tomatoes! Julia always seems to be at the right place at the wrong time, I do love her, she’s down to earth, caring & of course nosy. Another well written cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another utterly perplexing and enjoyable mystery for Julia Bird. When I see that she has plans, I just know that they will not end well for whoever is in her sphere. As the title of the book suggests, the victim in this particular instalment it the owner of the local manor house, Greystone Manor, whose sister has recently died, and whose niece has engaged the charity shop that Julia works at to help clear her mother's worldly possessions. Now, for anyone else, that would be a rather simple task. And, for the most part, it is, even for Julia. There is just that small matter of the body of Colonel Loxton, a man who just a short while earlier Julia had been greeted by and who had seemed so very full of life.
Julia Bird really is a fabulous character. A former social worker, she has a way of getting people to open up to her in ways that they might not to the police, including Julia's good friend, DI Hayley Gibson, and her sidekick in crime fighting DC Walter Farmer, much to Hayley's near constant annoyance. Julia is the kind who is always in the wrong place at the right time, although it's fair to say that she seems a touch reticent to get involved this time around. Very unlike Julia. Her instincts are always razor sharp, but, a bit like a modern day, and far less spinsterly, Miss Marple, Julia takes her time in calling out the killer. When the body count soon doubles to two, it is clear that this is no accident, but who has cause to want to harm the residents and staff of Greystone Manor? That is the crux of the mystery, one that may have a motive that is almost as old as time.
I like that through the various characters - Colonel Loxton's children, his Butler, Garforth, long serving housekeeper, Biddy, and the aforementioned niece, Emily - there are a myriad suspects, as well as other nefarious characters that Julia has still to get a handle on. And alongside the various people at the house, the wider Berrywick community, including Julia's constant companion, Jake, unruly chicken, Henny-Penny and all of her family and friends, the authors add real light and shade, and a wonderful vein of humour to the story. It really is a fine example of the cosy mystery, with all the various elements I love about the series, even if there was a distinct lack of cake and an overwhelming amount of tomatoes in the particular story. Read it, you'll understand.
If you've loved the series thus far, this is another belter to add to your TBR piles. Heartily recommended.
Julia Bird really is a fabulous character. A former social worker, she has a way of getting people to open up to her in ways that they might not to the police, including Julia's good friend, DI Hayley Gibson, and her sidekick in crime fighting DC Walter Farmer, much to Hayley's near constant annoyance. Julia is the kind who is always in the wrong place at the right time, although it's fair to say that she seems a touch reticent to get involved this time around. Very unlike Julia. Her instincts are always razor sharp, but, a bit like a modern day, and far less spinsterly, Miss Marple, Julia takes her time in calling out the killer. When the body count soon doubles to two, it is clear that this is no accident, but who has cause to want to harm the residents and staff of Greystone Manor? That is the crux of the mystery, one that may have a motive that is almost as old as time.
I like that through the various characters - Colonel Loxton's children, his Butler, Garforth, long serving housekeeper, Biddy, and the aforementioned niece, Emily - there are a myriad suspects, as well as other nefarious characters that Julia has still to get a handle on. And alongside the various people at the house, the wider Berrywick community, including Julia's constant companion, Jake, unruly chicken, Henny-Penny and all of her family and friends, the authors add real light and shade, and a wonderful vein of humour to the story. It really is a fine example of the cosy mystery, with all the various elements I love about the series, even if there was a distinct lack of cake and an overwhelming amount of tomatoes in the particular story. Read it, you'll understand.
If you've loved the series thus far, this is another belter to add to your TBR piles. Heartily recommended.
September 23, 2026
🔪Murder At The Manor House 🔪
🔪By🔪
🔪Katie Gayle🔪
📗Review Post 📗
And this book is yet ANOTER absolutely fantastic success Katie Gayle congratulations!! Such an easy, gorgeous, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!! Even better it is also available FREE with Kindle Unlimited so what on Earth are you all waiting for?? RUN, RUN, RUN and get your copy of this brilliant page turner NOW!! Better yet grab the rest of the series while you are there to save you time doing it after you have hooked into Julia Bird's life after this beauty!
I must say that Katie Gayle's 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series is definitely one of the best cosy mystery series that I have ever read, if not the best. Each and every book in this series has its own unique storyline and this one is no different! Instead of wasting your time reading this you should be grabbing your copy of this addictive page turner to find out about this fantastic book and addictive series for yourself. I promise that you will not regret it!!! I absolutely love reading these fantastic books in this amazing series which all take place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". I love getting stuck into these mysteries with
Julia, Sean, Leo, Jack, Hayley, Walter and Tabitha, I could go on, each and every time. The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mystery, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, romance, stunning settings, drama, friendship and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery.
Overall an addictive, immersive and memorable cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
💷Purchase Link 💷
https://link.amazon/B02hOnQsz
#KatieGayleBookTour
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🔪By🔪
🔪Katie Gayle🔪
📗Review Post 📗
And this book is yet ANOTER absolutely fantastic success Katie Gayle congratulations!! Such an easy, gorgeous, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!! Even better it is also available FREE with Kindle Unlimited so what on Earth are you all waiting for?? RUN, RUN, RUN and get your copy of this brilliant page turner NOW!! Better yet grab the rest of the series while you are there to save you time doing it after you have hooked into Julia Bird's life after this beauty!
I must say that Katie Gayle's 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series is definitely one of the best cosy mystery series that I have ever read, if not the best. Each and every book in this series has its own unique storyline and this one is no different! Instead of wasting your time reading this you should be grabbing your copy of this addictive page turner to find out about this fantastic book and addictive series for yourself. I promise that you will not regret it!!! I absolutely love reading these fantastic books in this amazing series which all take place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". I love getting stuck into these mysteries with
Julia, Sean, Leo, Jack, Hayley, Walter and Tabitha, I could go on, each and every time. The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mystery, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, romance, stunning settings, drama, friendship and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery.
Overall an addictive, immersive and memorable cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!
💷Purchase Link 💷
https://link.amazon/B02hOnQsz
#KatieGayleBookTour
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.facebook.com/GoldenOldies...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile...
https://amzn.eu/d/0g7cuzro
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own.
Julia Bird has worked at Second Chances, the charity shop in Berrywick High Street, since just after she moved to the village which is why she finds herself at nearby Greystone Manor after a bereavement, packing up items on their behalf. Unfortunately, it's not only saleable items she finds! In one of the Manor's beautiful rooms is a body and, although the death could be due to natural causes, Julia is pretty certain it is actually murder! As the investigation moves forward it seems everyone has been keeping secrets for a very long time and then another body is discovered! Who had motive to kill twice? Alongside this it seems as if everyone Julia knows has a glut of tomatoes which they want to share with her and she isn't sure whether the killer will be discovered before or after she finally uses up all the different meals that have been made and frozen for later!
Book ten in this lovely series includes everything which makes it a must read for me. The village is as perfectly imperfect as ever, Julia and Sean are still great together and there is a murder only she can help solve by listening to all the gossip and hushed conversations she can! Jake is as soppy and loveable as ever and the addition of Jess and her small circle of friends was great as was the tomato harvest storyline which I really enjoyed. I was way off with my ideas of whodunit and I was definitely happy about that! This is a lovely feel good series with a darker side and is easy to recommend.
Julia Bird has worked at Second Chances, the charity shop in Berrywick High Street, since just after she moved to the village which is why she finds herself at nearby Greystone Manor after a bereavement, packing up items on their behalf. Unfortunately, it's not only saleable items she finds! In one of the Manor's beautiful rooms is a body and, although the death could be due to natural causes, Julia is pretty certain it is actually murder! As the investigation moves forward it seems everyone has been keeping secrets for a very long time and then another body is discovered! Who had motive to kill twice? Alongside this it seems as if everyone Julia knows has a glut of tomatoes which they want to share with her and she isn't sure whether the killer will be discovered before or after she finally uses up all the different meals that have been made and frozen for later!
Book ten in this lovely series includes everything which makes it a must read for me. The village is as perfectly imperfect as ever, Julia and Sean are still great together and there is a murder only she can help solve by listening to all the gossip and hushed conversations she can! Jake is as soppy and loveable as ever and the addition of Jess and her small circle of friends was great as was the tomato harvest storyline which I really enjoyed. I was way off with my ideas of whodunit and I was definitely happy about that! This is a lovely feel good series with a darker side and is easy to recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Julia Bird’s volunteer work at Second Chances leads her into another murder mystery. Julia and her daughter Jess are at a manor house boxing up the possessions of Colonel Loxton’s sister. Before the end of the day, a death occurs.
Murder at the Manor House is book 10 in the series. It finds our characters in the midst of summer with a plethora of ripening tomatoes. People leave them as gifts on doorsteps. It sounds a bit like what happens with zucchini in the Intermountain west. I guess in England it’s tomatoes instead.
Julia is a retired social worker, and she often finds herself in interesting situations. Hailey, the local detective, makes use of Julia’s observational and people skills. I like the main characters - Julia, Sean, Hailey and Tabitha. As the series has progressed other characters have added to these, Jess, Julia’s daughter; Jono, Sean’s son; Dylan, Jess’s boyfriend; and Flo, the waitress at the Buttered Scone (isn’t that a lovely name for a restaurant?).
The denizens of the manor house provide a lovely host of suspects. Most appear to be lying or holding back information or secrets. Once the culprit is identified things wrap between one chapter and the next. Things are explained at Jess’s birthday party at the end. I wasn’t sure what to think about that.
I enjoy the more measured pace of this series. Even though Julia is investigating the murder, she has routines and every day plans that give the books a feeling of normal life. If you like a mature sleuth and cozy mysteries in general, you’ll enjoy this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of the book.
Murder at the Manor House is book 10 in the series. It finds our characters in the midst of summer with a plethora of ripening tomatoes. People leave them as gifts on doorsteps. It sounds a bit like what happens with zucchini in the Intermountain west. I guess in England it’s tomatoes instead.
Julia is a retired social worker, and she often finds herself in interesting situations. Hailey, the local detective, makes use of Julia’s observational and people skills. I like the main characters - Julia, Sean, Hailey and Tabitha. As the series has progressed other characters have added to these, Jess, Julia’s daughter; Jono, Sean’s son; Dylan, Jess’s boyfriend; and Flo, the waitress at the Buttered Scone (isn’t that a lovely name for a restaurant?).
The denizens of the manor house provide a lovely host of suspects. Most appear to be lying or holding back information or secrets. Once the culprit is identified things wrap between one chapter and the next. Things are explained at Jess’s birthday party at the end. I wasn’t sure what to think about that.
I enjoy the more measured pace of this series. Even though Julia is investigating the murder, she has routines and every day plans that give the books a feeling of normal life. If you like a mature sleuth and cozy mysteries in general, you’ll enjoy this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of the book.
September 27, 2026
Murder at the Manor House is Katie Gayle’s tenth Julia Bird novel. As usual, Julia, a retired social worker, is present when a body is found – this time, while she is performing a house clearance for the Second Chances charity shop where she volunteers. Again, as usual, she jumps to all sorts of conclusions about the identity of the murderer but, in the end, the real murderer is identified and arrested.
The Julia Bird series is the epitome of the “cosy crime” genre. I enjoy the books: they are well-written; there is gentle humour; no nasty surprises; and the bad guys are brought to justice.
This book has a slightly different feel from the previous ones in the series. DI Hayley Gibson seems more tolerant of Julia’s involvement and desire to solve the murder, even jokingly addressing her as Detective Bird. Hayley seems much more human: agreeing to meet for coffee at the local café. Julia’s mis-identification of the murderer doesn’t result in as many embarrassing scenes as usual. That latter point is important: if we, the reader, identify with the main protagonist (and, surely, that must be the aim of all good writers), then we don’t want them to do anything we actively really don’t want them to do. It can destroy our empathy with the character and we are less invested in the outcome. That influences our decision whether to buy the next book from the author as soon as it’s published.
If you enjoy cosy crime novels, you will enjoy the Julia Bird series. Although it would be better to read them in order, in order to understand the context and the relationships between the characters, it really doesn’t matter that much.
#MurderattheManorHouse #NetGalley
The Julia Bird series is the epitome of the “cosy crime” genre. I enjoy the books: they are well-written; there is gentle humour; no nasty surprises; and the bad guys are brought to justice.
This book has a slightly different feel from the previous ones in the series. DI Hayley Gibson seems more tolerant of Julia’s involvement and desire to solve the murder, even jokingly addressing her as Detective Bird. Hayley seems much more human: agreeing to meet for coffee at the local café. Julia’s mis-identification of the murderer doesn’t result in as many embarrassing scenes as usual. That latter point is important: if we, the reader, identify with the main protagonist (and, surely, that must be the aim of all good writers), then we don’t want them to do anything we actively really don’t want them to do. It can destroy our empathy with the character and we are less invested in the outcome. That influences our decision whether to buy the next book from the author as soon as it’s published.
If you enjoy cosy crime novels, you will enjoy the Julia Bird series. Although it would be better to read them in order, in order to understand the context and the relationships between the characters, it really doesn’t matter that much.
#MurderattheManorHouse #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Julia Bird has an opportunity she is definitely not going to turn down. She has been assigned to clean out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor following a recent death in the Loxton family. She is more than happy to go about her duties, but that happiness quickly turns to shock when she discovers the body of Colonel Loxton. They had spoken only hours earlier, and now Julia has found him dead. It is clearly a case of murder. One thing Julia has proven to be particularly adept at is solving murders, so she takes it upon herself to do exactly that.
The more Julia searches for answers, the more questions she uncovers. Was the Colonel killed by a stranger, or is someone within the household responsible? Before Julia can make much headway with her investigation, there is yet another murder. Julia isn’t one to believe in coincidences, and she becomes convinced that the two deaths are connected. Now she is in a race against time because the last thing she wants to discover is yet another body.
Readers of this engaging series are certain to enjoy this tenth installment. Yes, Julia lives in the quiet English countryside. Yes, she seems to constantly stumble across dead bodies. And, yes, she always manages to find her way to the truth. Perhaps it’s a bit fantastical, but isn’t that part of the fun of cozy mysteries? With its charming setting, intriguing secrets, and determined amateur sleuth, Murder at the Manor House is another entertaining addition to the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The more Julia searches for answers, the more questions she uncovers. Was the Colonel killed by a stranger, or is someone within the household responsible? Before Julia can make much headway with her investigation, there is yet another murder. Julia isn’t one to believe in coincidences, and she becomes convinced that the two deaths are connected. Now she is in a race against time because the last thing she wants to discover is yet another body.
Readers of this engaging series are certain to enjoy this tenth installment. Yes, Julia lives in the quiet English countryside. Yes, she seems to constantly stumble across dead bodies. And, yes, she always manages to find her way to the truth. Perhaps it’s a bit fantastical, but isn’t that part of the fun of cozy mysteries? With its charming setting, intriguing secrets, and determined amateur sleuth, Murder at the Manor House is another entertaining addition to the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 6, 2026
Another cosy Julie Bird mystery.
As with any of these books, you don't need prior knowledge of the series to enjoy it. There is Julie, she has some friends, she has a partner, some family - and there's a dead body, go!
This time its a Colonel who turns up dead. The pace is fast from the get go and it doesn't let up as you are introduced to his dysfunctional family, and the staff that tend to the house. There is plenty going on, cracks appearing almost instantly as well as a mysterious visitor that only Julie saw. It doesn't take long for not only the body count to rack up but for the mysteries to as well.
Jack, the almost required adorable animal, doesn't have a huge amount of page time, but he plays a vital role in this case. And is, of course, adorable.
It's a fun, easy read, nothing super surprising or wild but its entertaining. And there might be a glut of tomatoes in the book, but all the mention of tomato based food just made me crave it all.
It's great to have an amateur detective that not only has a decent working relationship with the police, but also - mostly - knows when to avoid dangers situations. It means we don't have to waste time with her fighting the cops, we can focus on the actual mystery at hand. It also means that we get to see Julie's brains in action as she avoids danger except when other people are in peril. she comes across as smart and compassionate, a main character that you not only root for, but can believe in.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
As with any of these books, you don't need prior knowledge of the series to enjoy it. There is Julie, she has some friends, she has a partner, some family - and there's a dead body, go!
This time its a Colonel who turns up dead. The pace is fast from the get go and it doesn't let up as you are introduced to his dysfunctional family, and the staff that tend to the house. There is plenty going on, cracks appearing almost instantly as well as a mysterious visitor that only Julie saw. It doesn't take long for not only the body count to rack up but for the mysteries to as well.
Jack, the almost required adorable animal, doesn't have a huge amount of page time, but he plays a vital role in this case. And is, of course, adorable.
It's a fun, easy read, nothing super surprising or wild but its entertaining. And there might be a glut of tomatoes in the book, but all the mention of tomato based food just made me crave it all.
It's great to have an amateur detective that not only has a decent working relationship with the police, but also - mostly - knows when to avoid dangers situations. It means we don't have to waste time with her fighting the cops, we can focus on the actual mystery at hand. It also means that we get to see Julie's brains in action as she avoids danger except when other people are in peril. she comes across as smart and compassionate, a main character that you not only root for, but can believe in.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
October 16, 2026
Julia and her daughter Jess are invited to Greystone Manor to clear the property of a deceased family member to send to the local charity shop. But while they are there the owner Colonel Loxton dies and Julia is sure it is a suspicious death...
Murder at the Manor House is the 10th book in amateur sleuth Julia Bird series of cosy murder mysteries.
Julia is happy to help out a grieving family as well as the charity shop she volunteers at. She and her daughter get to work boxing up Marigold's possessions when another death occurs in the house. Julia spots a head injury which suggests it was murder rather than natural causes. Garforth the butler is acting oddly and there was a mysterious stranger in a grey hat that no one admits was on site.
Motives and suspects soon emerge with arguments over inheritance. Julia helps her police friends while also supporting the bereaved family and staff.
I have said before that I like Julia's way of investigating. She isn't nosy but has a gentle touch that people respond to, divulging their secrets. She remains fully engaged with the police and they support her in return.
There is a wonderful humorous touch about the glut of tomatoes plaguing Julia and the rest of the village. This provided light relief and warmth to the narrative and tone.
Murder at the Manor House is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Murder at the Manor House is the 10th book in amateur sleuth Julia Bird series of cosy murder mysteries.
Julia is happy to help out a grieving family as well as the charity shop she volunteers at. She and her daughter get to work boxing up Marigold's possessions when another death occurs in the house. Julia spots a head injury which suggests it was murder rather than natural causes. Garforth the butler is acting oddly and there was a mysterious stranger in a grey hat that no one admits was on site.
Motives and suspects soon emerge with arguments over inheritance. Julia helps her police friends while also supporting the bereaved family and staff.
I have said before that I like Julia's way of investigating. She isn't nosy but has a gentle touch that people respond to, divulging their secrets. She remains fully engaged with the police and they support her in return.
There is a wonderful humorous touch about the glut of tomatoes plaguing Julia and the rest of the village. This provided light relief and warmth to the narrative and tone.
Murder at the Manor House is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Julia Bird was asked to clear out part of Greystone Manor in Berrywick, after the death of the Colonel's sister, so she and her daughter Jess set to with boxes, tape and writing implements to document it all. But when Julia discovered the body of the Colonel himself, only hours after he'd greeted them, she was horrified. Calling good friend and local cop, DI Hayley Gibson onto the scene, the investigation began with secrets, mystery and intrigue gathering pace. Another body discovered and the race was on. Julia was desperate to discover the killer; to help Hayley find the culprit/s. But could they?
Murder at the Manor House is the 10th in the Julia Bird Mystery series by Katie Gayle and it was another enjoyable episode in the series. With great characters; Julia is a strong woman, a retired social worker, with Jake (dog) & Sean by her side, and I'm looking forward to more mysteries with them all. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Murder at the Manor House is the 10th in the Julia Bird Mystery series by Katie Gayle and it was another enjoyable episode in the series. With great characters; Julia is a strong woman, a retired social worker, with Jake (dog) & Sean by her side, and I'm looking forward to more mysteries with them all. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I do love these Julia Bird murder mysteries. I don't think they are all that believable (at least I hope they're not; I don't think I'd want to come across nearly as many dead bodies as she seems to manage to), but they're very entertaining.
This time, Julia finds herself at a local manor house, helping to clear out the belongings of a woman who has died. It's not this woman who has been murdered, though, but while there, the woman's brother and owner of the house is killed.
I'd like to think that in Julia's shoes I'd be just as inquisitive and help the local police get to the bottom of things, but if I'm being honest, I'd probably be too scared. Julia isn't, though, and soon is snooping here and there and discovering all kinds of things that escape the police's notice.
I didn't figure this one out before Julia, sadly, but it didn't matter as it was still very entertaining and a really good read. I'm looking forward to more from Julia soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
This time, Julia finds herself at a local manor house, helping to clear out the belongings of a woman who has died. It's not this woman who has been murdered, though, but while there, the woman's brother and owner of the house is killed.
I'd like to think that in Julia's shoes I'd be just as inquisitive and help the local police get to the bottom of things, but if I'm being honest, I'd probably be too scared. Julia isn't, though, and soon is snooping here and there and discovering all kinds of things that escape the police's notice.
I didn't figure this one out before Julia, sadly, but it didn't matter as it was still very entertaining and a really good read. I'm looking forward to more from Julia soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
September 23, 2026
3 1/2 stars. Julia Bird is asked to clear out a person's house who died recently. While there with her daughter, a man dies at the main house. A bruise on her head makes Julia think this isn't an accident. Julia, a retired social worker, has the ability to get people to talk to her in a way that they won't with the police. So Julia is determined to figure out what is going on. Then a second body is found. Is there is serial killer about? And what family secrets are at the bottom of these deaths?
This is the 10th Julia Bird mystery. It is a great example of a English country village cozy. I like Julia as the main character. She is smart, compassionate and ready to take on the 2nd (or whatever number you want to call it) chapter in her life. I have read a number of the books in this series but I will admit that I kind of got lost in all the grown children of Julia and her beau being together with them at the beginning. Who belonged to who? And their personalities blurred. But that is a small quibble. Very enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 10th Julia Bird mystery. It is a great example of a English country village cozy. I like Julia as the main character. She is smart, compassionate and ready to take on the 2nd (or whatever number you want to call it) chapter in her life. I have read a number of the books in this series but I will admit that I kind of got lost in all the grown children of Julia and her beau being together with them at the beginning. Who belonged to who? And their personalities blurred. But that is a small quibble. Very enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2026
#bookreview
Thank you to @bookouture for an early read of Murder at The Manor House by @katiegaylebooks - can’t believe this is now book 10 in this Cotswolds based cosy crime series!
Lovely to be back in the Cotswolds with Julia, Jake and the rest of the locals. A series of events lead to Julie being on site for the second sudden death at the Manor House in a short period of time.
Will Julia be able to help the local Berrywick police again to solve another case? I’m pleased to say that this is another enjoyable book in this series with a number of interesting suspects and some twists. Happy to recommend - the book will be published on 22 September.
Synopsis: Julia Bird is as keen as anyone in Berrywick to see inside the famous Greystone Manor. But when she does, the last thing she expects to find is a body!
When Julia Bird is asked to clear out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor after the sudden death of Colonel Loxton’s sister, she is intrigued to finally see inside the impressive house. But when she discovers the body of the Colonel, who greeted her only hours before, dead behind the sofa with a bruise on his forehead, Julia believes his death is no accident.
Once forensics confirm it was murder, Julia tries to piece together what happened. On the day the Colonel died, she saw an unknown man getting into a car outside the manor. The butler Garforth and the housekeeper Biddy claim there were no visitors that day, so who was this mysterious man? Or is someone in the Colonel’s family not telling the truth, with tensions running high over the inheritance?
Days later, Julia finds another body dead among the rhododendrons and knows the deaths must be connected. At the Colonel’s funeral she heard his friends talking about a long-buried secret. Had the second victim discovered it, and is it motive enough to kill? With time running out, can Julia solve the case before there’s another murder at the manor?
An addictive and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and J. R. Ellis.
#juliabirdmysteries #katiegayle #bookouture #murderatthemanorhouse
Thank you to @bookouture for an early read of Murder at The Manor House by @katiegaylebooks - can’t believe this is now book 10 in this Cotswolds based cosy crime series!
Lovely to be back in the Cotswolds with Julia, Jake and the rest of the locals. A series of events lead to Julie being on site for the second sudden death at the Manor House in a short period of time.
Will Julia be able to help the local Berrywick police again to solve another case? I’m pleased to say that this is another enjoyable book in this series with a number of interesting suspects and some twists. Happy to recommend - the book will be published on 22 September.
Synopsis: Julia Bird is as keen as anyone in Berrywick to see inside the famous Greystone Manor. But when she does, the last thing she expects to find is a body!
When Julia Bird is asked to clear out the gatehouse at Greystone Manor after the sudden death of Colonel Loxton’s sister, she is intrigued to finally see inside the impressive house. But when she discovers the body of the Colonel, who greeted her only hours before, dead behind the sofa with a bruise on his forehead, Julia believes his death is no accident.
Once forensics confirm it was murder, Julia tries to piece together what happened. On the day the Colonel died, she saw an unknown man getting into a car outside the manor. The butler Garforth and the housekeeper Biddy claim there were no visitors that day, so who was this mysterious man? Or is someone in the Colonel’s family not telling the truth, with tensions running high over the inheritance?
Days later, Julia finds another body dead among the rhododendrons and knows the deaths must be connected. At the Colonel’s funeral she heard his friends talking about a long-buried secret. Had the second victim discovered it, and is it motive enough to kill? With time running out, can Julia solve the case before there’s another murder at the manor?
An addictive and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and J. R. Ellis.
#juliabirdmysteries #katiegayle #bookouture #murderatthemanorhouse
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Our tenth outing with Julia Bird, retired social worker and voluntary helper at the local charity shop. She is very excited to be asked to collect goods for the shop from Greyston Manor after the death of Colonel Loxton's sister. There are not one but two murders for her to solve in this mystery!
Julia is a great character. Her experience as a social worker helps her engage people in easy conversation and she is often able to feed information to D.I. Hayley Gibson who has become her friend. I enjoyed this book very much although the issues with the excess tomatoes became rather repetitive. I wondered why she did not put them all in a box on the counter of the charity shop for people to help themselves.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good cosy mystery. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Julia is a great character. Her experience as a social worker helps her engage people in easy conversation and she is often able to feed information to D.I. Hayley Gibson who has become her friend. I enjoyed this book very much although the issues with the excess tomatoes became rather repetitive. I wondered why she did not put them all in a box on the counter of the charity shop for people to help themselves.
I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good cosy mystery. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the tenth book in this series, and I still enjoy them. Julia Bird is a great character, though I wish she wouldn't get so nosy and involved in interfering with the police investigations. This time she's at the manor house helping to clear out the effects of a woman who has died for donation to Second Chances thrift store. Then a scream alerts her to the discovery of the body of the lord of the manor. She's very observant and sees a bruise on the man's head that no-one in the family noticed. He also had a broken toe.
I enjoyed the tomatoes stories - too many, and having even more left on her doorstep. I thought she should have just passed them on, but she managed to make items for the freezer. She's got a lot of energy!
I enjoyed the tomatoes stories - too many, and having even more left on her doorstep. I thought she should have just passed them on, but she managed to make items for the freezer. She's got a lot of energy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Julia is boxing up the contents of the carriage house next to a local manor house owned by the Loxton family. Shortly after meeting Col. Loxton, she hears a scream and finds the man dead on the floor. Seeing a bruise on his temple, she suspects it was not a natural death. Hayley, her friend and local police, investigates. Julia is a former social worker, so she is able to get people to talk to her, which Hayley occassionally uses for her investigations.
When Julia finds a second body, the mystery deepens. There are lots of red herrings and misdirections in the story to keep you guessing. Besides the mystery, there is humor (everyone has a glut of tomatoes) and warm family ties.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
When Julia finds a second body, the mystery deepens. There are lots of red herrings and misdirections in the story to keep you guessing. Besides the mystery, there is humor (everyone has a glut of tomatoes) and warm family ties.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 23, 2026
This is a great series with wonderful characters, all of which I love! The plots are always interesting and well thought out.
When a local woman dies, the thrift shop is given the job of clearing out her things, and Julia and her daughter Jess get the task. The man who owns the estate dies under suspicious circumstances, and of course Julia has to investigate.
And there were tomatoes everywhere! It was really funny that everyone kept giving them to Julia when she already had too many and was trying to offload her own.
Looking forward to the next one!
When a local woman dies, the thrift shop is given the job of clearing out her things, and Julia and her daughter Jess get the task. The man who owns the estate dies under suspicious circumstances, and of course Julia has to investigate.
And there were tomatoes everywhere! It was really funny that everyone kept giving them to Julia when she already had too many and was trying to offload her own.
Looking forward to the next one!
September 23, 2026
When Julia is asked to clean out a home, the last thing she expected to find as she worked was a body. She had just seen the man not long before she found his body. But who killed him and why?
Julia has her work cut out for her. When she finds another body, it opens up more questions and make Julia even more determined to uncover the killer before they can add to the body count.
This is fabulous cosy series and I can never get enough. It’s one of the series that turned me on to British cosies and it keeps me coming back for more with each and every entry.
Julia has her work cut out for her. When she finds another body, it opens up more questions and make Julia even more determined to uncover the killer before they can add to the body count.
This is fabulous cosy series and I can never get enough. It’s one of the series that turned me on to British cosies and it keeps me coming back for more with each and every entry.
September 22, 2026
Julia gets a rare glimpse inside the local manor house when she volunteers to collect items for sale at the charity shop after a death. When she discovers a body, she is sure it's a suspicious death and uses her conversational and observational skills to discover the culprit. I like the characters in this cosy mystery, the village setting and the clever mystery full of suspects, false leads and unexpected twists.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 23, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Katie Gayle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Manor House coming out September 22, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I’ve read a few books in this series by this author. I really love cozy mysteries. I thought the setting was perfect. I love manor houses. I enjoyed the characters. I would check out more books in the series.
I’ve read a few books in this series by this author. I really love cozy mysteries. I thought the setting was perfect. I love manor houses. I enjoyed the characters. I would check out more books in the series.
September 29, 2026
Lovely
I always enjoy this series. Is lovely to see older people can fall in love and young family being happy about it. And of course I love Jake, the hens and of course the cat. I hope there are many more.
I always enjoy this series. Is lovely to see older people can fall in love and young family being happy about it. And of course I love Jake, the hens and of course the cat. I hope there are many more.
October 4, 2026
Manor house murder
I loved this book and all the other books in this series great characters and story line,I couldn't it down.Looking forward to next book in this series just brilliant.
I loved this book and all the other books in this series great characters and story line,I couldn't it down.Looking forward to next book in this series just brilliant.
October 6, 2026
The lastest installment in the Julia Bird mysteries - always a good read! Julia, with Dr Sean O'Connor, and DI Hayley Gibson investigates the death of Colonel Loxton in the manor house. It is not all as it seems, and Julie navigates the clues, to help reveal the murderer.
October 13, 2026
Another good story in the series, although perhaps not my favorite (though, full disclaimer, I was pretty distracted while reading). Also, a lot of yummy food notes, so don't read this when you're hungry!
October 26, 2026
Book ten sees the return of amateur sleuth Julia and the delightful residents of Berrywick.
I have been entertained by this series since the very beginning and every edition adds to the charm of this cosy mystery series, the writing and delivery is consistent and engaging.
I have been entertained by this series since the very beginning and every edition adds to the charm of this cosy mystery series, the writing and delivery is consistent and engaging.
September 25, 2026
A very enjoyable murder mystery in which the murderer's identity came as a complete surprise to me! Recommended.
September 28, 2026
I love this series! The writing is excellent, the characters authentic - even Jake the dog - and the plots are interesting. I love the humor appearing throughout the stories. More, please!!
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