Murder in the Manger

Sophie Sayers #3

by Debbie Young

When a mysterious stranger interrupts Sophie Sayers' Nativity play to accuse the whole village of murdering a baby, Sophie Sayers' imagination runs wild, as usual, not helped by the surprise arrival of her ex-boyfriend just as her new romance with charming local bookseller Hector Munro was starting to hot up. What secrets is the stranger hiding, and whose baby is it anyway? Can Sophie hang on to Hector without driving Damian into the unsuitable arms of Carol, the aging eccentric proprietor of the village shop? With the help of her new-found friends in Wendlebury Barrow, she's going to give it her best shot...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Christmas, British Literature, Holiday

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Hello dear readers!

I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.

NOVELS

My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.

My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",

My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.

All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.

SHORT FICTION

My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!

My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,

Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".

PLAYS

I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.

AWARDS

The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

FREE EBOOK

Rec

Reviews

[Si Clarke]

Boy and girl break up. Boy moves away. Girl moves on. Boy comes back many months later. He puts his hands on Girl, belittles her, and demands to stay with her. Girl’s new boyfriend seems no better.

Does Girl kick either of them the kerb? Nope.

Really not for me. DNF at 8%.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, a 3.75
While I enjoyed this book for the characters, the cosy village life and a nice writing style...there is the word "murder" in the books title. There was no murder in the book and it felt more like a romance lite. All that being said, it was an enjoyable read.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a very enjoyable read.

[Taylor Romero · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was almost too cozy… I feel like the title was deceiving, and while I did enjoy the book I wouldn’t consider it a mystery.

[Suzie Grogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in this series of gentle village mysteries, although this one is witty, warm and gentle, but not terribly mysterious. That is its only minus really, as it is a cockle warming dose of delightful Christmas romance. Debbie Young is developing her Wendlebury characters nicely and I look forward to the next one.

[Lynn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy-up-by-the-fire-with-old-fashioned-hot-chocolate-and-watch-the-story-unfold mystery. Debbie has brought together quite a bunch of fun characters and a couple quirky ones, too. As the characters and the plot develop you witness themes of transfomation and restoration unfold into an unexpected, but awesome ending.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been loving this series. I may have read them slightly out of order as I read 1, 2, 4 and then this one (3) but it didn’t take out any enjoyment. Back to Wendlebry Barrow, I’m a happy reader!

This one came with a great festive spin, with a nativity play at its centre. Sophie writes the script, but who else comes along to direct the theatre? There may be an appearance from someone from her past who isn’t the least bit welcome to say the least… it did make for an interesting set up though! Also a pleasant spin I wasn’t expecting too, I loved it.

I look forward to many more in this series (I hope) as they’re simple, easy to listen to and always a guaranteed enjoyment for me.

[Tabitha - · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute nonsense. Head over to my Instagram for more. I'm too tired to even copy and paste it, I'm so exhausted from this bafoonery.

[Ashley Stearn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gentle read but not quite gripping enough for me. Struggled to finish it. Not much happens until the last 20+ pages, ending felt rushed.

[Lucienne Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. The prose flows, and the humour and keen yet gentle observation of people and their little sillinesses bubble under and to the surface. One thing I’m enjoying about the series as it goes on is the sense of following a year in the life of a village community. Murder in the Manger has all the ingredients of a classic Christmas story – lights, tree, mistletoe, a nativity play with its attendant disasters, and – of course! – the nasty person who sees the errors of their ways a la Scrooge!

Note: I was a beta reader for this book.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best nativity play ever!

[Dawn Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this light hearted Christmas mystery book. This is the third book in the series and personally I think the books make for a good light read. I love a 'good clean murder' - although its not all about murder! Sophie Sayers is a developing character and I am looking forward to the next book.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in this contemporary cosy mystery series is set at Sophie Sayers first Christmas at Wendlebury Barrow. She has thrown herself into village life and her relationship with the dishy Hector, her boss and owner of the local book ship is poodling along nicely.

Unfortunately nothing stays perfect for long and a figure from Sophie’s past turns up unexpectedly in his white van, her ex-boyfriend, charming egomaniac and freeloader Graham.

Sophie hopes it’s a flying visit but Graham quickly inveigles himself into not only village life, but takes over as producer of the Nativity play Sophie wrote. She tries to pretend he isn’t there but every female in the village seems to come to life when Graham is about, especially his new landlady, Carol, the village shop owner who rapidly becomes his champion.
Sophie hopes Carol isn’t being used but there isn’t much she can do about it and Graham does seem adept at patching up Carol’s house in lieu of rent. He also approves of Sophie’s play, so maybe things might work out well for everyone after all.
Then odd things start happening in the village, drama at the nativity and a stranger with an odd request, not to mention a woman who keeps being seen getting out of Graham’s van.
This story is gentle and heart-warming rather than gripping, and I was a bit disappointed where the actual murder was concerned but won't spoil it for other readers. However it was with a satisfying denouement and memorable characters we get to meet again. Joshua, Billy and Carol being three.
A lovey addition to the series, and makes me wonder what the new year brings for Sophie and Hector.

[Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Manger By Debbie Young
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher:Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 14 Dec 2022
Genre:General Fiction Adult, Mystery, and Thriller

This book is a bit of a slow read to start with. The central part doesn't start until 40 % of the way through. Sophie has written a Christmas nativity play for the village of Wendlebury Barrow. Still, the unexpected appearance of a mysterious woman with her ex-boyfriend and baby threatens to ruin her work. Based on the back copy containing the phrase "soon the whole village will be accused of murder," I expected much more mystery and chaos from this novel. It was a fun holiday tale with moments of suspense around every corner. There isn't much detective work or nefarious activity here, and the murder charges aren't made until late in the novel. As someone who loves thrillers, this is a little disappointing, but the story has enough suspense to keep the reader engaged until the end. But despite the lack of actual mystery, this is a charming novel, with a beautiful village setting full of cozy little shops and a cozy plot with plenty of dry humor. If you're looking for a warm, light Christmas mystery to read this Christmas, get Murder In The Manger. Visiting Sophie at the festive Wendlebury Barrow is just what you need.

#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #generalfictionadult #mysteryandthriller #booktok #bookclub #MurderintheManger @Debbie Young @booksandtonic

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder In The Manger is the third book in Debbie Young’s Sophie Sayers Village series but is the first I have read. Sophie has written the Christmas nativity play for her village, Wendlebury Barrow, but the surprise appearance of an ex-boyfriend and a mysterious woman with a baby threaten to ruin the production. Based on the back cover copy—which included the sentence “Before long, the whole village stands accused of murder”—I expected a lot more mystery and mayhem in this novel. What I found instead was a delightful holiday story with moments of suspense tucked in its nooks and crannies. There isn’t much sleuthing or nefarious goings on here, and the murder accusation doesn’t arrive until very near the end of the novel. Admittedly, as someone who adores a good mystery, this is a bit of a letdown, but the story has enough suspense to pull the reader through to the end.

Beyond the lack of real mystery, though, this is a captivating novel with a lovely village setting full of homey little shops and a cozy plot with lots of dry humor. If you are looking for a warm and light holiday mystery to read this Christmas, pick up Murder In The Manger; a visit with Sophie in festive Wendlebury Barrow is just what you need.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Manger by Debbie Young

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

When a mysterious stranger interrupts Sophie Sayers' Nativity play to accuse the whole village of murdering a baby, Sophie Sayers' imagination runs wild, as usual, not helped by the surprise arrival of her ex-boyfriend just as her new romance with charming local bookseller Hector Munro was starting to hot up. What secrets is the stranger hiding, and whose baby is it anyway? Can Sophie hang on to Hector without driving Damian into the unsuitable arms of Carol, the aging eccentric proprietor of the village shop? With the help of her new-found friends in Wendlebury Barrow, she's going to give it her best shot...

My Opinion

This is the first book I have read in this series. This was not overly mysterious but it was a nice, gentle read. I have a few issues with the title of this book but that aside this was a lovely quick book to read.

Rating 4/5

[Simona · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I've got this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review*

I'm sorry, but what did I just read? The title of the book is totaly misleading. There is no murder in this book, I can hardly say, that there is a mystery in it. I'm so disapointed, that I have no words.
The closest this book come to mystery was in a last 10% of the book and then it was resolved in 2 sentences.
It's just your typical contemporary chicklit book, with a love triangle in it, and even that love triangle wasn't developed that well.
The main chracter was like chicken without a head running around and bossing everyone. Love intersts where as interesting as a log in the fire.
For me this story was so immature and boring that in my opinion even teenagers would be dissapointed.
Do not recommend. There are plenty of REAL cosy mysteries if you want one, as well as much better contemporary romances if you prefer those.

[Leona · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ein Schauspiel im Schauspiel
Sophie scheint frei und doch gefangen in einem Liebesdreieck, welches sie aus der Vergangenheit einholt, aber schlussendlich weiterbringt. Umspielt ist die Kerngeschichte mit einer Beschreibung des Dorfes und dem Kennenlernen einiger Dorfgeschichten. Besonders der Buchladen lädt zum Verweilen ein und hat tolle Events am Start. Wie die Kirche, ist auch der Buchladen eine Hauptbühne für die Geschichte. Grundsätzlich war das Dorf charmant beschrieben, wobei mir die Dialoge nicht immer authentisch vorkamen. Das Dorfgeschehen wurde zum Krippenspiel auf eine Metaebene gehoben, da das Gesamtwerk als Bühnenpräsentation erscheint. Das Cozy Crime wird direkt eingeleitet und als Leser fiebert man mit Sophie der Premiere des Krippenspiels entgegen. Es bleibt jedoch ein Slowburn und der Mordverdacht des Dorfes erledigt sich innerhalb von ein paar Sätzen. Die Auflösung gelingt dann innerhalb von wenigen Minuten nach Geschehen und nimmt anteilmässig einen extrem kleinen Raum ein. Es wirkt wie eine spontane Eingebung, vielleicht als Parallele zum Erzengel Gabriel. Auch wenn man von Sophie direkt an ihrem Gedankengang teilhaben kann, wird man trotzdem wie das Publikum etwas im Leeren hängen gelassen, freut sich aber mit den nun gut bekannten Dorfbewohnerin über die gelungene Familienvereinigung. Für Fans des Dorfes gibt es sicherlich viele neue Details zu erfahren.

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Manger: (A Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery Book 3) Debbie Young

I really am enjoying this series of books by Debbie Young, this one was so varied in the mix of the characters who starred in the storyline. I loved the mix of characters the village that sounded so realistic. The school the Church all the various committees filled the whole story with different interest. The ultimate was the Nativity in the Church. I do wish more Churches involved grown ups in them, me for one would love to have been involved in earlier years. I do recommend this series as light hearted and easy to read books. Easy to snatch a read with a cup of tea, easy to pick up again later. Thank you Debbie Young x

[Sall · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's nothing worse than bringing an ex back to cause disruption to a new or fledgling couple. It's not only predictabe but terribly boring. I wasn't overly impressed at the amount of quotes from other books either, it felt like ohhh I can gain a good word count here if I quote other peoples work. Despite the title there wasn't a murder, not even an attempted murder...there wasn't even a mystery because the "whose baby is it" part didn't occur until so late in the book that it was resolved as quick if not quicker than it appeared. This book did have a redeeming factor...the nativity play was clearly well written and enjoyable.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Sayers is trying to organise a village nativity play for Christmas in Wendlebury Barrow.
But she is beset by complications.
Her ex Damian has turned up in a camper van wanting to direct or well, take over her play and that is just as her romance with local bookstore owner Hector is just getting off the ground.
Meanwhile Damian is chumming up with local loner and eccentric lady Carol.
Sophie is trying to juggle it all, play, fear of losing Hector, Damian hurting Carol and then on the play opening night there is a real, live baby found in the manger!
It's all happening this Christmas in Wendlebury Barrow.
Such a fun, engaging and light hearted story.

[Lynne Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book follows the life of Sophie Sayer as she navigates writing a script for the village play, dealing with the arrival of an ex-boyfriend, nurturing a new romance and working out who shouts from the back pew of the church, “My baby! You’ve murder my baby!”

The story includes all the festive feel you'd expect from the title. The author includes humour and shows a keen understanding of human nature, all at a relaxed pace, making it an ideal festive read.

[Kristi Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought a box set of the first three books in the series. They're easy, fast reads and quite enjoyable. Sophie (the main character) comes across as a little clueless, but not overly annoying. There's a mischievous boy (can't remember his name) whose age is undetermined, he goes from 12 to 17 in a matter of pages. Otherwise, a very cozy read and well worth your time if you like easy reads and uncomplicated storylines.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a little confused as to why this is called “Murder in the Manger” when there isn’t a murder at all, never mind in the manger.

As always, an enjoyable story, but the prologue is confusing at best. I think I just need to stop reading “prologues” by this author, they’re usually things that occur near the end of the story, and just detract from the story. I did enjoy reading this though, this isn’t a negative review!

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️
Murder in the Manger is the third book in the Sophie Sayers cosy mystery series, and I read without reading the previous two. I wasn’t aware of any of the previous goings on, but I managed to catch on pretty quick. A slow read, perfect for fans of the cosy genre, but there was very little mystery and certainly no murder. A nice cast of characters but the plot was too slow for me and misleading based on the title.

[Elizabeth Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nativity play with added value!

Debbie Young neatly sidesteps any temptation to produce the Christmas cliche while still producing a story you can read by fire and candlelight, on the run-up to Christmas eve. No matter how many nativity plays you've attended in your time, this one will surprise and entertain you.

[Celest · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Debbie Young Book

I didn't know that this was book three until I finished reading. It wasn't a great murder mystery just a little story about Sophie Sayers life and events in the Village. It was entertaining and had some mysterious elements revolving around the lives of the characters. A great Prime Reading book for the cold foggy day.

[Mrs E Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I really enjoyed this book and the story's are really well written,the characters are really easy to follow,,I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very misleading title. Definitely no murder, and it's a real stretch to suggest there's a mystery anywhere in it. If you want a story so sweet it makes your teeth ache, this could be for you.

[Cathey Edgington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different version of the Christmas story

Sophie was an interesting character. She seemed confident, but there was a part of her that had her doubts about her ability to write. Great twist of events at the end.