What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Peter Hatherall Mystery #1
The Skeletons of Birksbury
Twenty years ago no connection was made between the disappearance of a girl from Cheltenham and a fatal car accident in the small village of Birkbury. But that changes when the body is found buried in Birkbury and there are two further car accidents and a local girl goes missing.
290 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
967 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 15, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this outing to Birkbury
I've read a couple of books from this author, so I was expecting a good detective yarn, well told, that would hold my interest, and I wasn't disappointed. In this book, Hatherall and Williams have a cracking murder/mystery to solve in the rural village of Birkbury when an uprooted tree reveals the bones of a young woman. So, is that the title sorted, depends what you mean by skeletons. With a crop of expertly drawn potential suspects, skilled in lying, and twists and turns a plenty, this is a compelling page turner that builds tension and suspense all the way to the end. Thoroughly enjoyed this outing to Birkbury. Highly recommended.
I've read a couple of books from this author, so I was expecting a good detective yarn, well told, that would hold my interest, and I wasn't disappointed. In this book, Hatherall and Williams have a cracking murder/mystery to solve in the rural village of Birkbury when an uprooted tree reveals the bones of a young woman. So, is that the title sorted, depends what you mean by skeletons. With a crop of expertly drawn potential suspects, skilled in lying, and twists and turns a plenty, this is a compelling page turner that builds tension and suspense all the way to the end. Thoroughly enjoyed this outing to Birkbury. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2022
3.5
An enjoyable read but way too many spelling/grammatical errors and so many characters I really had no idea who was who at times.
An enjoyable read but way too many spelling/grammatical errors and so many characters I really had no idea who was who at times.
February 10, 2016
The Skeletons of Birkbury has the right background for a cozy murder mystery set in the British countryside, and I thought there were too many side stories in order for me to appreciate all the dynamics between the characters. I appreciate that it’s the murder mystery author’s job to cast a large number of characters and to throw out a good number of red herrings, so we cannot easily solve the mystery, and to suspect everyone as the murderer, but sometimes the story appeared to veer off topic, especially when it detailed the private lives of the two detectives. While that could work in another story—say, a thriller chase of two suspects—we already have a multitude of characters, so the detectives’ personal stories didn’t fit in and added to a crowded stage. There were a lot of points of views, and there were even the deranged inner thoughts of someone unidentified from time to time.
Another setback, I thought, was the fact that the murder happened about twenty years ago, and hence is a “cold case.” Right away, the freshness and the immediacy is lost, and the detectives interview characters as to their memories from about twenty years ago. Also, I’m not sure that police forces have the budgets to allocate a lot of resources and time to cold cases.
I enjoyed the Britishness of the novel, though. It was kind of fun to also read about the sleuthing that was done.
Another setback, I thought, was the fact that the murder happened about twenty years ago, and hence is a “cold case.” Right away, the freshness and the immediacy is lost, and the detectives interview characters as to their memories from about twenty years ago. Also, I’m not sure that police forces have the budgets to allocate a lot of resources and time to cold cases.
I enjoyed the Britishness of the novel, though. It was kind of fun to also read about the sleuthing that was done.
July 27, 2016
If you like old villages, country gossip, and some wild driving, check out this charming story. A great Detective story! A new discovery of old bones, buried near an oak tree in a forgotten field, drives Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall and Detective Inspector Fiona Williams down a road of village skeletons. The clues revealed by the village characters, after hours of interviews and footwork, bring the reader closer to old stories and places. Murder and mayhem follow an elite group of land owners.... Barriers of class are broken to hide secrets. Sometimes a crime is beyond understanding, but it affects all those touched by the act in some emotional way. The detectives try to understand what happen as they weave their way through bizarre behaviors. Peter also deals with his own personal skeletons. He tries to come to terms with his past and pave a way for a better future with his family. I enjoyed reading this who done it, and watch as a couple of detectives find their way to work together.
November 14, 2012
When I first started to read Skeletons of Birkbury by Diana J. Febry, I felt it moved very slowly and I was boggled down with a lot of details. That being said, it is very well written and successfully takes you into the world this author has created.
The characters are the best part of this book! I liked the realism of the characters. They had faults, they had positive and negative traits. They are so believable and with the vivid detail the author gives, it feels like you have known them forever.
This is a very British mystery and you won't find a charted and nicely laid out story line that will allow you to figure out the ending; the twists and turns the author creates leaves you guessing until the very end, which is always a plus in this reader's eyes. After all, where is the fun of a mystery if you can figure out the ending in a couple of chapters? If you like Mysteries, this book is for you. I give it 4 ½ round to 5 for websites. This review was done for Bex N Books.
The characters are the best part of this book! I liked the realism of the characters. They had faults, they had positive and negative traits. They are so believable and with the vivid detail the author gives, it feels like you have known them forever.
This is a very British mystery and you won't find a charted and nicely laid out story line that will allow you to figure out the ending; the twists and turns the author creates leaves you guessing until the very end, which is always a plus in this reader's eyes. After all, where is the fun of a mystery if you can figure out the ending in a couple of chapters? If you like Mysteries, this book is for you. I give it 4 ½ round to 5 for websites. This review was done for Bex N Books.
April 11, 2014
Let me start off by saying that this book is a must read for all you whodunit lovers. For me, personally it was an exciting blend of two of my favorite authors Ruth Rendell and Dick Francis. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? And add some horses to it, and you got me. Diana J. Febry has woven a skillful tale of murder, intrigue and suspense with the background of the equine world. It is obvious that she has personal experience in the world of horses.
The Skeletons of Birkbury introduced me to Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall and Detective Inspector Fiona Williams, two well written characters. The investigation of the murder is suspenseful, while also delving into the personalities and the lives of the various characters. The character development is insightful and adds to the story, as you get involved with the complexities of the various people and the quirks of the equine community. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to get into the next Birkbury mystery!
The Skeletons of Birkbury introduced me to Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall and Detective Inspector Fiona Williams, two well written characters. The investigation of the murder is suspenseful, while also delving into the personalities and the lives of the various characters. The character development is insightful and adds to the story, as you get involved with the complexities of the various people and the quirks of the equine community. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to get into the next Birkbury mystery!
October 14, 2023
The Skeletons of Birkbury is book one in the DCI Peter Hatherall Mystery by Diana J. Febry. DCI Peter Hatherall caught a case of a teenage girl discovered in the small rural village of Birkbury. For DCI Peter Hatherall, this case will be challenging due to his past and the class divisions in the community. The readers of the Skeletons of Birkbury will continue to follow DCI Peter Hatherall's investigation to discover what happens.
The Skeletons of Birkbury is the first book I have read by Diana J. Febry, and it was an excellent book to read. I enjoy that Diana J. Febry also includes in her stories that only some in law enforcement have an easy social life outside work. I love Diana J. Febry's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. The Skeletons of Birkbury was well-written and researched by Diana J. Febry. I like Diana J. Febry's description of the settings, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of The Skeletons of Birkbury will learn about the Irish Travellers and how they affect small rural communities. Also, the readers of The Skeletons of Birkbury will understand the issues affecting couples with step-children.
I recommend this book.
The Skeletons of Birkbury is the first book I have read by Diana J. Febry, and it was an excellent book to read. I enjoy that Diana J. Febry also includes in her stories that only some in law enforcement have an easy social life outside work. I love Diana J. Febry's portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. The Skeletons of Birkbury was well-written and researched by Diana J. Febry. I like Diana J. Febry's description of the settings, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of The Skeletons of Birkbury will learn about the Irish Travellers and how they affect small rural communities. Also, the readers of The Skeletons of Birkbury will understand the issues affecting couples with step-children.
I recommend this book.
February 26, 2020
An excellent "who dunnit".
A new author to me, Diana J Febry writes an excellent murder mystery set in The Cotswolds.
The body of a teenage girl is found on a farm, and DCI Peter Hatherall along with his Inspector, have a grueling time rounding up all of the suspects.
A well written story which I found hard to put down; highly recommended.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
A new author to me, Diana J Febry writes an excellent murder mystery set in The Cotswolds.
The body of a teenage girl is found on a farm, and DCI Peter Hatherall along with his Inspector, have a grueling time rounding up all of the suspects.
A well written story which I found hard to put down; highly recommended.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
June 15, 2018
GOOD SOLID ENGLISH POLICE MYSTERY.
Reading any of this author’s books is like watching a Midsummer Murders in print. It may be a well-used formulae, with policemen, female sidekick and the mystery of who killed the victim. I do like these books though especially ones like this which keep me guessing to the end.
Reading any of this author’s books is like watching a Midsummer Murders in print. It may be a well-used formulae, with policemen, female sidekick and the mystery of who killed the victim. I do like these books though especially ones like this which keep me guessing to the end.
July 3, 2013
Welcome to the small town of Birkbury, which seems peaceful and ordinary on the surface, but not far under the surface lurks a hotbed of deadly intrigue. This book was captivating, with it's great characters and the authors ability to paint the picture of this small town that has literally been uprooted by the discovery of a corpse.
Your introduced to the town of Birkbury initially through the eyes of Frank Codrington, who is a middle aged care-taker on a rich mans farm. He has worked there for 2 generations of owners, and his current bosses are Graham and Gillian Farley. Frank, on his way to work one day, notices an oak tree that has fallen down on the property and when he goes to inspect it, discovers that tangled among the roots is a decomposing body. The police are called out, and an investigation ensues.
The story is told from a split point of view, the first half being told from the Female detectives, Fiona, point of view. The second half is told from her partners Peter point of view.
I enjoyed all the characters of this book. I loved that the characters were all very real, no one was perfect even the good people had flaws. I related greatly to the character of Fiona. Like Fiona, I know how hard it is to walk away from a long-term relationship, and how a person will throw themselves into their work to combat the loneliness. It was enjoyable to read these characters, because I personally liked seeing how these 2 detectives could solve this investigation, while each one of them were dealing with serious issues in their personal lives. I also really liked the side characters in the book, especially that of Joyce, a good friend of Franks, who was just brilliant in her role.
Overall I thought this book was wonderful, full of some great life lessons, a well-thought out mystery that will leave you guessing until the end. There was a particular passage in the book that really struck a chord with me:
"It’s all slipping away while you stand hopelessly watching. Nothing you can do. No matter how you try, how you pray, how many deals you make with God, no matter if you’re prepared to sacrifice your own life. There is nothing you can do except be a silent bystander." -Frank Codrington.
I thought this passage was an amazing representation of the struggles of life sometimes. But the thing this book does with that idea of being consumed with struggles is that these characters, who don't give up, is that things will indeed work out for the best in the end. And that is just one of the reasons I think people will love this book.
Your introduced to the town of Birkbury initially through the eyes of Frank Codrington, who is a middle aged care-taker on a rich mans farm. He has worked there for 2 generations of owners, and his current bosses are Graham and Gillian Farley. Frank, on his way to work one day, notices an oak tree that has fallen down on the property and when he goes to inspect it, discovers that tangled among the roots is a decomposing body. The police are called out, and an investigation ensues.
The story is told from a split point of view, the first half being told from the Female detectives, Fiona, point of view. The second half is told from her partners Peter point of view.
I enjoyed all the characters of this book. I loved that the characters were all very real, no one was perfect even the good people had flaws. I related greatly to the character of Fiona. Like Fiona, I know how hard it is to walk away from a long-term relationship, and how a person will throw themselves into their work to combat the loneliness. It was enjoyable to read these characters, because I personally liked seeing how these 2 detectives could solve this investigation, while each one of them were dealing with serious issues in their personal lives. I also really liked the side characters in the book, especially that of Joyce, a good friend of Franks, who was just brilliant in her role.
Overall I thought this book was wonderful, full of some great life lessons, a well-thought out mystery that will leave you guessing until the end. There was a particular passage in the book that really struck a chord with me:
"It’s all slipping away while you stand hopelessly watching. Nothing you can do. No matter how you try, how you pray, how many deals you make with God, no matter if you’re prepared to sacrifice your own life. There is nothing you can do except be a silent bystander." -Frank Codrington.
I thought this passage was an amazing representation of the struggles of life sometimes. But the thing this book does with that idea of being consumed with struggles is that these characters, who don't give up, is that things will indeed work out for the best in the end. And that is just one of the reasons I think people will love this book.
February 11, 2016
The novel captured well the insularity and interrelated lives of people who live in villages in the British countryside. (I have worked in such locales.) The characters felt real and the dialogue was good and British (rather than American--those of us who know both countries are aware of the difference).
The reason for three stars? There was simply far too much information given about each character, even fleeting secondary ones. There was a major info dump near the start about the female detective and the break up of her last relationship, which didn’t feed into the plot later on. On the other hand, I was confused for a very long time as to what the relationship was between the male detective and a woman he was desperately worried about (eventually it turned out that she was his daughter, but for awhile I wondered if she were his mistress).
The changing points of view also confused me. Sometimes in mid scene we’d leave the head of one character for another, then back again. And then occasionally we had these italicised almost insane thoughts of another character, unnamed, and I couldn’t work out what these were for quite some time.
I think the writer shows promise, but needs to have an editor take a red pen to about half of the novel. If a lot of the background information on each character could be removed (show not tell) then there would be a better focus on the locale and the murder mystery.
The reason for three stars? There was simply far too much information given about each character, even fleeting secondary ones. There was a major info dump near the start about the female detective and the break up of her last relationship, which didn’t feed into the plot later on. On the other hand, I was confused for a very long time as to what the relationship was between the male detective and a woman he was desperately worried about (eventually it turned out that she was his daughter, but for awhile I wondered if she were his mistress).
The changing points of view also confused me. Sometimes in mid scene we’d leave the head of one character for another, then back again. And then occasionally we had these italicised almost insane thoughts of another character, unnamed, and I couldn’t work out what these were for quite some time.
I think the writer shows promise, but needs to have an editor take a red pen to about half of the novel. If a lot of the background information on each character could be removed (show not tell) then there would be a better focus on the locale and the murder mystery.
November 3, 2012
This is the first published and third work by this author that I have read; all having some foothold in the mystery genre and located in more rural areas. I will be open and honest and say that I have beta-read the third book by this author, and her style never fails to enchant. The writing is very conversational and flows easily; complete with description to frame the scenery much like a Gainsborough.
This book is simultaneously a very “British” mystery, and very different in that motivation and behaviors of those persons of interest are often more explored and important to the plot than actually discovering who did it. Also, this author’s work does not center on a main investigative team: each book has its own set of characters that are developed and examined in a level of depth that is relative to their part played.
While you won’t find a neatly laid out plot, with a clear path to the culprits; there are enough twists and turns to keep you reading and turning pages, for each revelation brings a new series of potential and possibilities until that final wrap up. These are fireside cocoa reads, perfect for a lazy evening on a stormy night, when losing yourself in a book is just what is needed.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This book is simultaneously a very “British” mystery, and very different in that motivation and behaviors of those persons of interest are often more explored and important to the plot than actually discovering who did it. Also, this author’s work does not center on a main investigative team: each book has its own set of characters that are developed and examined in a level of depth that is relative to their part played.
While you won’t find a neatly laid out plot, with a clear path to the culprits; there are enough twists and turns to keep you reading and turning pages, for each revelation brings a new series of potential and possibilities until that final wrap up. These are fireside cocoa reads, perfect for a lazy evening on a stormy night, when losing yourself in a book is just what is needed.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 2, 2016
After the body of a young girl is discovered in a field at Rooksbridge Farm in Birkbury, Inspector Peter Hatherall and Detective Inspector Fiona Williams head over to investigate and find themselves untangling a host of past scandals in their search for the murderer.
Diana Febry's debut novel is a charming read, and the portrayal of rural life, the personal quirks of the many characters, the everyday details, and the dialogues are all believable and very well done.
That said, it would have been a better-paced book with some sharper editing.
There are far too many unnecessary details -
The entire section about Fiona's ex-boyfriend Callum, for instance; he doesn't figure in the story and her love life isn't relevant to the plot.
Inspector Peter Hatherall's marital problems and his relationship with his daughter Amelia. Not to be callous, but why, in a murder mystery, does the reader need to know about the eating disorder of a character that has no role to play in the mystery?
Conversations between Graham and Gillian that don't lead anywhere. I get it that they are unhappily married and she has problems, but the floor-mopping and laundering only hold up the story.
Aside from that, recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
Diana Febry's debut novel is a charming read, and the portrayal of rural life, the personal quirks of the many characters, the everyday details, and the dialogues are all believable and very well done.
That said, it would have been a better-paced book with some sharper editing.
There are far too many unnecessary details -
The entire section about Fiona's ex-boyfriend Callum, for instance; he doesn't figure in the story and her love life isn't relevant to the plot.
Inspector Peter Hatherall's marital problems and his relationship with his daughter Amelia. Not to be callous, but why, in a murder mystery, does the reader need to know about the eating disorder of a character that has no role to play in the mystery?
Conversations between Graham and Gillian that don't lead anywhere. I get it that they are unhappily married and she has problems, but the floor-mopping and laundering only hold up the story.
Aside from that, recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
January 9, 2013
The author passed me this book for reviewing purposes and I'm glad that she did.
It is quintessentially British, set in the rural landscape that one might encounter in Midsomer Murders. As with Midsomer, there is something rotten in the village and the finger of accusation moves from one colourful suspect to another until the conclusion.
The author quite obviously enjoyed writing this book and took great relish in creating her characters - they could be visualised quite easily, although at times I was having to juggle in my head who was doing what to who. The protagonist was my favourite character and was especially filled out, complete with a side story concerning his family life. However, as much as I enjoyed her writing of these family scenes, I did feel that they detracted a bit from the pace of the main plot and were perhaps more worthy of a novel in their own right.
I devoured the book over a rainy weekend and I would happily read more by this author. It is great to see new authors taking up the mantle and mixing it with the big boys. I wish Diana every success in her future career.
It is quintessentially British, set in the rural landscape that one might encounter in Midsomer Murders. As with Midsomer, there is something rotten in the village and the finger of accusation moves from one colourful suspect to another until the conclusion.
The author quite obviously enjoyed writing this book and took great relish in creating her characters - they could be visualised quite easily, although at times I was having to juggle in my head who was doing what to who. The protagonist was my favourite character and was especially filled out, complete with a side story concerning his family life. However, as much as I enjoyed her writing of these family scenes, I did feel that they detracted a bit from the pace of the main plot and were perhaps more worthy of a novel in their own right.
I devoured the book over a rainy weekend and I would happily read more by this author. It is great to see new authors taking up the mantle and mixing it with the big boys. I wish Diana every success in her future career.
November 8, 2012
When I first started to read Skeletons of Birkbury by Diana J. Febry, I felt it moved very slowly and I was boggled down with a lot of details. That being said, it is very well written and successfully takes you into the world this author has created.
The characters are the best part of this book! I liked the realism of the characters. They had faults, they had positive and negative traits. They are so believable and with the vivid detail the author gives, it feels like you have known them forever.
This is a very British mystery and you won't find a charted and nicely laid out story line that will allow you to figure out the ending; the twists and turns the author creates leaves you guessing until the very end, which is always a plus in this reader's eyes. After all, where is the fun of a mystery if you can figure out the ending in a couple of chapters? If you like Mysteries, this book is for you. I give it 4 ½ round to 5 for websites.
Written by Kati for Bex 'n' Books.
Disclosure: This book was received for free in exchange of an honest review.
The characters are the best part of this book! I liked the realism of the characters. They had faults, they had positive and negative traits. They are so believable and with the vivid detail the author gives, it feels like you have known them forever.
This is a very British mystery and you won't find a charted and nicely laid out story line that will allow you to figure out the ending; the twists and turns the author creates leaves you guessing until the very end, which is always a plus in this reader's eyes. After all, where is the fun of a mystery if you can figure out the ending in a couple of chapters? If you like Mysteries, this book is for you. I give it 4 ½ round to 5 for websites.
Written by Kati for Bex 'n' Books.
Disclosure: This book was received for free in exchange of an honest review.
October 17, 2013
A storm brings down the oak tree on Rooksbridge Farm revealing the bones of a young girl. How did she come to be buried there? And who killed her? The Skeletons of Birkbury is a murder mystery which will keep readers guessing right to the end.
There are car accidents, disappearances, intrigue and long-standing disagreements between the cast of very well-fleshed out characters which add twists and turns to the fast-moving plot. Ms Febry nailed Birkbury as rural Britain with its hierarchy of land-owners and workers and I loved the realistic way they closed ranks against outsiders. Anyone who has lived in a small village will appreciate exactly what trouble this can cause.
Even though the story is told from multiple points of view the author cleverly doesn’t give away the ending and all the characters have interesting back-stories which draw you along and will have you either routing for them or disliking them. My favourite character has to be Joyce, a surprisingly feisty and loyal woman.
There are car accidents, disappearances, intrigue and long-standing disagreements between the cast of very well-fleshed out characters which add twists and turns to the fast-moving plot. Ms Febry nailed Birkbury as rural Britain with its hierarchy of land-owners and workers and I loved the realistic way they closed ranks against outsiders. Anyone who has lived in a small village will appreciate exactly what trouble this can cause.
Even though the story is told from multiple points of view the author cleverly doesn’t give away the ending and all the characters have interesting back-stories which draw you along and will have you either routing for them or disliking them. My favourite character has to be Joyce, a surprisingly feisty and loyal woman.
November 21, 2013
I recieved this book free in exchange for an honest review. I love a good Mystery book. And if a murder is involved thats a plus. Skeletons of Birk bury is set in Southwest England. When a storm brings down the Oak tree on Rooks bridge Farm, they find the bones of a young girl buried there. Who was she? did someone kill her, or did she die of natural causes? And why was she buried here under the oak tree? The story is told from multiple points of view, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. There are car accidents, disappearances , plenty of intrigue. Of course the villagers close ranks against all outsiders and stick together. All the characters are realistic you feel a connection to them. I felt as if i was a part of the story, i couldn,t stop reading. If you love a great mystery story , that keeps you guessing till the end i highly recommend you read Skeletons of Birkbury. I look forward to reading more books by Diane J.Febry
March 31, 2014
**I received a free copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
“The Skeletons of Birkbury” by Diana J. Febry is one of those mystery novels that I just love to cozy up with. Living in the States and having never experienced the setting firsthand, Febry whisked me away to the location with rich detail and dialogue. I could hear different dialects and accents for each of the characters and could picture each setting as if I was right there.
The story itself is in the form of a classic mystery. A 20-year old skeleton turns up one day, and it’s up to police to solve the crime. Chief Inspector Peter Hatherhall and Detective Inspector Fiona Williams lead the reader through each twist and turn of the investigation with plenty of explanation as to the whys and the hows. All of the characters are well thought out with loads of depth, and I love spending time with these characters. Overall, a great read that satisfies the need for a wonderful whodunit.
“The Skeletons of Birkbury” by Diana J. Febry is one of those mystery novels that I just love to cozy up with. Living in the States and having never experienced the setting firsthand, Febry whisked me away to the location with rich detail and dialogue. I could hear different dialects and accents for each of the characters and could picture each setting as if I was right there.
The story itself is in the form of a classic mystery. A 20-year old skeleton turns up one day, and it’s up to police to solve the crime. Chief Inspector Peter Hatherhall and Detective Inspector Fiona Williams lead the reader through each twist and turn of the investigation with plenty of explanation as to the whys and the hows. All of the characters are well thought out with loads of depth, and I love spending time with these characters. Overall, a great read that satisfies the need for a wonderful whodunit.
June 14, 2014
Not only the plot is unique, but very well written as well; amazing descriptions. Once you start reading you will completely forget that there are actually words on the page and you are not standing next to the characters witnessing what they do and hearing what they say one to another. The author indeed has an incredible talent in describing places and building characters.
This story kept me turning the pages; the pacing is good and didn’t leave me feeling like I was slogging through any slow points. One moment you can grasp the idea of what is going on and actually feel satisfied with the unfolding of the story but having read some more pages you are falling into an abyss of questions again. So intense, fascinating and full of twists, this one is definitely a recent favorite. One to be remembered, and one to be read more than twice.
- www.sethlestath.com -
This story kept me turning the pages; the pacing is good and didn’t leave me feeling like I was slogging through any slow points. One moment you can grasp the idea of what is going on and actually feel satisfied with the unfolding of the story but having read some more pages you are falling into an abyss of questions again. So intense, fascinating and full of twists, this one is definitely a recent favorite. One to be remembered, and one to be read more than twice.
- www.sethlestath.com -
September 3, 2016
"Skeletons of Birkbury" by Diana J. Febry is a great murder mystery set in rural England. When a body is discovered under a fallen tree, old 'skeletons' from the past need to be dug up again.
Febry has created some wonderful and entertaining characters. If you, like myself, live in rural England, you will see how close to reality some of the events described really are.
The farmers, their disputes and old family secrets form one part of the story while the detective Fion ahas her own private problems to solve, too.
Dark and atmospheric in places and more light hearted in others this comes together nicely and provides the reader with enough turns to keep them guessing.
A very enjoyable novel.
Febry has created some wonderful and entertaining characters. If you, like myself, live in rural England, you will see how close to reality some of the events described really are.
The farmers, their disputes and old family secrets form one part of the story while the detective Fion ahas her own private problems to solve, too.
Dark and atmospheric in places and more light hearted in others this comes together nicely and provides the reader with enough turns to keep them guessing.
A very enjoyable novel.
Read
March 4, 2016What I love about this author is that you know what to expect and you get it in large dollops! A great murder/mystery set in the countryside with farmers, landed gentry, horses and everything else you find in a rural country scene in England. As always, the characters are interesting and varied, each of them with shades of good and bad. Maybe it's something about spending so much time in the fresh air that makes them so larger than life! The author keeps us guessing about the outcome as she ramps up the suspense and intrigue, making us keep turning the pages.
I've now read and loved three murder stories by this author and they have all been solved by Peter and Fiona, who make an excellent and plausible detective team. Would make a great TV drama series.
I've now read and loved three murder stories by this author and they have all been solved by Peter and Fiona, who make an excellent and plausible detective team. Would make a great TV drama series.
December 21, 2021
Unnecessarily complicated
Far too many characters, which in a book of this type (which needs suspects) is usually good. However in this case, the links to the victim of each character were tenuous and many were not needed.
The main detective of the series, has issues that are not explored and not relevant to the story, unless the reader is given background information so as to understand the protagonist more - this just doesn't happen.
I found myself skipping pages, to get to the end! This didn't help as more and more characters were mentioned and I could find no need for them, despite going back to read what I'd missed. Hopefully the second book will be better, it's free with my Amazon membership, so I will give it a go.
Far too many characters, which in a book of this type (which needs suspects) is usually good. However in this case, the links to the victim of each character were tenuous and many were not needed.
The main detective of the series, has issues that are not explored and not relevant to the story, unless the reader is given background information so as to understand the protagonist more - this just doesn't happen.
I found myself skipping pages, to get to the end! This didn't help as more and more characters were mentioned and I could find no need for them, despite going back to read what I'd missed. Hopefully the second book will be better, it's free with my Amazon membership, so I will give it a go.
October 13, 2013
I was asked to read and review this book by the author. Even though I did find it a little slow to start it had a good story line and the characters were believable. when I got to the end I was a little disappointed and felt I wanted more as the ending was very poor.
The writer has potential and I would try another book by her. all I would suggest is don't just end it leaving the reader hanging have good structure to the beginning and the end.
The writer has potential and I would try another book by her. all I would suggest is don't just end it leaving the reader hanging have good structure to the beginning and the end.
October 23, 2021
I’m very pleased to have stumbled on an author and series new to me. I found the main characters believable- flawed but resilient and likeable. The personal details didn’t get in the way or distract from the mystery. Even the minor characters were distinguishable and realistically motivated. The plot moved along credibly and briskly. It kept me reading pretty much in one session.
I look forward to more.
I look forward to more.
June 3, 2012
This is a classsic Sunday night read and has enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested to the point where you wont want to put the book down. Set in the beautiful English Cotswolds the story snakes around quiet country lanes with a surprise around every corner. A solid and accomplished novel, the first published work by this author. Reccommended to all lovers of English mystery.
March 21, 2015
This story had me gripped from the first page to the last. The mystery slowly unfolds, twisting and turning and keeping you guessing to the end. The characters are real and interesting and, Peter, the main character has his own demons to fight as he works to uncover the clues to a twenty-year-old murder. It's a well-told tale with an intriguing plot. I really enjoyed it.
August 13, 2014
Loved The Skeletons of Birkbury. The setting of rural England is lovely and the characters are wonderfully real.
This mystery is right up there with Rendell and Christy.
I look forward to reading more books by Diana J Febry in the future
This mystery is right up there with Rendell and Christy.
I look forward to reading more books by Diana J Febry in the future
January 23, 2020
Slow moving detective story.
I forced myself to read to the end, but this was a tedious book, lacking excitement, flat and lackluster. Could have used more humor, local color and better character development.
I forced myself to read to the end, but this was a tedious book, lacking excitement, flat and lackluster. Could have used more humor, local color and better character development.
September 16, 2019
Not so good
I finished it, but really can't recommend it.
It's got to much going on, but none of it really worth caring about.
I finished it, but really can't recommend it.
It's got to much going on, but none of it really worth caring about.
October 25, 2023
I regret to say, this book was dull, it had moments of excitement but I couldn’t finish it, I didn’t care who was responsible. It just wasn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews