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Bob and Shirley's Cozy Mystery/Murder Mystery Series #1
Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder
Bob and Shirley run a country pub in Britain's safest village. They also solve murders ...
An outrageously funny, gloriously British murder mystery that can be read as a standalone or as part of a series.
For cozy mystery readers who like their hot chocolate with double cream and a shot of brandy ...
Bevvy Tuck ran the village Waist Watchers group, yet came to the Goose and Gander for fish and chips, treacle tart and a bottle of Chardonnay every Friday. When she is found dead in Bob and Shirley's pub garden with an empty tart plate beside her, Great Oakley's crime-free decade comes to an abrupt end.
★★★★★ “I love these books! They are so witty, the characters are addictive and the puzzles are as good as any golden age classic. Love it! Next one please!” - Graham Bartlett, crime author and former Detective Sergeant.
Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin, Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, Terry Pratchett and Janet Evanovich. British murder mystery books and village whodunits with extra helpings of humour and attitude.
An outrageously funny, gloriously British murder mystery that can be read as a standalone or as part of a series.
For cozy mystery readers who like their hot chocolate with double cream and a shot of brandy ...
Bevvy Tuck ran the village Waist Watchers group, yet came to the Goose and Gander for fish and chips, treacle tart and a bottle of Chardonnay every Friday. When she is found dead in Bob and Shirley's pub garden with an empty tart plate beside her, Great Oakley's crime-free decade comes to an abrupt end.
★★★★★ “I love these books! They are so witty, the characters are addictive and the puzzles are as good as any golden age classic. Love it! Next one please!” - Graham Bartlett, crime author and former Detective Sergeant.
Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin, Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, Terry Pratchett and Janet Evanovich. British murder mystery books and village whodunits with extra helpings of humour and attitude.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2026
About the author
Suzy K. Quinn
39 books962 followersGet a free Bob and Shirley murder mystery puzzle when you join the book club: https://www.suzykquinn.com/suzynews
Suzy K Quinn writes book club fiction and murder mystery series, and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is a bestselling author in the US, UK and Germany, and will soon, very possibly, have written more books than she has read.
A former journalist, Suzy wrote for years before her first book was published at 30, and went on to hit no.1 in the UK comedy charts, with two books reaching the Amazon top 10. Bob and Shirley marks her move into cozy crime, inspired by a lifetime of English village life, pub lunches and an encyclopaedic knowledge of puddings.
Suzy lives in Wivenhoe, Essex, with her husband and two daughters. She is a twin, an incompetent parent of two and now fully decaffeinated. When she isn't writing in cafes, she is walking around woods dictating like a lunatic.
Suzy K Quinn writes book club fiction and murder mystery series, and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is a bestselling author in the US, UK and Germany, and will soon, very possibly, have written more books than she has read.
A former journalist, Suzy wrote for years before her first book was published at 30, and went on to hit no.1 in the UK comedy charts, with two books reaching the Amazon top 10. Bob and Shirley marks her move into cozy crime, inspired by a lifetime of English village life, pub lunches and an encyclopaedic knowledge of puddings.
Suzy lives in Wivenhoe, Essex, with her husband and two daughters. She is a twin, an incompetent parent of two and now fully decaffeinated. When she isn't writing in cafes, she is walking around woods dictating like a lunatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 18, 2026
2 Stars
One Liner: This didn’t work :/
Bevvy Hogg, who ran the local Waist Watchers group, was disliked for sure, but no one expected her to be murdered. After all, Great Oakley has been Britain’s safest village and had a decade’s worth of awards to prove it. Who killed her, and why?
The story comes in Bob and Shirley’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed a couple of the author’s books and thought this would be entertaining too. Also, cozy mystery is my genre, which means I read too many books where small towns have the highest crime rate.
The execution format is rather interesting. We get the events from the MCs’ first-person POVs. These are written as if they talk to readers directly and break the fourth wall many times.
There’s comedy too, with exaggerations as the couple perfectly contrasts with each other in every way. A lot of it feels caricatured, and deliberately so, which is not a problem when you know it is done on purpose.
However, none of this works. There’s a ton of repetition, events that happen in the story barely register, and everything goes in circles. Moreover, the % doesn’t move at all. It is painfully slow and for no reason. I was so tired of reading and managed to cross only the halfway mark.
The story did get better after that, but I pretty much lost interest. The mystery was resolved decently, though I do have a couple of questions.
There’s a huge cast, and I understand the need since it’s the first book in a series and introduces the villagers. Some of them have distinct personalities too. None of them feel realistic, even though they are commonly found around us.
I think the experimental writing style and the (forced) humor didn’t work for me this time. Both are highly subjective, so it’s likely that you could enjoy this book a lot more than I did.
To summarize, Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder has a lovely setting and an interesting premise, but sadly it didn’t work for me.
One Liner: This didn’t work :/
Bevvy Hogg, who ran the local Waist Watchers group, was disliked for sure, but no one expected her to be murdered. After all, Great Oakley has been Britain’s safest village and had a decade’s worth of awards to prove it. Who killed her, and why?
The story comes in Bob and Shirley’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed a couple of the author’s books and thought this would be entertaining too. Also, cozy mystery is my genre, which means I read too many books where small towns have the highest crime rate.
The execution format is rather interesting. We get the events from the MCs’ first-person POVs. These are written as if they talk to readers directly and break the fourth wall many times.
There’s comedy too, with exaggerations as the couple perfectly contrasts with each other in every way. A lot of it feels caricatured, and deliberately so, which is not a problem when you know it is done on purpose.
However, none of this works. There’s a ton of repetition, events that happen in the story barely register, and everything goes in circles. Moreover, the % doesn’t move at all. It is painfully slow and for no reason. I was so tired of reading and managed to cross only the halfway mark.
The story did get better after that, but I pretty much lost interest. The mystery was resolved decently, though I do have a couple of questions.
There’s a huge cast, and I understand the need since it’s the first book in a series and introduces the villagers. Some of them have distinct personalities too. None of them feel realistic, even though they are commonly found around us.
I think the experimental writing style and the (forced) humor didn’t work for me this time. Both are highly subjective, so it’s likely that you could enjoy this book a lot more than I did.
To summarize, Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder has a lovely setting and an interesting premise, but sadly it didn’t work for me.
October 27, 2026
What a fun read! I don’t read a lot of cozy mysteries but now that I’ve stumbled upon this series, I’ll definitely need to read the next 3 books!
Bob and Shirley have been married for over 40 years. They own Goose and Gander, a popular pub in the charming English town of Great Oakley. The two are as opposite as they can be. Bob is athletic, smart (if not more than a bit pedantic), and tries to avoid confrontation as much as possible—although he usually blunders into one. On the other hand, Shirley has never met an animal print outfit she couldn’t squeeze herself into, and she always is free with her opinions—and her grudges.
One morning, Bob wakes up early (as always) to discover a body lying in their pub garden. It was Bevvy Tuck, the leader of the local Waist Watchers group, although she never practiced what she preached. Bevvy and her group were at the pub the night before for the weekly pub quiz, but apparently at some point she went into the garden and died.
The local police believe Bevvy died of heart failure. But Bob and Shirley both believe she was murdered, and when the young police trainee expresses the same suspicion, it propels Bob into investigative mode and starts the town’s gossip engines working overtime.
As they try to figure out just who might have killed Bevvy, the local church ladies’ group casts suspicion on the pub. Bob and Shirley see their customer base dwindling and their chef, John Boy, has been kept out of the annual bake-off. But neither Bob nor Shirley will just sit idly by as they’re gossiped about—they just approach the situation in very different ways.
The book’s narration alternates between Bob and Shirley. The two of them are quite a hoot, and it’s funny to read their digs at each other as well as their interpretations of the goings-on in town. I really enjoyed their antics and all of the supporting characters. Can’t wait to read Book 2!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Bob and Shirley have been married for over 40 years. They own Goose and Gander, a popular pub in the charming English town of Great Oakley. The two are as opposite as they can be. Bob is athletic, smart (if not more than a bit pedantic), and tries to avoid confrontation as much as possible—although he usually blunders into one. On the other hand, Shirley has never met an animal print outfit she couldn’t squeeze herself into, and she always is free with her opinions—and her grudges.
One morning, Bob wakes up early (as always) to discover a body lying in their pub garden. It was Bevvy Tuck, the leader of the local Waist Watchers group, although she never practiced what she preached. Bevvy and her group were at the pub the night before for the weekly pub quiz, but apparently at some point she went into the garden and died.
The local police believe Bevvy died of heart failure. But Bob and Shirley both believe she was murdered, and when the young police trainee expresses the same suspicion, it propels Bob into investigative mode and starts the town’s gossip engines working overtime.
As they try to figure out just who might have killed Bevvy, the local church ladies’ group casts suspicion on the pub. Bob and Shirley see their customer base dwindling and their chef, John Boy, has been kept out of the annual bake-off. But neither Bob nor Shirley will just sit idly by as they’re gossiped about—they just approach the situation in very different ways.
The book’s narration alternates between Bob and Shirley. The two of them are quite a hoot, and it’s funny to read their digs at each other as well as their interpretations of the goings-on in town. I really enjoyed their antics and all of the supporting characters. Can’t wait to read Book 2!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
September 11, 2026
Aw, I loved this! I felt like I was being talked to throughout by both Shirley and Bob 😂 Solving the murder alongside them was such great fun!
It was such a typical British village, and I could visualise every event, along with all the small-village gossip. I laughed so much at the relationship between Bob and Shirley. You could really see that they loved each other, despite all their faults. Having the story told through dual POVs just made it even funnier, and it was so cleverly done!
I didn’t work out who the murderer was until right at the end, when everything finally fell into place.
This really is a cosy crime book, and I think everyone will recognise at least one of the characters in real life - or from the television or soaps!
I would highly recommend this author. I thought this was absolutely delightful, and wonderfully British! 🇬🇧💕
It was such a typical British village, and I could visualise every event, along with all the small-village gossip. I laughed so much at the relationship between Bob and Shirley. You could really see that they loved each other, despite all their faults. Having the story told through dual POVs just made it even funnier, and it was so cleverly done!
I didn’t work out who the murderer was until right at the end, when everything finally fell into place.
This really is a cosy crime book, and I think everyone will recognise at least one of the characters in real life - or from the television or soaps!
I would highly recommend this author. I thought this was absolutely delightful, and wonderfully British! 🇬🇧💕
September 20, 2026
I absolutely loved Quinn's 'Bad Mother's' series, so had an inkling I was going to enjoy this just as much.
It's the first in the Bob and Shirley cosy murder/mystery series and found me making my first trip to Great Oakley, and the Goose and Gander pub, where Treacle Tart must be defended at all costs...
The plot is narrated from the POV of landlords Bob and Shirley as if they were regaling the story to a punter over a pint.
Once I'd started I found it very hard to stop. The mystery surrounding the murder of Bevvy Tuck had me hooked, and I wasn't going to stop until I'd solved it. I got it so very wrong, but had so much fun trying...
Bob was like an itch I couldn't scratch. Such an irritating character. Whereas Shirley was likeable, and nuances aside, fun!
I found the book immensely enjoyable, very entertaining, and look forward to future books in the series.
It's the first in the Bob and Shirley cosy murder/mystery series and found me making my first trip to Great Oakley, and the Goose and Gander pub, where Treacle Tart must be defended at all costs...
The plot is narrated from the POV of landlords Bob and Shirley as if they were regaling the story to a punter over a pint.
Once I'd started I found it very hard to stop. The mystery surrounding the murder of Bevvy Tuck had me hooked, and I wasn't going to stop until I'd solved it. I got it so very wrong, but had so much fun trying...
Bob was like an itch I couldn't scratch. Such an irritating character. Whereas Shirley was likeable, and nuances aside, fun!
I found the book immensely enjoyable, very entertaining, and look forward to future books in the series.
October 16, 2026
Interesting writing style. The characters are speaking directly to the reader as if they are a customer at the pub. The chapters alternate between Bob and Shirley's POV, which was funny because they both saw things from a different perspective. I loved how they both thought they were right and the other was wrong!
Bob and Shirley are fun characters, I could really picture them and all the other colourful personalities in the village. I'll be honest, I didn't like them as characters much at first, but they grew on me as the book went on. I think if you've ever visited a local pub or small village you will recognise some of these characters!
A very funny cosy mystery that is a little different.
Bob and Shirley are fun characters, I could really picture them and all the other colourful personalities in the village. I'll be honest, I didn't like them as characters much at first, but they grew on me as the book went on. I think if you've ever visited a local pub or small village you will recognise some of these characters!
A very funny cosy mystery that is a little different.
October 16, 2026
I loved this first in what may well turn out to be a fun series. I felt like I was sitting in the pub getting caught up on all of the village gossip and the progress of the murder mystery. Bob and Shirley are chalk and cheese but such a hoot! John Boy was a so funny with his G&T cake that won the bake-off.
October 10, 2026
I won this book in a giveaway, but it was not to my taste. I found the characters unlikable and much of the plot unrealistic. I won’t be reading any more in this series.
September 2, 2026
Meh
I think I chuckled 5 or 6 times. Format was not my favorite, going back and forth between narrators. Mildly entertaining
I think I chuckled 5 or 6 times. Format was not my favorite, going back and forth between narrators. Mildly entertaining
July 12, 2026
Bob & Shirley’s Guide To Murder by Suzy K Quinn is a wonderfully amusing light-hearted contemporary cosy crime novel which I absolutely adored. I read it in just two sittings, pausing only to sleep. It is the first book in the new Bob & Shirley Mystery series which promises to be fabulous.
The action is seen in the first person, alternating between married couple Bob and Shirley who own a pub in a village. Their close relationship is visible to all as the dialogue bounces between them.
A dead body in the pub garden sets Bob and Shirley up to investigate. Their amateur sleuthing certainly gives Miss Marple a run for her money. They too, are friendly with the local constabulary.
A young woman in police training is first on the scene, unfortunately her stomach does not match her enthusiasm! With each new detail that Bob points out, the female P.C. loses her stomach again! Quietly spoken and teetotal, she is in direct contrast to the previous elderly male police officer who was beer drinking and loud.
Village living brings highs and lows. There are gossip, speculation and rivalry, but also friendships, camaraderie and loyalty. We drop in on pub quizzes and lunches, fitness classes and the local Waist Watchers – who spend more time in the pub talking about losing weight than actually doing something about it! Their leader is partial to fish and chips and alcohol, as noted by Bob.
Suzy K Quinn has cleverly constructed her novel which has many references to quintessential British items and traditions. When talking about local history, Bob observes “Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond is absolutely not historically accurate.” Those of us of a certain age who grew up on the Carry-On films, will instantly recognise the character played by Sid James. This familiarity helps the reader feel like they belong to village life.
The author’s style is personable and easy to read. Every page makes the reader chuckle. “Man cannot live off prosecco foam alone. Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and a nice, cold beer are life’s essentials.” And Shirley notes: “When God was giving out charm, Bob was at the back of the line, correcting some-one’s grammar.”
Bob prides himself on his vast knowledge, but like all clever men, there are areas where the brain power is dimmer. “She’s [Bob’s daughter] gone to a pole dancing class… For years, I had hoped she’d try folk dancing. And here she is trying out Polish dance all of her own volition.” Shirley doesn’t have the heart to correct him!
I absolutely adored Bob & Shirley’s Guide To Murder. Bob and Shirley were very likable and believable lead characters. Please write fast Suzy K Quinn as I want to hear more, more, more about Bob and Shirley’s adventures.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is seen in the first person, alternating between married couple Bob and Shirley who own a pub in a village. Their close relationship is visible to all as the dialogue bounces between them.
A dead body in the pub garden sets Bob and Shirley up to investigate. Their amateur sleuthing certainly gives Miss Marple a run for her money. They too, are friendly with the local constabulary.
A young woman in police training is first on the scene, unfortunately her stomach does not match her enthusiasm! With each new detail that Bob points out, the female P.C. loses her stomach again! Quietly spoken and teetotal, she is in direct contrast to the previous elderly male police officer who was beer drinking and loud.
Village living brings highs and lows. There are gossip, speculation and rivalry, but also friendships, camaraderie and loyalty. We drop in on pub quizzes and lunches, fitness classes and the local Waist Watchers – who spend more time in the pub talking about losing weight than actually doing something about it! Their leader is partial to fish and chips and alcohol, as noted by Bob.
Suzy K Quinn has cleverly constructed her novel which has many references to quintessential British items and traditions. When talking about local history, Bob observes “Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond is absolutely not historically accurate.” Those of us of a certain age who grew up on the Carry-On films, will instantly recognise the character played by Sid James. This familiarity helps the reader feel like they belong to village life.
The author’s style is personable and easy to read. Every page makes the reader chuckle. “Man cannot live off prosecco foam alone. Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and a nice, cold beer are life’s essentials.” And Shirley notes: “When God was giving out charm, Bob was at the back of the line, correcting some-one’s grammar.”
Bob prides himself on his vast knowledge, but like all clever men, there are areas where the brain power is dimmer. “She’s [Bob’s daughter] gone to a pole dancing class… For years, I had hoped she’d try folk dancing. And here she is trying out Polish dance all of her own volition.” Shirley doesn’t have the heart to correct him!
I absolutely adored Bob & Shirley’s Guide To Murder. Bob and Shirley were very likable and believable lead characters. Please write fast Suzy K Quinn as I want to hear more, more, more about Bob and Shirley’s adventures.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 19, 2026
Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder by Suzy K Quinn
Book 1 of 4 Bob and Shirley Mystery/Murder Series
Bob and Shirley run a lovely country pub. They also solve murders ...
“Murder? In our quiet, little English village?
Great Oakley is a place of hanging baskets, tearooms and riverside walks. We’ve won ‘Britain’s safest village’ 10 years running. I keep three pound coins, a box of toffees and a bottle of Pepto-Bismol on my dashboard at all times, and I’ve never needed to lock my car.
Certainly, Bevvy Tuck was disliked. She ran the local Waist Watchers group, yet came to our pub for fish and chips, treacle tart and a bottle of Chardonnay every Friday. When Bevvy Tuck is found dead in the Goose and Gander pub garden, with an empty treacle tart plate beside her and several dress sizes slimmer than anyone remembers, Great Oakley’s winning streak as Britain’s safest village comes to an abrupt end.
This is the first cosy crime I have read by this author. It is a funny, contagious, entertaining story, with pub landlords Bob and Shirley sharing their viewpoints on the investigation in alternating chapters. They are both relatable, amusing characters with a fabulous chemistry. In fact, all the characters are engaging and have intriguing personalities.
The story has many red herrings in this cleverly orchestrated plot.
I really enjoyed this read, which can also be read as a standalone story, although I am going to read books two, three and four when they are available.
I want to thank publishers Book Club Ltd, author Suzy K Quinn and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Book 1 of 4 Bob and Shirley Mystery/Murder Series
Bob and Shirley run a lovely country pub. They also solve murders ...
“Murder? In our quiet, little English village?
Great Oakley is a place of hanging baskets, tearooms and riverside walks. We’ve won ‘Britain’s safest village’ 10 years running. I keep three pound coins, a box of toffees and a bottle of Pepto-Bismol on my dashboard at all times, and I’ve never needed to lock my car.
Certainly, Bevvy Tuck was disliked. She ran the local Waist Watchers group, yet came to our pub for fish and chips, treacle tart and a bottle of Chardonnay every Friday. When Bevvy Tuck is found dead in the Goose and Gander pub garden, with an empty treacle tart plate beside her and several dress sizes slimmer than anyone remembers, Great Oakley’s winning streak as Britain’s safest village comes to an abrupt end.
This is the first cosy crime I have read by this author. It is a funny, contagious, entertaining story, with pub landlords Bob and Shirley sharing their viewpoints on the investigation in alternating chapters. They are both relatable, amusing characters with a fabulous chemistry. In fact, all the characters are engaging and have intriguing personalities.
The story has many red herrings in this cleverly orchestrated plot.
I really enjoyed this read, which can also be read as a standalone story, although I am going to read books two, three and four when they are available.
I want to thank publishers Book Club Ltd, author Suzy K Quinn and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy to read and review.
September 16, 2026
Landlord Bob of the Goose and Gander pub in the village of Great Oakley is horrified to discover the dead body of slimming group Waist Watchers leader Bevvy Hogg in his pub garden one morning. Bob is convinced Bevvy had suddenly lost a lot of weight, something she never managed to do before in life and there’s a strange yellow stain near the body. Sergeant Moffat (Bernie the pig) and the rest of Flitwich police station’s team decide it was natural causes and nothing to do with the treacle tart she had consumed the evening before but locals fear their pie did for her and refuse to allow Bob and his wife Shirley’s nephew pub chef John Boy to compete in the coveted Golden Apron Bake-Off competition. Bob and Shirley vow to prove the pudding’s innocence and teaming up with newbie PC Nia Ndlovu who believes Bevvy was murdered, they proceed to run their own investigation, also aided by one of Ndlovu’s forensic student friends who needs the practice. Will they discover the truth and restore John Boy’s reputation?
Narrated alternately by Bob and Shirley (who both have very different views on every situation – goodness knows how they stay married), this story is brimming with quirky and eccentric characters. It’s full of humour and a twisty murder mystery as they air their opinions on their fellow villagers. The real star of it for me has to be Cyril the fox though. A nice easy and entertaining read.
Narrated alternately by Bob and Shirley (who both have very different views on every situation – goodness knows how they stay married), this story is brimming with quirky and eccentric characters. It’s full of humour and a twisty murder mystery as they air their opinions on their fellow villagers. The real star of it for me has to be Cyril the fox though. A nice easy and entertaining read.
October 13, 2026
Bob and Shirley run the pub in Great Oakley. One of the villagers is found dead in the pub garden and the publicans are keen to prove their innocence...
Bob and Shirley’s Guide to Murder is a murder mystery set in an English village. It is the first in a new series and I can't wait for more!
This book was absolutely delightful and I loved it. It is written from the alternating perspectives of Bob and Shirley as they recount the investigation into the death of Bevvy Hogg and the discovery of her body at their pub, The Goose and Gander. It is brilliantly narrated with bickering banter and direct contradictions as the pair disagree with each other, but the book is also full of love with a warm tone. There are plenty of comic moments and fabulous turns of phrase.
Bob and Shirley's nephew John Boy is the chef and they want to prove that his cooking did not result in Bevvy's death. I loved John Boy’s adoration of PC Ndlovu and the village politics surrounding a bake off competition as well as family dynamics.
Bob and Shirley’s Guide to Murder is a wonderfully written murder mystery and I hope the next book arrives soon!
Bob and Shirley’s Guide to Murder is a murder mystery set in an English village. It is the first in a new series and I can't wait for more!
This book was absolutely delightful and I loved it. It is written from the alternating perspectives of Bob and Shirley as they recount the investigation into the death of Bevvy Hogg and the discovery of her body at their pub, The Goose and Gander. It is brilliantly narrated with bickering banter and direct contradictions as the pair disagree with each other, but the book is also full of love with a warm tone. There are plenty of comic moments and fabulous turns of phrase.
Bob and Shirley's nephew John Boy is the chef and they want to prove that his cooking did not result in Bevvy's death. I loved John Boy’s adoration of PC Ndlovu and the village politics surrounding a bake off competition as well as family dynamics.
Bob and Shirley’s Guide to Murder is a wonderfully written murder mystery and I hope the next book arrives soon!
September 19, 2026
Bob and Shirley’s Guide to Murder offers a charming mystery with a touch of refinement that recalls the polished wit of classic detective fiction.
The author shapes the investigation with a graceful rhythm, allowing clues to surface with the quiet inevitability of a well written mystery.
Bob and Shirley make an engaging pair, their conversations carrying a light intellectual humour that lifts the story beyond simple village gossip. The setting is drawn with affectionate detail, lively yet never cluttered, and the supporting characters behave with the delightful mix of earnestness and eccentricity that gives the mystery its colour.
The plot is neatly arranged, each revelation placed with care, and the final solution feels both satisfying and fair. It is a warm and intelligent cozy mystery that offers comfort while still respecting the reader’s curiosity.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
The author shapes the investigation with a graceful rhythm, allowing clues to surface with the quiet inevitability of a well written mystery.
Bob and Shirley make an engaging pair, their conversations carrying a light intellectual humour that lifts the story beyond simple village gossip. The setting is drawn with affectionate detail, lively yet never cluttered, and the supporting characters behave with the delightful mix of earnestness and eccentricity that gives the mystery its colour.
The plot is neatly arranged, each revelation placed with care, and the final solution feels both satisfying and fair. It is a warm and intelligent cozy mystery that offers comfort while still respecting the reader’s curiosity.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
September 19, 2026
Bob and Shirley are so funny! You can tell right away that they're a married couple with some years behind them. They know each other as well as they know themselves and the alternating chapters have you picturing them sat at a table telling you about these recent events.
Their personalities are so different and yet they work. I guess they compliment each other and they can't live without each other. Despite the bickering, and murder, they are family orientated and, as pub owners, they are very well placed to keep an eye on what's going on around them.
I did feel sorry for Cyril and enjoyed his antics in this as an extra aside. Odd but he has purpose.
You really get a feel for village life in this and the characters all make it a fun read. The culprit isn't obvious so you do travel along with Bob and Shirley wondering how on earth they'll solve what's going on! It's not their job and yet it seems that the duo are well placed to give us a reveal of sorts!
Their personalities are so different and yet they work. I guess they compliment each other and they can't live without each other. Despite the bickering, and murder, they are family orientated and, as pub owners, they are very well placed to keep an eye on what's going on around them.
I did feel sorry for Cyril and enjoyed his antics in this as an extra aside. Odd but he has purpose.
You really get a feel for village life in this and the characters all make it a fun read. The culprit isn't obvious so you do travel along with Bob and Shirley wondering how on earth they'll solve what's going on! It's not their job and yet it seems that the duo are well placed to give us a reveal of sorts!
October 12, 2026
A lighthearted cosy mystery.
Bob and Shirley run the Goose and Gander pub in Great Oakley, and their quiet routine is disrupted when a body is discovered in the pub garden. While the local police are quick to dismiss it, Bob and Shirley are convinced something suspicious is happening. So they decide to investigate.
I really enjoyed how the story alternates between Bob and Shirley. Their commentary and their different perspectives gave the mystery a playful edge. Bob’s overconfidence and Shirley’s sharp wit balanced each other perfectly. This reminded me a lot of Tommy and Tupence dynamics that Agatha Christie had.
The village, pub quizzes, clubs, the everyday details of small‑town life made the book feel authentic.
The mystery was engaging without being too heavy. Clues were sprinkled throughout, and I liked how humour was woven into the investigation.
Bob and Shirley run the Goose and Gander pub in Great Oakley, and their quiet routine is disrupted when a body is discovered in the pub garden. While the local police are quick to dismiss it, Bob and Shirley are convinced something suspicious is happening. So they decide to investigate.
I really enjoyed how the story alternates between Bob and Shirley. Their commentary and their different perspectives gave the mystery a playful edge. Bob’s overconfidence and Shirley’s sharp wit balanced each other perfectly. This reminded me a lot of Tommy and Tupence dynamics that Agatha Christie had.
The village, pub quizzes, clubs, the everyday details of small‑town life made the book feel authentic.
The mystery was engaging without being too heavy. Clues were sprinkled throughout, and I liked how humour was woven into the investigation.
September 13, 2026
Married couple Bob and Shirley run a village pub. One of the pub’s popular deserts comes into question when a customer is found dead. Determined to defend their treacle tart, Bob and Shirley set out to unmask the killer.
This is the first book in the ‘Bob and Shirley’ series and the first I’ve read by this author. The chapters switch between Bob and Shirley, giving their slightly differing points of view, which works quite well for the most part. The story is amusing and entreating though is very much a ‘cosy’ mystery and as such didn’t tax my brain.
This is an occasionally very funny and light-hearted read and will please lovers of cosy mysteries.
This is the first book in the ‘Bob and Shirley’ series and the first I’ve read by this author. The chapters switch between Bob and Shirley, giving their slightly differing points of view, which works quite well for the most part. The story is amusing and entreating though is very much a ‘cosy’ mystery and as such didn’t tax my brain.
This is an occasionally very funny and light-hearted read and will please lovers of cosy mysteries.
September 23, 2026
This was delightful and funny! I could read this every day and I would watch the HECK out of it as a series. Bob and Shirley are on the hunt to save their dessert and town reputation by solving the first murder in too many years to matter. They are persistent little sleuths with so little on the line that of course they can't leave well enough alone. This a laugh-out-loud who-dunnit that can easily be read in a few hours. The characters are delightful. Your sadness at finishing this book will only be alleviated by realizing it's a series so you won't have to leave Great Oakley forever. There will almost certainly be more frivolous mysteries for Bob and Shirley to muck through.
August 22, 2026
This book was such a breath of fresh air. I loved the way it was written - it flowed so easily and the different perspectives of both Bob and Shirley to events was comical. I really could imagine them behind the bar having a little disagreement about bags for life and other such things.
If you love a murder mystery in a village pub mixed with some village gossip and disputes then this is definitely the book for you. I am definitely ready for the next instalment of Bob and Shirley. The best local landlords you could want when you need all the gossip.
If you love a murder mystery in a village pub mixed with some village gossip and disputes then this is definitely the book for you. I am definitely ready for the next instalment of Bob and Shirley. The best local landlords you could want when you need all the gossip.
October 7, 2026
Another laugh-out-loud page-turner!
Bob, Shirley, and their extended family live in a realistic village with real problems, which is exactly what makes this book so intriguing and hard to put down. What makes me laugh the most is how relatable the characters are—we all have a family member just like them, which keeps me coming back for more! Three books simply weren't enough to cover these wonderful characters. Well done, Suzy! I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended for some real LOL moments!
Bob, Shirley, and their extended family live in a realistic village with real problems, which is exactly what makes this book so intriguing and hard to put down. What makes me laugh the most is how relatable the characters are—we all have a family member just like them, which keeps me coming back for more! Three books simply weren't enough to cover these wonderful characters. Well done, Suzy! I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended for some real LOL moments!
October 27, 2026
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I’m sorry to say it’s probably the last. The majority of the books I read are cozies and I especially enjoy British cozies. But this book was so slow I can’t believe I continued reading it. I think I was waiting to see if it would get better but it didn’t. If I met Bob and he tried telling me about this case, I would have to excuse myself and walk away. Then spend the rest of my time, avoiding him. I sort of liked Shirley’s character but not enough to read another book.
July 27, 2026
I have loved all of Suzy’s books and this one was no different. If you have read her Bad Mother’s series then you will already be familiar with the characters but reading this book as a stand alone would be just as good.
This book follows Bob and Shirley after they find a dead body in their pub garden. What follows is a fun, light hearted read that made me want to keep reading to find out what happened. No spoilers though!
This book follows Bob and Shirley after they find a dead body in their pub garden. What follows is a fun, light hearted read that made me want to keep reading to find out what happened. No spoilers though!
September 12, 2026
I hate Bob
and Shirley isn’t much better. Half of this book is just criticizing females based off their looks, weight, the clothes they wear, intelligence on and on. Made the book completely un-enjoyable for me. It’s quite a shame because the writing style is good and the rest of the book is quite a cute little who done it. I wouldn’t read another of these. Who needs all that negativity.
and Shirley isn’t much better. Half of this book is just criticizing females based off their looks, weight, the clothes they wear, intelligence on and on. Made the book completely un-enjoyable for me. It’s quite a shame because the writing style is good and the rest of the book is quite a cute little who done it. I wouldn’t read another of these. Who needs all that negativity.
August 7, 2026
brilliantly wrote.
Absolutely love the style of writing done. The characters have real depth and you can perfectly visualise them. The story is well thought out and executed. Kept having to put my kindle down and sleep because it was always a “one more chapter” moment. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Absolutely love the style of writing done. The characters have real depth and you can perfectly visualise them. The story is well thought out and executed. Kept having to put my kindle down and sleep because it was always a “one more chapter” moment. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
October 28, 2026
Good book
Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder is a fun book. Yes there is a murder for Bob and Shirley to solve but that doesn't mean they can't have fun! For Bob having fun is Excel spreadsheets. Shirley is loud and proud. She loves cake, booze and her family. Together they solve murders, run a pup and raise a family.
Bob and Shirley's Guide to Murder is a fun book. Yes there is a murder for Bob and Shirley to solve but that doesn't mean they can't have fun! For Bob having fun is Excel spreadsheets. Shirley is loud and proud. She loves cake, booze and her family. Together they solve murders, run a pup and raise a family.
September 5, 2026
All Smiles
Bob and Shirley kept me smiling as I too tried to solve the murder mystery. This is an easy, entertaining, and interesting read with endearing and well-developed characters.
Bob and Shirley kept me smiling as I too tried to solve the murder mystery. This is an easy, entertaining, and interesting read with endearing and well-developed characters.
September 11, 2026
This amusing cosy crime mystery is entertaining to read.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
October 18, 2026
Stay in bed and read this book
A lovely fun murder ,cosy and funny .I want to stay in bed and read these books and not have to go work and do my life . This is much better option .
A lovely fun murder ,cosy and funny .I want to stay in bed and read these books and not have to go work and do my life . This is much better option .
November 3, 2026
Fun read!
Interesting, well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing make for a fun book. I look forward to reading many more of Bob and Shirley's adventures. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Interesting, well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing make for a fun book. I look forward to reading many more of Bob and Shirley's adventures. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
September 8, 2026
Happened upon this in the Kindle Unlimited section and enjoyed it immensely. I have said I love cozy mysteries with quirky characters and lots of back and forth banter especially if they take place in English villages in a pub, bookshop etc. This fits the bill very nicely. Not much of a mystery but it sure was a fun read. Will definitely read the series.
September 9, 2026
I loved this book. It was cute, cozy, and chuckle worthy. I am definitely a fan now.
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