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Mitchell and Markby #4
Murder Among Us
The quiet little Cotswold village is in an uproar over the news that the rambling old Victorian landmark, Springwood Hall, is being turned into an up-market country hotel and restaurant. Some locals are miffed over an imported superstar chef crowding out their resident culinary genius, while Hope Mapple, speaking for the Society for the Preservation of Historic Bamford, expresses her outrage by streaking the gala opening party.
But the locals' protests are quickly upstaged by the discovery of a murdered body in the wine cellar. And for Chief Inspector Markby and his lovely weekend guest Meredith Mitchell, the promise of a romantic country rendezvous turns into a deadly serious affair.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
18 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Ann Granger
78 books302 followersAnn Granger attended the Northern Grammar School for Girls, and had thoughts about becoming a veterinarian, but discovered women were not accepted into vet schools because they were not believed to be strong enough. Instead she earned a Modern Languages degree at the University of London, where she first developed a desire to become a writer. worked in British embassies in various parts of the world. She met her husband, who was also working for the British Embassy, in Prague and together they received postings to places as far apart as Munich and Lusaka. They had two children.
Her first novels were historical romances published under the nom de plume Ann Hulme.
In 1991, Granger made the decision to switch to crime novels, saying, "Basically, there is only one plot in love stories: You can describe it in different ways, but you always come back to the subject of man and woman. Crime fiction opens up a world of possibilities for the writer. It lets you tackle deep and difficult issues." Her first crime novel, Say it with Poison, centred on the protagonists Meredith Mitchell, a consular clerk, and police officer Alan Markby. The book proved popular and Granger wrote 14 more Mitchell & Markby novels between 1991 and 2004.
Granger also wrote other crime novel series & in 2021, in recognition of thirty years of crime novels, Granger released a collection of eighteen short stories, Mystery in the Making.
On 24 September 2025, her publisher Headline announced that Granger had died at the age of 86
This autobiography was added to with information from Wikipedia & Encyclopedia.com.
Her first novels were historical romances published under the nom de plume Ann Hulme.
In 1991, Granger made the decision to switch to crime novels, saying, "Basically, there is only one plot in love stories: You can describe it in different ways, but you always come back to the subject of man and woman. Crime fiction opens up a world of possibilities for the writer. It lets you tackle deep and difficult issues." Her first crime novel, Say it with Poison, centred on the protagonists Meredith Mitchell, a consular clerk, and police officer Alan Markby. The book proved popular and Granger wrote 14 more Mitchell & Markby novels between 1991 and 2004.
Granger also wrote other crime novel series & in 2021, in recognition of thirty years of crime novels, Granger released a collection of eighteen short stories, Mystery in the Making.
On 24 September 2025, her publisher Headline announced that Granger had died at the age of 86
This autobiography was added to with information from Wikipedia & Encyclopedia.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 25, 2018
Still enjoying this series, even if the writing is a teeny bit stiff. The locale, characters, and plot are all entertaining, the resolution satisfactory. As for Mitchell and Markby’s nascent personal relationship, one wishes they’d buck up and move it along - glaciers move faster!
June 26, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this traditional whodunnit, from the setting to the satisfying plot. The characters were so well drawn too: even the most minor players were convincing and three-dimensional. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series now!
June 10, 2019
Great read.
From start to finish this is an excellent crime fiction novel. The characters are clearly defined. The ending is positive.
From start to finish this is an excellent crime fiction novel. The characters are clearly defined. The ending is positive.
May 21, 2024
*****3.5*****
I enjoyed this book! It’s suspenseful and entertaining with strong and interesting characters. I really like the ending! The reason it’s 3.5 stars for me and not 4 is that it’s a little long and lags with some scenes that aren’t really necessary for the story, at least not as long as they are. I like murder mysteries to either move quickly or when more characters are killed along the way (that sounds terrible) to keep the story moving. If the story is slower in solving the murder, then, for me, it’s less of a murder mystery and more of a story, which is fine, but in this case, the story didn’t really build character development of the recurring characters in the series, so it seemed more plodding.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, another free pick up from my campus library. I recommend it to mystery lovers. There is some humor and there are some very sweet moments and great characters albeit with some stereotypes employed. I wouldn’t go out of my way to find another Meredith and Markby mystery, but if I saw one around, I’d definitely pick it up!
I enjoyed this book! It’s suspenseful and entertaining with strong and interesting characters. I really like the ending! The reason it’s 3.5 stars for me and not 4 is that it’s a little long and lags with some scenes that aren’t really necessary for the story, at least not as long as they are. I like murder mysteries to either move quickly or when more characters are killed along the way (that sounds terrible) to keep the story moving. If the story is slower in solving the murder, then, for me, it’s less of a murder mystery and more of a story, which is fine, but in this case, the story didn’t really build character development of the recurring characters in the series, so it seemed more plodding.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, another free pick up from my campus library. I recommend it to mystery lovers. There is some humor and there are some very sweet moments and great characters albeit with some stereotypes employed. I wouldn’t go out of my way to find another Meredith and Markby mystery, but if I saw one around, I’d definitely pick it up!
December 11, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in August 2001.
There is more humour in Muder Among Us than in most of Granger's crime novels. The murder is committed at the opening of a country house hotel, during a demonstration by a local historical society opposed to the conversion of the old house (actually an undistinguished example of late Victorian Gothic). As Granger says, the bored TV reporter covering the opening must have thought he'd won the pools - the murder follows a streak by one of the women protesters.
There is also a subplot which is almost a parody of the sort of novel beloved of pony-mad young girls. In the restaurant grounds is a refuge for horses, donkeys and ponies, which faces closure. Markby's niece helps at the refuge, and her response to overhearing a discussion about the possibility that one of the donkeys might need to be put down if better quarters couldn't be found by the winter is to take the animal and disappear into the surrounding woods.
There is a self-aware quality about many of the Mitchell and Markby novels, and the humour is particularly strong here, making Murder Among Us one of the most entertaining novels in the series.
There is more humour in Muder Among Us than in most of Granger's crime novels. The murder is committed at the opening of a country house hotel, during a demonstration by a local historical society opposed to the conversion of the old house (actually an undistinguished example of late Victorian Gothic). As Granger says, the bored TV reporter covering the opening must have thought he'd won the pools - the murder follows a streak by one of the women protesters.
There is also a subplot which is almost a parody of the sort of novel beloved of pony-mad young girls. In the restaurant grounds is a refuge for horses, donkeys and ponies, which faces closure. Markby's niece helps at the refuge, and her response to overhearing a discussion about the possibility that one of the donkeys might need to be put down if better quarters couldn't be found by the winter is to take the animal and disappear into the surrounding woods.
There is a self-aware quality about many of the Mitchell and Markby novels, and the humour is particularly strong here, making Murder Among Us one of the most entertaining novels in the series.
April 25, 2023
The story of unravelling the mysteries of a murder taken place at a newly established hotel in the countryside town of Bamford, Murder Among Us is well written with a touch of comic storytelling introducing among other colorful characters, Chief inspector Markby, who alongside his companion Meridith Mitchel strive to uncover the truth behind recent crimes.
It is the fourth in a series of Mitchel and Markby book series that, despite it not keeping you on your toes, is as good as any murder mystery novel you'd read to pass time waiting for your stop in the subway or that you'd curl up with on a rainy day by the window.
It is the fourth in a series of Mitchel and Markby book series that, despite it not keeping you on your toes, is as good as any murder mystery novel you'd read to pass time waiting for your stop in the subway or that you'd curl up with on a rainy day by the window.
October 26, 2021
During the fancy, celebrity-attended opening celebration of an upscale remodelled inn, Springwood Hall, in Bamford, Meredith finds the body of an unliked historical preservationist (and knitting shop owner) in the wine cellar, which puts a right damper on the affair and possibly on the business itself. Some locals would prefer it that way, as the hotel's owner threatens to close down the abutting rescue home for aged equines, where Markby's 11-year-old niece volunteers.
November 1, 2024
Have to admit... the byplay between Mitchell and Markby is getting old. Two more argumentative, stubborn, silly characters I haven't run across. They're both supposed to be worldly adults but they both act like stupid tweens. And they can't have a conversation without pissing in the other's cheerios.
It's apparent that Meredith 1) doesn't agree with anything Markby says or does, and 2) doesn't want a real relationship with him. So why does she keep at him. Move the hell on....
It's apparent that Meredith 1) doesn't agree with anything Markby says or does, and 2) doesn't want a real relationship with him. So why does she keep at him. Move the hell on....
February 23, 2023
A good read.
This book is very good. Meredith and Markby are invited to a new hotel/restaurant opening and then a murderer strikes. There is also the streaker, an old horses home under threat and all arguing and accusing. Also is Alan Markby going to leave and take promotion?
I enjoyed this book as I fell into the rhythm better. Looking forward to the next book.
This book is very good. Meredith and Markby are invited to a new hotel/restaurant opening and then a murderer strikes. There is also the streaker, an old horses home under threat and all arguing and accusing. Also is Alan Markby going to leave and take promotion?
I enjoyed this book as I fell into the rhythm better. Looking forward to the next book.
November 2, 2024
The quiet little village of Bamford is all a flutter with the opening of a new and exclusive hotel. On the opening night a dead body is found. Although Markby and Mitchell are guest, he gets down to work immediately. As the investigation proceeds we learn the secrets of many people in the village, while Markby and Mitchell’s relationship develops.
A enjoyable easy read.
A enjoyable easy read.
August 28, 2020
I love the combination of a good murder story with the story of Meredith and Alan’s relationship developing. I intend to read the whole series as I love revisiting places and characters when I read. This one is as good as any in the series and I love the style of writing.
November 27, 2020
This series more enjoyable than her others. A decent whodunnit with interesting characters. The two main characters are perhaps the weakest link. Their relationship is tedious...I hope it changes as the series continues,
August 20, 2023
Immer noch eine schöne Edition, immer noch gut zu lesen. Nur die Übersetzung fand ich stellenweise ausgesrpochen schwach, und dass Mitchell und Markby ihre gemeinsame Zukunft diskutieren und sich dabei noch siezen, vollkommen unglaubwürdig.
September 7, 2023
This book focused more on the mystery than the relationship between the two leads, which I think was a good idea, since their relationship is moving very slowly and it's left very uncertain if it will lead any where.
July 18, 2024
I'm surprised that Granger hasn't worn out the exclamation mark button on her keyboard. Every character uses a minimum of one or two every time they "speak".
The plot line of this one was tedious, as one Mitchell and Markby having MORE conversations about their "relationship".
The plot line of this one was tedious, as one Mitchell and Markby having MORE conversations about their "relationship".
October 11, 2019
Set in the Cotswolds, this one offers a nice potential romance ending with a determined hotel owner and an equally determined donkey rescuer.
June 22, 2020
Enjoyable English murder mystery. Good character development, overall well written
March 3, 2021
For me, 3 or 3.5 stars. Definitely stronger in all respects than most cozies I’ve read.
October 1, 2021
the first half of the book was really good with an interesting plot, but then it became absolutely clear who the murderer was gonna be. Too similar to the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
A nice English fun light mystery. I would like to read more in this series.
April 16, 2022
A good Cosy
July 13, 2023
Langweilig
December 16, 2023
A well paced murder story. The involvement of Markby's niece along the way giving an extra twist and interest.
March 14, 2024
Audiobook - a biy boring
September 28, 2024
Quite a good mystery which I really enjoyed reading, only thing was that I guessed the culprit.
April 29, 2025
4 1/2 stars out of 5. Review to come.
March 21, 2017
Es nervt mich leider ziemlich, dass offenbar zwischen den Büchern immer etwas zwischen Mitchell und Markby passiert, was dann aber permanent nur angedeutet wird. Auch sonst ist die Romantik auch in diesem Teil zwar vorhanden, aber sehr zurückhaltend beschrieben. Der Fall an sich war wieder ganz nett, schön auflockernd die Geschichte um den Gnadenhof.
August 8, 2013
In Murder Among Us, Ann Granger presents Bamford as a typical English village, but one on the verge of losing both its history and its social cohesion. As might be expected, different people react in different ways. Detective Chief Inspector Markby is dismayed that the village is expanding, that new people are moving in and that crime is on the rise due to both those social forces; adding to his consternation and frustration is that the higher-ups are pressuring him to accept a promotion that would not only force him to spend more time behind a desk but take him away from his beloved village and all the people he knows. A foreigner has taken over the local manor hall, which has raised the ire of the local historical society -- not only is he remodeling the the structure (never mind that it was falling to pieces) but he is turning it into a high-end hotel. The change in ownership also endangers a rest home for horses, a charity hanging on by a thread.
As change causes stress in peoples' lives, secrets which people thought long buried rise to the surface. The deeper and darker the secret, the more intense the reaction as it threatens to rise to the surface. Sometimes making sure a secret stays buried means murder. On the opening day of the new hotel, the historical society protests, a knife is stolen from the kitchen, a suitor is rebuffed, an amply endowed woman streaks (to the trauma of all), a man watches a young girl from hiding, a woman is murdered, and the deepest and darkest of secrets is kept.
It falls to DCI Markby to sort out all the lies and lives in search of the truth, even as he tries to keep from being promoted, all the while balancing his professional life and personal life, represented by his perceptive and long-suffering girlfriend, diplomat Meredith Mitchell, who find herself drawn into the investigation by virtue of having been at the hotel during opening day ceremonies with Markby. Working independently of each other, sometimes seemingly in opposition, they find themselves arriving at the same destination (the truth) by different paths.
Author Ann Granger creates in this book a set of genuinely interesting and engaging characters beset by problems with which the reader can sympathize, in an attractive English setting. She also engages in the sort of "fair play" writing which used to mark so many English mysteries, letting the reader in on the investigation to the point where the reader feels he has just as good a chance of solving the mystery as Markby and Mitchell. This book will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys classic English mysteries, especially the sub-genre known as the village cozy.
As change causes stress in peoples' lives, secrets which people thought long buried rise to the surface. The deeper and darker the secret, the more intense the reaction as it threatens to rise to the surface. Sometimes making sure a secret stays buried means murder. On the opening day of the new hotel, the historical society protests, a knife is stolen from the kitchen, a suitor is rebuffed, an amply endowed woman streaks (to the trauma of all), a man watches a young girl from hiding, a woman is murdered, and the deepest and darkest of secrets is kept.
It falls to DCI Markby to sort out all the lies and lives in search of the truth, even as he tries to keep from being promoted, all the while balancing his professional life and personal life, represented by his perceptive and long-suffering girlfriend, diplomat Meredith Mitchell, who find herself drawn into the investigation by virtue of having been at the hotel during opening day ceremonies with Markby. Working independently of each other, sometimes seemingly in opposition, they find themselves arriving at the same destination (the truth) by different paths.
Author Ann Granger creates in this book a set of genuinely interesting and engaging characters beset by problems with which the reader can sympathize, in an attractive English setting. She also engages in the sort of "fair play" writing which used to mark so many English mysteries, letting the reader in on the investigation to the point where the reader feels he has just as good a chance of solving the mystery as Markby and Mitchell. This book will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys classic English mysteries, especially the sub-genre known as the village cozy.
June 24, 2014
A relaxing weekend turns 'business as usual' for Chief Inspector Markby and Meredith Mitchell when a body is found in the basement. Plans to turn the mansion and adjacent property into an exclusive resort have members of the Society for the Preservation of Historic Bamford outraged. So much so that portly Hope Mapple streaks the opening gala.
As a sidelight are a young woman and her friend who uses the barn on the property to take care of an assortment of flea bitten animals no one else wants.
As a sidelight are a young woman and her friend who uses the barn on the property to take care of an assortment of flea bitten animals no one else wants.
February 3, 2009
The fourth book of the series finds Meredith and Alan still going out but with an undefined relationship. An old home is the site of a renovation; it is converted to a hotel and restaurant. A woman is killed in the cellar while the opening ceremony is going on. She was a member of the Historical Society who was against the renovation. So who did it? Throw in a home for old worn out donkeys and ponies, a runaway niece, and you have an interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews