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Julia Bird Mysteries #10
Murder at the Manor House
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26Julia 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
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Katie Gayle
22 books170 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews