Delitto perfetto a Westleham

The Martha Miller Mysteries #4

by Catherine Coles

Maggio 1948, Westleham. Tutto il villaggio è in fermento per la prima partita di cricket dopo la fine della guerra. Martha Miller, però, ha ben altro a cui pensare: il ritorno improvviso del marito Stan, scomparso da due anni e rientrato come se nulla fosse. Martha non sa come reagire, soprattutto perché la sua ricomparsa rischia di mettere in crisi il legame sempre più stretto con il gentile vicario del paese, Luke. E non è l’unica a sentirsi turbata dal ritorno di Stan... Quando la partita inizia e il pubblico esplode in un applauso, Stan crolla a terra all’improvviso – morto prima ancora di toccare il suolo. E tutti gli sguardi si posano su Martha. Per dimostrare la propria innocenza, Martha dovrà scoprire cosa è accaduto negli anni in cui Stan è sparito e perché sia tornato proprio ora. Ma, in un villaggio così piccolo, ogni persona custodisce un segreto. Riuscirà a smascherare il vero colpevole o finirà per pagare per un delitto non commesso da lei? Che l’indagine abbia inizio!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult, Crime, Cozy

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

The daughter of a military father, Catherine was born in Germany and lived most of the first 14 years of her life abroad. She spent her school years devouring everything her school library had to offer!

Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.

Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.

Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!

You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com

Reviews

[♡ Martina ♡]

3.75 ⭐️

Come faccio ad aspettare il prossimo volume?!
A mani basse questo per me è, attualmente, il miglior volume di questa serie.
Molte domande trovano finalmente una risposta e la storia inizia a prendere una struttura molto più stabile e ben costruita.
Purtroppo sono riuscita a individuare il colpevole fin dall'inizio ma mi è piaciuto comunque aver rimesso insieme alla protagonista i pezzi della vita di Stan durante la sua assenza e di come il suo personaggio fosse stato frainteso dal primo volume.
I personaggi in questo volume sono molto più variegati e secondo me "cresciuti" rispetto ai precedenti e lo stile chiaro e scorrevole hanno dato alla lettura un tocco in più.
Questa serie (dal mio punto di vista inaspettatamente) mi ha coinvolta e continua a incuriorisirmi a ogni nuovo volume.
I misteri non hanno intrecci particolarmente complicati ma secondo me è questo il punto di forza: l'autrice non costruisce misteri intricati che spesso e volentieri lasciano spazi a buchi di trama ma sceglie pochi elementi e sospettati e costruisce il tutto intorno a questi.
Inutile ribadire quanto io aspetti il quinto volume sperando, finalmente, in un effettivo avvicinamento tra Martha e Luke.

[Chiara LibriamociBlog]

Delitto perfetto a Westleham di Cathrine Coles è il quarto romanzo con protagonista Martha Miller ed è, a mio parere, quello che parte nel modo più sorprendente. Vi consiglio quindi di non leggere la trama prima di iniziarlo per lasciarvi guidare dalla storia e dai continui colpi di scena, che questa volta non mancano davvero.

Quello che continuo ad amare di questa serie è la sua capacità di intrecciare il mistero con le questioni sociali e morali dell’Inghilterra del secondo dopoguerra. Le vicende personali dei protagonisti si fondono con i delitti da risolvere, dando vita a una narrazione ricca di umanità, in cui amicizia, vicinato e amore hanno lo stesso peso dell’indagine.

Un giallo delicato, avvincente e coinvolgente, costruito con intelligenza e sensibilità. Martha Miller, ormai, è una certezza.

[Kathie Frobe]

Murder on the Cricket Green

I am absolutely smitten with The Martha Miller Mysteries 💕
It's 1948, abandoned wife Martha lives a quiet life, except for the occasional murder. The subject of village gossip had her cowed. But through this series we see her blossoming into a confident woman with a loving relationship with her sister Ruby and close friends to the next door elderly neighbor Maude.
Developing a special friendship with the young and handsome vicar has released Martha's romantic side.
In this book we see the puzzling mystery of her missing husband Stan solved as Martha once again brings all the facts of her investigation to the solution of another village murder.
I am eagerly awaiting the release of the next book.

[Rosaria]

Anche stavolta Catherine Coles ha fatto centro con Martha Miller. E soprattutto ci ha regalato quella svolta che tutti stavamo aspettando nella storia tra la nostra detective amatoriale e l'adorato pastore Luke Walker.
Anche stavolta non si tratta di un'indagine scontata, anzi.
Tra colpi di scena "professionali" e "personali" questo romanzo ci lascia ancora più con la curiosità di ciò che potremmo trovare ad aspettarci a Westleham nel prossimo libro di questa serie.

[Kelly]

Definitely my favourite in the series so far! I loved this twisty, turny mystery set in the atmospheric village of Westleham. Full of secrets, suspects and surprises, this kept me guessing and completely hooked. I really enjoyed the village setting and Martha’s amateur sleuthing. A thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery! I cannot wait for the next book in the series



Thank you Netgalley

[Mark Beer]

These are always good and this was the same. Surprised how a long running storyline landed in this one, but was really good.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle]

Stan Miller walked out two years ago and just waltzes back into Westleham like he didn’t ghost his wife harder than a man who forgot her birthday, and burned her rations book. I mean. Sir. You can’t disappear in post-war England with a shady solicitor, a questionable moral compass, and a vague “I did it for you” energy, then drop dead mid-cricket and not expect to be the drama. But here we are.

In Murder on the Cricket Green, Martha Miller is already juggling too many things. Her feelings about the ghost-husband-turned-actual-corpse. Her not-so-secret crush on the very proper, very tormented, and very taken aback village vicar, Luke. And now, oh look, a murder investigation where she’s Suspect Number One because, surprise, Stan’s Will is the gift that keeps on implicating. Also her sister’s wedding is, like, next week and we cannot have murder drama overshadowing the dress.

Let me just say: the vibes are pure cozy, but the secrets are soap opera-level messy. We’ve got embezzlement, blackmail, shady pharmacists, long-lost fiancées, and more than one person who might’ve fed Stan to the roses if he hadn’t died so theatrically on the cricket green. And yes, it’s a literal cricket match murder. This is England, darling. Sports are deadly and no one is emotionally available.

Martha is a top-tier cozy heroine because she’s not quirky in a Pinterest way, she’s “I’m exhausted and still solving this murder out of spite and spite alone” kind of girl. Honestly? Mood. Her makeshift girl gang of Ruby and Maud bring real “ladies who investigate with gin and hairpins” energy, and I’d trust them with my life. Or at least my postwar reputation.

But listen. As fun as the setup is, the killer reveal didn’t pop the way I wanted it to. It had the ingredients for emotional devastation or shocking betrayal, but instead we got... a resolution that felt like someone politely folding a napkin after slapping you in the face. It’s fine. It works. But it didn’t make me scream “WHAT?!” into the void, which is what I demand from fictional murders.

That said, I am very invested in Martha finally getting to smooch a certain sad, morally conflicted vicar without worrying about inconvenient husbands, wartime secrets, or Anglican judgment. Give this woman peace. And maybe some better stationery. She deserves both. Solid 3.5 stars, charming, sharp, with that kind of historical coziness where everyone is traumatized but pretending it’s fine over tea.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Side-Eye Literally Everyone with a Garden

Massive thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC and for dropping me directly into the middle of postwar English chaos where murder is casual, flirting is restrained, and literally no one is emotionally okay. I’m thriving.

[Meg]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I enjoyed the latest in the series. While it can be read as a standalone, I think that it would be better to read from the beginning of the series in order to fully understand the main characters and their relationships. The mystery, however, is self-contained and there are not any spoilers to the previous books so you could start here and go back and read the earlier books if you wanted to. Martha is surprised when her missing husband, Stan, shows up on her doorstep, ready to set things right. But unfortunately he ends up dead the next day while playing in the first town cricket match since the end of the war. Martha is a prime suspect as she stands to inherit since she is still Stan's wife so she must do her own investigating in order to clear her name. Her sister, Ruby, takes a break from planning her wedding to Ben to help and friend and neighbor, Maud, also lends a hand. The female relationships are one of the reasons why I enjoy this series so much. And, of course, there is the slowly simmering romance with Luke, the local vicar, who is also a suspect in Stan's death. The other suspects include Oliver, the local attorney who had embezzled funds that Stan had meant for Martha after he left, Walter, who had blackmailed Stan into giving him confidential mortgage information from the bank and was one of the reasons that Stan left, and Lavinia, Stan's ex-fiancé before he married Martha who is still hung up on him. Arriving in town with Stan are his friends, brothers Ted and Bernard, who are also suspects. Bernard is a pharmacist who is illegally selling drugs to support his gambling habit. It was clear from the start that Stan and Ted had a romantic relationship and that Stan's sexuality was likely the reason for Walter's blackmail. When Martha is knocked over the head in her own backyard, it is clear that she is getting closer to the truth. Stan was killed with a poisonous plant, a plant that Walter had growing in his garden and one that Bernard would have known was dangerous. But the killer was Lavinia who was upset that Stan never took their relationship as seriously as she did. The mystery was solid with a manageable number of suspects and a satisfying conclusion. Now that Martha is really single maybe her relationship with Luke can fully blossom. I look forward to the next in the series.

[Bok Choy Nomad (Cat-Dan)]

ARC Review: Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles

I’ve been following this series from the beginning, and this instalment delivers another cosy, well‑constructed mystery set against the everyday rhythms of post‑war village life. Westleham in 1948 feels as vivid as ever — the cricket match, the gossip, the small‑town loyalties — all of it creates the perfect backdrop for a murder that hits uncomfortably close to home.

Martha Miller remains such an easy heroine to root for, especially as she’s blindsided by the sudden return of her husband, Stan, after two years missing. His reappearance is unsettling enough, but the way it disrupts the gentle, growing connection she’s been building with the village’s handsome vicar, Luke Walker, adds a thoughtful emotional layer. When Stan collapses dead in front of the entire village, it’s no surprise that suspicion lands on her.

One of my favourite parts of this series continues to be Martha’s sleuthing partnership with her neighbour, Maud — the ultimate “super‑grandma” sidekick. Their teamwork and banter is as delightful as ever, and they carry the investigation with a mix of practicality, intuition, and quiet determination. The mystery itself is tight and well‑paced, and I didn’t land on the culprit until much closer to the end.

If I missed anything, it was Luke’s lack of involvement in the investigation. His dynamic with Martha is one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much, and his reduced presence here left a small gap for me. Given my love of mysteries with a romantic thread, I felt that absence. But now that Martha is a proper widow, I’m hopeful the next book will let their relationship develop more openly — village nosiness and post‑WWII expectations included.

Overall, this is another engaging, atmospheric entry in the series, with a strong mystery and plenty of heart. Fans of cosy historical whodunnits will find a lot to enjoy here.

P.S. I am grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of this story for which I am voluntarily writing this honest review.

P.S. 2: If you liked this, then please check out my other book reviews of stories about strong women and their handsome sidekicks!

[June Price]

It's May, 1948, and everyone seems to have a secret...or many. Westlehan Village is excited to be hosting its first cricket match since the end of the war. As one of the organizers, Martha Miller is focused on making the event a success. That is, until her missing husband Stan shows up at her door after simply vanishing about two years before. Small villages being what they are, Martha had been a target for gossip ever since, some local wags theorizing that Stan's body would eventually be found buried in her garden. But, nope. There he is. Very alive. Alive and well and wanting to talk to her. Seems he's in for a few surprises, too, such as discovering that the money he'd been sending Martha regularly via the local solicitor hadn't been delivered. In fact, Martha had no clue whether he was dead or alive. Unfortunately for Stan, he's really dead not long afterward. His death does little to clear the way for Martha's growing friendship with Luke, the local vicar. You'll learn more about the complications Stan's disappearance created for them and, oh, boy, how times have changed.

But, romance aside, who'd kill the recently returned Stan? True, he had a couple run-ins with locals, including that shady solicitor, but might the secrets of his last two years hold a clue or two as to the guilty party? Could the two gentleman he arrives with, Ted and his pharmacist brother be involved? DI Ben Robinson, about to marry Martha's sister, warns Martha away from the case, of course. Martha, also of course, begins to look into things herself, which, predictably, leads her to trouble. Secrets kept can be dangerous.

No more teasers. Seriously, if you enjoy small town mysteries where the gossip flows quickly but things move a bit more slowly, you'll love this one. Seriously, the characters are likable, even Stan, go figure, and, hey, I can't forget sweet Lizzy the dog. The overall feel is warm and inviting, so don't hesitate to pay a visit to Martha and Westleham Village. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Martha, Luke, and the rest and giving me this early peek at a major twist in the story.

[Srivalli Rekha]

3.5 Stars (rounded up)

One Liner: A quick mystery

Westleham Village, May 1948

Martha Miller doesn’t know what to do when her husband, Stan, who had been missing for two years, returns and acts as if nothing had happened. Her growing fondness for the village vicar, Luke, and her husband’s return put her in a tough spot. However, Stan collapses on the cricketing ground, and everyone is ready to blame Martha.

Now, she has to prove her innocence by finding the killer. If it means digging secrets from her dead husband’s past and that of the villagers, she will do it.

The story comes in Martha’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts

It’s been a while since I read a book from this series. Luckily, I could get into the flow in the first chapter itself.

While it might work as a standalone, I’d recommend reading at least the previous book. That’s because this mystery is a part/continuation of the overarching plot, and you will enjoy it more if you know the backstory and the village dynamics.

Since this is a short book, we don’t waste too much time on infodump. Things move at a steady pace while leaving enough time for readers to empathize with the MC’s situation.

Also, there are quite a few suspects, creating enough doubt for everyone. I admit I initially picked a character who could be unlikely-likely. There was a teeny reveal, which is easy enough to guess.
The mystery is decent. Nothing overly complex or too many twists. Just the type of book to read when you are tired and don’t want to use your grey cells much.

We see the good and not-so-good side of living in villages (and small towns). People can be caring and loving, but super nosy and ready to gossip 24*7. Not really different from the rest of the world, right? ;)

To summarize, Murder on the Cricket Green is a decent addition to the series and an important one too. There will be another book next, so excited to see how things move on from here.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #MurderOnTheCricketGreen

[Yvonne]

This charming postwar cozy mystery series has a story arc involving the unexplained disappearance of the husband of the main character, Martha Miller. In the meantime, Martha and the local vicar have been developing romantic feelings for each other. Given that storyline, it was inevitable that at some point during the series, Martha's husband would end up dead under mysterious circumstances and that she would solve the murder (after all, in the 1940s, if you've been previously married you don't get to marry the vicar if you aren't a respectable widow). This is the book where it happens.

Martha's husband suddenly reappears in the village, clearly with some secrets. Before anything is explained, he gets roped into participating in the first postwar cricket match in the village, and he doesn't survive the experience. Although Martha has developed a reputation in the previous books for solving local murders, this time she's also a suspect since it's assumed that she stands to inherit her husband's estate. She and her group of friends, including the local detective (who just happens to be her sister's fiancé), eventually manage to work it out before the police do. Which, of course, leaves the pathway clear for her and Luke the vicar to finally get together.

Although the overall storyline was predictable, the story itself has some interesting and unseen twists and turns. The reappearance of Martha's family and friends, familiar from previous books, is enhanced by some new characters from her husband's recent past. Ms Coles makes the setting of this series somewhere you'd really like to live (notwithstanding all the murders, of course!), and the 1940s setting is very cozy. Altogether, it's a book well worth reading, and it makes the reader really look forward to the next story.

[Jan Mawdesley]

Murder on the Cricket Green is an engrossing cozy murder set in 1948, Westleham, Berkshire when the world was slowly recovering from the effects of the War.
The Villagers are looking forward to a Cricket match against the Winteringham side, and a wedding, that of Ruby to Detective Inspector Ben Robertson. Two events that it was hoped would lift a community still struggling with everyday life.
Societies rules were hard and fast, as Martha Miller had discovered firsthand. Village gossip, founded or otherwise can be dangerous, having been singled out when her husband Stan left to go to work two years prior, never to return.
A knock on her door changes everything she though she knew about Stan, as he has returned, offering an explanation and trying to put past wrongs right. Unsure of what to make of this, as she has long considered herself an independent woman, one who has deep feelings for the local Vicar which are returned, she is flummoxed.
When Oliver Beckwith, the local somewhat underhand local Solicitor, is injured in an altercation, Stan is roped in to make up the Westleham team numbers. He goes into bat and collapses at the crease, dying from what appears to the amateur eye, some form of poison.
Martha, known as a very good amateur Detective decides she needs to try and discover who is responsible for Stan’s death and most importantly why. Recruiting her trusty neighbour Maud, they set about digging deep into Village life. The more they dug, the more astonished they became at what really goes on behind closed doors.
Book four in the Marth Miller Mysteries from Catherine Coles, Murder on the Cricket Green delivers an intriguing, gently old fashioned, thoroughly entertaining murder which sees everyone, including Martha, considered as guilty until they are proven innocent.
A most enjoyable read.

[Kimberly]

Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles is exactly the kind of cozy mystery that makes me want to cancel plans, put the kettle on, and side-eye every fictional villager with deep suspicion.
Published by Boldwood Books, with thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

Set in postwar Westleham in 1948, this story wastes no time lulling you into village life before dropping a body onto the cricket pitch. Literally. The long-awaited village match should be all polite applause and sponge cake, but instead Martha Miller’s missing husband turns up after two years like he’s just popped out for milk, then promptly dies in front of everyone. Awkward. Even more awkward when the entire village decides Martha must have done it.

Martha remains one of my favorite cozy heroines because she’s practical, weary, sharp, and quietly stubborn. Her emotional mess feels real, especially with a vanished husband, a complicated past, and a certain kind-hearted vicar making things decidedly inconvenient. The mystery unfolds at a steady, satisfying pace, with secrets layered like Victoria sponge and just as likely to collapse if handled poorly.

What I love most is the balance. The tone stays warm and witty even when the stakes are high, and the village gossip feels deliciously dangerous. Everyone has something to hide, and I had a great time suspecting absolutely everyone, often for very petty reasons.

“There’s nothing more dangerous than a quiet village with too much time to notice things.”

This installment feels confident, polished, and deeply comforting in the way only a well-written cozy can be. If you like your murder with manners, motives, and mild sarcasm, this one delivers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#MurderontheCricketGreen #CatherineColes #BoldwoodBooks #CozyMystery #VillageMystery #HistoricalMystery #BookReview #NetGalley #ARCReview #CozyCrime

[Meg Pearson]

Murder on the Cricket Green by Catherine Coles is a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery that blends village life, gentle suspense, and a strong emotional thread with ease.

This was my first book by Catherine Coles, but it certainly will not be my last. As a long time fan of Agatha Christie style mysteries and someone who enjoys a classic English village setting, this book felt like a perfect fit. The post war backdrop of 1948 adds a lovely sense of atmosphere, and the excitement surrounding the village cricket match provides an ideal setting for murder to strike.

Martha Miller is an engaging and sympathetic main character. When her long missing husband suddenly reappears after two years, only to collapse and die during the cricket match, the story quickly becomes personal as well as mysterious. With suspicion falling on Martha, she is determined to clear her name and uncover the truth. I enjoyed following her investigation and watching the layers of village secrets slowly come to light.

The mystery itself is well paced and kept me turning pages. There are plenty of suspects, believable motives, and just enough twists to keep things interesting without ever feeling complicated. The supporting cast adds warmth and charm, and the village setting feels vivid and lived in.

Overall, this was a very entertaining cosy murder mystery that I read in just two sittings. It is comforting, engaging, and satisfying in the way the best books in this genre are. I would happily recommend it to fans of classic whodunnits and historical cosy crime.

Thanks to Goodwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Vintagebooklvr]

3 1/2 stars. Catherine Coles writes good historical mystery series that provide a sense of the time and well-rounded characters. Her Tommy and Evelyn Christie series is one of my favorite 1920s mystery series and I always love to dive in to both the mystery and the relationship between the characters that crosses generations.

I didn't even know she wrote this series until I received an ARC (thanks Netgalley and the publisher for it in exchange for an honest opinion). A few years after WWII, Martha Miller struggles to support herself after her husband disappeared leaving her to find a way to pay for her mortgage and other living expenses meanwhile dealing with the disapproval of many in town. She just happens to solve a few mysteries along the way. Now her husband, Stan, has returned. He promises to give her the house and figure out why the arrangements he made for her support when he left were never followed through. But when he drops dead during a cricket match the next day, she becomes the prime suspect. But there were plenty of others not happy with Stan's determination to right a few wrongs before he planned to leave once more...

The mystery was solid and I really enjoyed the characters. While this is the first book I've read of the series this can be read as a stand-alone but obviously I was missing the development of relationships and the growth of characters, particularly Martha who had to find a way to stand on her own, in a small village where not all the people supported her. But luckily, Martha has her sister, her neighbor, and the kindly vicar. I will definitely be reading more of this series.

[Miki Jacobs]

Martha's husband has been missing for two years. She has been gossiped about with all the various things that might of happened to him - she killed him and buried him under the vegetable patch is a favourite. But she has dealt with it all and has been getting on with her life despite being left penniless.
A week before her sister's wedding there is a knock on the door and it's Stan, her husband. He explains he has been living in Brighton with some friends and has come back to sort out the financials and is appalled to find out that the money he has been sending to her via the local solicitor hasn't been reaching her. When he confronts the solicitor there is a slight incident and the solicitor ends up with a sprained ankle.
As it's the revived village cricket match the following day, Stan is persuaded to take the solicitors place.
As number eleven it is a while before he is called to the crease and impressed with scoring boundaries on his first balls. Then he collapses reaching for his glove and dies.
One of the Brighton friends, who travelled with him to Berkshire, accuse Martha of killing him to get all his money, she is shocked as she was only aware that he was going to pay off the mortgage and sign the house across to her. Being aware that she is on the list of suspects, she sets out to prove that she didn't commit murder.
This proves both enlightening and dangerous for her.
A quick easy cosy read.

[Leanne]

Murder on the Cricket Green is another delightful addition to the Martha Miller Mysteries, and it delivers exactly what fans of the series love: a picturesque village, a tangle of secrets, and a heroine who always seems to find herself in the middle of trouble.

The 1948 setting feels warm and nostalgic, and the excitement around the first post‑war cricket match gives the story a lovely community buzz. But Catherine Coles wastes no time shaking things up with the sudden return of Martha’s long‑missing husband, Stan — and the emotional tension this creates is just as gripping as the mystery itself. Martha’s confusion, her growing feelings for Luke, and the awkwardness of Stan acting as if nothing happened all add a great layer of character drama.

And then Stan drops dead on the cricket green.

From that moment, the book becomes a classic cozy whodunnit, complete with suspicious villagers, hidden motives, and plenty of red herrings. Martha’s determination to clear her name and uncover the truth makes her easy to root for, and the dynamic between her and Luke continues to be one of the series’ sweetest threads.

It’s light, engaging, and packed with that small‑village charm that makes cozy crime so addictive. Fans of historical mysteries and gentle sleuthing will have a great time with this one.

A fun, comforting read with just the right amount of intrigue.

My thanks to Catherine Coles, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Anjana]

This book finally brings Mr.Miller officially back into the scene, albeit for a brief moment. Some of the events in this book are as expected, things had to happen this way for the eventual possibility of a happily-ever-after for our lead protagonist.

Unexpectedly, when Martha opens the door one day, she is faced with her missing husband. It turns out that he didn’t mean for the situation to become what it had. There was supposed to be money coming to her to keep her afloat. The emotional abandonment, however, seemed to be exactly as planned.

As the day progresses, Martha finds out a lot about her missing husband. And I suspected something that is later confirmed, mostly because the author probably intended for it to be obvious.

Soon things take a turn for the worse and we have a ticking clock as Martha tries to figure out all the schemes her husband was involved in, and all the people that it impacted.

As with the previous books, the writing and the people make it easy to read. The story flows and I must admit to not guessing the actual culprit until the reveal because of the red herrings. I am always glad when that happens. I am not sure if this is the last book in the series, but it is a good point to pause.

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the genre.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Tracy Wood]

With the war having been over for a few years some things are beginning to return to normal in the small village of Westleham, including the restart of regular cricket matches. Martha Miller has been helping organise it, but all plans take a back step when her husband, Stan, missing for two years, turns up unexpectedly on her doorstep to right wrongs done in the past, especially to Martha, but before he can get started the cricket match is thrown into chaos after a player collapses and dies at the crease! With all eyes on Martha she knows she has to intervene but someone doesn't want her anywhere near the investigation and, as the danger increases, with the killer getting more desperate, they set their sights on silencing Martha and leaving the village behind.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is my first visit to Westleham and I loved it. Martha, her sister Ruby, and neighbour Maud, are great main protagonists and the village vicar, Luke, adds a little hesitant romance, or it would if the sensibilities of the late 1940's didn't take precedence! I also really enjoyed the historical aspects of this novel, and will definitely be reading the previous three books before the next new release. An easy 5*, it definitely ticked all my cosy reading boxes.

[Louise]

This was another really enjoyable entry in the Westleham Village series and a solid fourth book overall. The post-war setting in 1948 continues to be one of the series’ biggest strengths, and the village cricket match was a great backdrop for the mystery to unfold.

Martha remains a fantastic main character — warm, determined, and easy to root for. The sudden return of her husband after two years missing was an intriguing twist right from the start and added plenty of emotional tension, especially with her growing feelings for Luke the village vicar. It made the story feel more layered than just a straightforward murder mystery.

The mystery itself was well-paced and kept me guessing, with lots of village secrets slowly coming to light. As always in a small community, everyone seemed to have something to hide, which made for a satisfying whodunit. I thought the author balanced the cosy village feel with darker undertones really well.

What I enjoyed most, though, was spending time with the familiar cast of characters again. The series does such a good job of building a close-knit village atmosphere where you feel like you know everyone.

Overall, a great continuation of the series with strong characters and a good central mystery. Not my absolute favourite of the series so far, but definitely a solid 4/5 and one I’d recommend to fans of cosy historical crime.

[Moriah]

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all opinions and thoughts are my own. In the very first book of the series, it was revealed that Martha's husband, Stan had just disappeared one day and many in the village believed that she had done him in and buried him in her garden. Two or so years later, Martha has built a life for herself without him. Unfortunately, she's been in a weird spot as not a wife, but not a widow either since there is no body. The book opens with Stan re-appearing with no warning along with two friends from Brighton. He makes it clear that he's there to atone for how he treated Martha during their marriage. During a cricket match, Stan suddenly drops dead from what appears to be poison and there are no shortage of suspects including Martha herself! Marth frantically tries to figure out who the killer is not only to clear her name, but to stop her sister's wedding from being postponed. I love Martha as she is just such a relatable character and it was nice to understand her marriage to Stan better (although I had my suspicions) and see her get some closure on it instead of being stick in limbo as neither a wife nor a widow. I look forward to seeing how she moves forward as a widow of independent means. I definitely hope to read many future titles in the series.

[Erika]

Le mie aspettative per questo libro erano alle stelle, e difatti sotto alcuni punti di vista la storia mi ha delusa.

Per prima cosa un epilogo io me lo meritavo. Come si fa a finire un libro così? Dopo tutte le loro peripezie avrei voluto vedere il coronamento della storia d'amore di Martha e Luke e invece finisce...con una battuta. Assolutamente anticlimatico.

Credo che il problema principale di questo libro sia stato la poca presenza di Luke. A differenza del solito il pastore non è stato, per ovvie ragioni, coinvolto nelle indagini e mi è mancato vedere l'affiatamento e la sintonia tra i due.

Non so se i miei sensi di ragno si sono finalmente sviluppati, ma nel momento in cui è stato introdotto un personaggio sono stata certa che sarebbe stato l'assassino. Sono stata particolarmente fiera di me stessa.

Nonostante pensassi che avrei odiato Stan per il modo in cui se n'era andato e per ciò che Martha aveva dovuto subire, mi sono dovuta ricredere e mi è sinceramente dispiaciuto per la sua morte (anche se ovviamente non poteva andare diversamente). Dopotutto non si è rivelato una persona così orribile.

Spero che tradurranno anche le altre serie della Coles, perchè la scrittura è veramente valida.

[J]

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb!

As I enjoy a good "cosy murder" story, I was delighted to be invited to read this novel. I did not realise that it is actually the 4th book in a series! That said, it worked just fine as a standalone read, as there was a lot of background information about the main characters.

This is an enjoyable light read - albeit that it also deals with some deeper issues, which I won't divulge for fear of "spoilers".

The story is set just after WWII in a small village - the sort where everyone knows you AND all your business! The heroine (Martha) was abandoned by her husband Stan several years ago and has been struggling financially - so is shocked when he suddenly appears on her doorstep, promising to make amends; Martha is even more shocked when he collapses during a village cricket match the next day, and it is revealed that he was murdered...

Martha is a seasoned amateur sleuth, and is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. There are several red herrings, which add another dimension to the plot.

Well written characters, and a decent plot make this an enjoyable light read, recommended for cosy mystery lovers.

My thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Louise Wilson]

The villagers of Westleham are excited for the first village cricket match since the end of the war. But Martha Miller has more pasing concerns - namely, the sudden reappearance of her husband, Stan, missing for two years and acting like nothing has happened. Martha doesn't know what to feel, especially now that his return threatens her growing fondness for the kind-hearted village vicar, Luke. Yet she's not the only one unsettled by Stan's return. As the match begins and the crowd cheers, Stan suddenly collapses, dead before he hits the ground. And all eyes go to Martha.

May, 1948. Martha Miller is one of the organisers for the first cricket game since the end of the war. Then her husband Stan reappears on er doorstep after being missing for two years.

This is a well-written cosy murder mystery. It's a bit predictable, but I don't mind if the plot is good. The characters are well-portrayed and the pace is steady.

Published 5th February 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #CatherineColes for my ARC of #MurderOnTheCricketGreen in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam Robertson]

In this fourth in the cozy crime series, you get to find out a lot more about Martha's marriage and sone of the reasons behind Martha's husband's desertion. The community of Westleigh are still there in all their glory, from the village gossips and nosy parkers, to Martha's staunch friends and allies. Martha's sister is keen for her marriage to happen and her fiance finds himself in a tricky position when a murder takes place as it is quite close to home. Warned off by the police, Martha ignores their requests and sets about with her sleuthing. She is totally set on finding out the truth.

This is a reassuring series, with hallmarks of the cozy crime genre and elements reminiscent of an Agatha Christy story. Under the guise of the unassuming mature woman, Martha questions the villagers, exposing the fact that several people have reasons to be involved. There is of course the unmasking to a group of interested parties. As Martha's life moves on, it will be interesting to see if further books are written and where her future will take her.

In short: dark doings in a cozy village
Thanks to the publisher

[Sue Garland]

MURDER ON THE CRICKET GREEN is the fourth novel in the Martha Miller Mystery series by CATHERINE COLES. It is the first book I have read by this author and it most certainly will not be the last ! The story takes place in the village of Westleham in England and I really enjoy the setting and the interesting characters.
Martha Miller’s husband is back home after a two year absence, wanting to make amends after succumbing to backmail and helping an unscrupuous man ruin people’s lives. He has barely arrived when he drops down dead whilst playing in the much anticipated first cricket match since the war…….
Martha puts herself in danger as she goes all out to use her sleuthing skills to find the murderer…..
I like the good relationships Martha has with her friends, her neighbur, her sister and the handsomr vicar……
The book is very exciting and I was kept guessing right to the end.
I highly recommend this most enjoyabe cozy murder mystery to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Boldwood Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

[Paloma]

Martha Miller is living her life in the village of Westleham. One day her husband Stan shows up at her doorstep after missing for two years. He let's her know everything about why he left, what he has been up to and why he is here. He soon learns that his solicitor Oliver Beckwith kept all the money that was meant for Martha while Stan was gone. Stan is also back to right some wrongs and pay back Martha all she is owed. But when Stan drops dead in the middle of a cricket game, everything Stan wanted to amend comes to a stop.

This story was full shady characters and their questionable actions. I enjoyed Maud so much. She was such a true friend to Martha. I liked the post war atmosphere and the village itself. This book had characters committing fraud, stealing from the vulnerable, a pharmacist selling medicine for cash and poisoning. They were all a shady mess and I was here for it. A great storyline with so many morally gray characters to pin the murder on.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Juh]

Come sempre, sono riuscita a fare una delle mie: ho comprato l’ultimo libro della serie senza aver letto i precedenti 🙈 Ma, nonostante questo, mi sono goduta tantissimo la lettura!

È un giallo davvero interessante e pieno di sorprese. Non avrei mai immaginato che proprio quella persona sarebbe diventata la vittima del delitto! Una delle mie teorie, che avevo fin dall’inizio, si è rivelata corretta, ma fino alle ultime pagine non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse davvero l’assassino. E questa cosa, per me, è sempre un punto a favore! 👀🔍

Ho adorato tutti i personaggi, ma soprattutto il bellissimo rapporto e l’amicizia che si costruisce tra Martha e Maud. Mi è piaciuto molto anche il modo in cui il libro ci riporta all’epoca in cui è ambientato e ci fa riflettere su quanto fosse diverso essere donna in quel periodo, sulle aspettative e sui comportamenti che la società imponeva.

Insomma, un giallo coinvolgente, curioso e pieno di sorprese, che oltre al mistero lascia anche qualche spunto di riflessione. ✨📚

[Michael B.]

This is the perfect book to read while curled up under a blanket on a cold winter afternoon. The characters are interesting, with a lot of background relationships to work through, making it that much more challenging to pin down the suspect.

This book is the fourth book in the Martha Miller Mystery series. But don’t worry, if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you will be just fine reading this on its own.

Set in the village of Westleham a few years after the end of World War II, Martha finds herself a little too close for comfort to the victim of the murder, her estranged husband. Martha quickly realizes that she is one of the suspects of the murder, and so she must find out who did it to clear her name. It turns out that a number of people have reason to want her husband out of the picture.

I love a good cozy mystery like this. They are fun and satisfying to read, especially after reading something heavier. If you enjoy a good relaxing mystery as well, you will certainly enjoy this book.