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Churchill & Pemberley #2
Murder in Cold Mud
Having established themselves as a successful detective duo, pensioners Annabel Churchill and Doris Pemberley face a new case.
The Compton Poppleford Horticultural Society Annual Show is just around the corner but there’s a problem: someone is murdering the competitors. Stories of vegetable rivalry abound as the local constabulary, Inspector Mappin, investigates.
When the death toll increases, Mappin drafts in assistance but refuses to allow Churchill and Pemberley to help. The two ladies decide to solve the case themselves, however their efforts are hampered by the inspector’s accusations of meddling.
Can Churchill and Pemberley battle the odds to find the culprit before another gardener dies? Compton Poppleford’s long-buried secrets are unearthed as the duo close in on the killer in their midst.
For fans of light-hearted mysteries and sharp-witted elderly sleuths.
Murder in Cold Mud is the second book in the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mystery series.
Book 1: Tragedy at Piddleton Hotel
Book 2: Murder in Cold Mud
The Compton Poppleford Horticultural Society Annual Show is just around the corner but there’s a problem: someone is murdering the competitors. Stories of vegetable rivalry abound as the local constabulary, Inspector Mappin, investigates.
When the death toll increases, Mappin drafts in assistance but refuses to allow Churchill and Pemberley to help. The two ladies decide to solve the case themselves, however their efforts are hampered by the inspector’s accusations of meddling.
Can Churchill and Pemberley battle the odds to find the culprit before another gardener dies? Compton Poppleford’s long-buried secrets are unearthed as the duo close in on the killer in their midst.
For fans of light-hearted mysteries and sharp-witted elderly sleuths.
Murder in Cold Mud is the second book in the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mystery series.
Book 1: Tragedy at Piddleton Hotel
Book 2: Murder in Cold Mud
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2019
725 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Emily Organ
72 books655 followersEmily Organ is the author of over thirty historical cozy mysteries set in Victorian and 1920s England. Her bestselling series include the Penny Green Victorian Mysteries, the Augusta Peel Mysteries, and her newest Emma Langley Victorian Mysteries, in which a plucky widow teams up with former reporter Penny Green. She also writes the Churchill & Pemberley cozy mysteries, featuring two spirited senior sleuths. Emily’s books combine warmth, wit, and a love of history, inspired by her fascination with London’s past.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 11, 2019
This was a fun follow-up to the previous book about this duo, and I enjoyed it as much. The mystery is fine, and I didn't guess the outcome... But the main thing that appeals to me is the relationship between the pair as they seem to bumble along in the village, interacting with the various other quirky denizens and getting up to mildly-high jinx. It's all quite cozy and comfy to nibble with tea and biscuits...
November 4, 2024
Unread shelf project 2024: book 82.
So this second book in the series was much better than the first. I feel like Churchill and Pemberly finally hit their stride. The first book I disliked as they seemed very clumsy and bumbling. This novel I enjoyed more as they were still clumsy and bumbling (especially Churchill) but it was clearer that it was meant to be comedic — which it was. The dialogue was also much more on point and made me giggle internally more.
This is not a series to pick up if you’re looking for something that’s very lifelike or if you want a book that shines because of the mystery, because this series shines because of the characters and their interactions. The mystery is just a side dish that propels the characters’ actions (to mix my metaphors). But it works pretty well as long as you don’t think too hard. 😂
So this second book in the series was much better than the first. I feel like Churchill and Pemberly finally hit their stride. The first book I disliked as they seemed very clumsy and bumbling. This novel I enjoyed more as they were still clumsy and bumbling (especially Churchill) but it was clearer that it was meant to be comedic — which it was. The dialogue was also much more on point and made me giggle internally more.
This is not a series to pick up if you’re looking for something that’s very lifelike or if you want a book that shines because of the mystery, because this series shines because of the characters and their interactions. The mystery is just a side dish that propels the characters’ actions (to mix my metaphors). But it works pretty well as long as you don’t think too hard. 😂
December 17, 2019
If you want that try Amekia Peabody. Miss Pemberley is more interesting than Mrs. Churchi
Not very challenging or well plotted. There are more attempts at "Victorian" humor than real puzzle solving. And the setting is definitely post Victorian. There is a lot of nonsense that doesn't advance the plot or develop the characters. If you want to read about a take charge English woman solving mysteries, try Amelia Peabody,
Not very challenging or well plotted. There are more attempts at "Victorian" humor than real puzzle solving. And the setting is definitely post Victorian. There is a lot of nonsense that doesn't advance the plot or develop the characters. If you want to read about a take charge English woman solving mysteries, try Amelia Peabody,
July 28, 2019
Needs Work
I'm giving this a so so rating because this book was so so. It's got promise in the interesting English village where the murders occur and the equally interesting detectives involved. But it doesn't hang together well and I had to force myself to continue reading to the end. It was tedious at times.
I'm giving this a so so rating because this book was so so. It's got promise in the interesting English village where the murders occur and the equally interesting detectives involved. But it doesn't hang together well and I had to force myself to continue reading to the end. It was tedious at times.
May 3, 2021
Murder in Cold Mud follows senior sleuths Annabel Churchill and Doris Pemberley through the English village of Compton Poppleford in the 1930's. Very character driven and quite humorous for there to be murder involved. It's just a really fun read with interesting village eccentrics.
July 16, 2020
Fun Quick Read
Sequels are never as good as the first is an old wives tale that unfortunately proves to be more true than not. Murder in Cold Mud just doesn't hit the mark as the first book in the series does. But it doesn't miss by much. The main characters are just as delightful and the situations just as hilarious but the wrap up at the end just doesn't match what goes before. All in all it was a fun read and certainly during this pandemic it does present some delightful escapism moments. I have spent worse times than I did with Miss Churchill and Miss Pemberly they are a delightful pair of Detectives who manage to get it right in spite of themselves. It always helps,of course, to have the local police to be rather clueless and the rest of the local village just great charcters. Would make a nice TV series not unlike Midsummer Murders.
Sequels are never as good as the first is an old wives tale that unfortunately proves to be more true than not. Murder in Cold Mud just doesn't hit the mark as the first book in the series does. But it doesn't miss by much. The main characters are just as delightful and the situations just as hilarious but the wrap up at the end just doesn't match what goes before. All in all it was a fun read and certainly during this pandemic it does present some delightful escapism moments. I have spent worse times than I did with Miss Churchill and Miss Pemberly they are a delightful pair of Detectives who manage to get it right in spite of themselves. It always helps,of course, to have the local police to be rather clueless and the rest of the local village just great charcters. Would make a nice TV series not unlike Midsummer Murders.
June 4, 2020
Enjoyable cosy crime comedy caper.
The second book in the series. Contains all the elements I enjoyed from the first instalment, unfortunately the ongoing jokes become a little tired after nearly 2 books, by which I mean repetitions on the same little gags with little development. Only a little tired mind, as it does still add to the overall charm of the book/characters.
Its a worthy sequel but its not much different to the first, except I kept forgetting which farmer was which. If you dont mind it being more of the same as the first book, then its fine. A good read, the mystery kept me guessing to the end and I enjoyed it. Churchill and Pembers are definitely great creations and come to life perfectly.
The second book in the series. Contains all the elements I enjoyed from the first instalment, unfortunately the ongoing jokes become a little tired after nearly 2 books, by which I mean repetitions on the same little gags with little development. Only a little tired mind, as it does still add to the overall charm of the book/characters.
Its a worthy sequel but its not much different to the first, except I kept forgetting which farmer was which. If you dont mind it being more of the same as the first book, then its fine. A good read, the mystery kept me guessing to the end and I enjoyed it. Churchill and Pembers are definitely great creations and come to life perfectly.
July 19, 2021
RA
Another entertaining case for the "old biddies". Not Sherlock and Watson, or Cagney and Lacey, but fast becoming favourites of mine. A light touch by the author as ever, allowing the dialogue of the characters the oxygen to drive the story. Only minor glitches, like the colonel's shotgun that fires bullets! And that after all the ballistic forensics carried out with a crochet needle! But there's always a mystery that hangs over the Churchill Detective Agency: how do the elderly sleuths get paid in order to finance the amount of cakes they consume?
Another entertaining case for the "old biddies". Not Sherlock and Watson, or Cagney and Lacey, but fast becoming favourites of mine. A light touch by the author as ever, allowing the dialogue of the characters the oxygen to drive the story. Only minor glitches, like the colonel's shotgun that fires bullets! And that after all the ballistic forensics carried out with a crochet needle! But there's always a mystery that hangs over the Churchill Detective Agency: how do the elderly sleuths get paid in order to finance the amount of cakes they consume?
July 22, 2020
After reading Tragedy at Piddleton Hotel, the first in this series I decide to carry on because this series is light hearted and funny. It is a very easy read and the main two Characters work well together and seem to like eating cakes and drinking tea as solving cases. This book was better than the first one as it wasn't as easy to solve, plus the characters in the story seemed better to me. I recommend this one.
November 6, 2021
Oh I do so want to like this series, as the previous Penny Green series by the same author were really good. Unfortunately I am just not warming to these characters in the same way.
The plots are a bit silly, not believing and I still find the the main characters rather irritating.
I'm going to take a break and read a couple of books from other series that I follow and will return to try this series again in the future.
The plots are a bit silly, not believing and I still find the the main characters rather irritating.
I'm going to take a break and read a couple of books from other series that I follow and will return to try this series again in the future.
October 16, 2022
Still a Little Clumsy at Investigating, but They Get it Done
These two lady detectives seem a little incompetent while investigating the case, but they always find clues that elude the police. Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberley make a good team once they get involved with the investigation. I love the way there's always a grand reveal at the end of the story to tie up lose ends and let everyone know who the murderer is. Now on to the next book in the series.
These two lady detectives seem a little incompetent while investigating the case, but they always find clues that elude the police. Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberley make a good team once they get involved with the investigation. I love the way there's always a grand reveal at the end of the story to tie up lose ends and let everyone know who the murderer is. Now on to the next book in the series.
July 11, 2021
I love that Churchill uses the constant underestimation of her sex and age to her advantage. No one takes any notice of "two old ladies," "two old biddies." In addition to her undervaluation, Churchill applies a good amount of dottieness to her interactions with suspects, witnesses, and the police.
I enjoy this series as a desperately needed escape from life.
I enjoy this series as a desperately needed escape from life.
April 18, 2020
Truly charming darling.
I enjoy these books. They harm back to the era of Agatha Christie. Simple stories with over blown characters, everyone "whathoing" and other long extinct terms.
I enjoy these books. They harm back to the era of Agatha Christie. Simple stories with over blown characters, everyone "whathoing" and other long extinct terms.
August 6, 2020
Murder in Cold Mud...Book 2
Wonderful story..I totally enjoyed it...so many delightful characters and the story was constantly changing and twisting!..you will never believe the "Who done it".. In this story! Amazing adventure 😍
Wonderful story..I totally enjoyed it...so many delightful characters and the story was constantly changing and twisting!..you will never believe the "Who done it".. In this story! Amazing adventure 😍
February 2, 2021
Murder in Cold Mud
More delightful chewing gum for the brain. Nice and tidy. I love Churchill and Pemberley, especially because they are smart, and always manage to out smart the guilty perpetrator. Hard to be a smart woman in those days.
More delightful chewing gum for the brain. Nice and tidy. I love Churchill and Pemberley, especially because they are smart, and always manage to out smart the guilty perpetrator. Hard to be a smart woman in those days.
March 17, 2021
Very entertaining follow up
Quietly amusing story with lots of red herrings before the heroines reveal the truth in the best Agatha Christie style. Promises to be an excellent series
Quietly amusing story with lots of red herrings before the heroines reveal the truth in the best Agatha Christie style. Promises to be an excellent series
April 24, 2022
Hyacinth meets Jane
Imagine Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Boo kay) buying a detective agency where Miss Marple is the secretary. Well, Annabel Churchill and Miss Pemberly are the comic team in these British mysteries. Absolutely a good time, but the mystery is secondary.
Imagine Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Boo kay) buying a detective agency where Miss Marple is the secretary. Well, Annabel Churchill and Miss Pemberly are the comic team in these British mysteries. Absolutely a good time, but the mystery is secondary.
July 13, 2022
Another fun offering. Local hobby gardeners are being murdered. What could possibly be the motive, and who could be killing these fellows? Mrs. Churchill and Miss Pemberley combine forces to sleuth out the guilty party. Are vegetables really that important?
April 21, 2020
Good read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are good. The story is well written. There were many twist and turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are good. The story is well written. There were many twist and turns.
May 18, 2020
I tried twice to get through this, and just couldn’t force myself to read any more.
August 8, 2020
Once you get into the swing of Churchill's speech it's so much fun!
September 27, 2020
Very easy read. Ideal for holidays or in bed before sleep. Loving the characters, cross between Miss Marple and Midsummer Murders. Escapism to an earlier age. Looking forward to number 3.
January 27, 2021
Murder in Cold Mud
This was definitely a well written story. It was interesting, eventful and kept my attention. Much better than Book One. Good read!
This was definitely a well written story. It was interesting, eventful and kept my attention. Much better than Book One. Good read!
April 8, 2021
Good
Did not care as much for this Emily Organ as much as I enjoyed the others. With that said, I will be purchasing the next installment which really says it all.
Did not care as much for this Emily Organ as much as I enjoyed the others. With that said, I will be purchasing the next installment which really says it all.
April 30, 2021
Good mystery and great laughs
This book provided not only a good mystery which kept you guessing until the end as to the murderer was but also provided many, many humorous events
This book provided not only a good mystery which kept you guessing until the end as to the murderer was but also provided many, many humorous events
May 3, 2021
Tea Rooms Can Be.Fun
Very enjoyable book!! It was a typical Churchill storyline but this time it had a surprise ending. Along the way RSA’s Churchill gives us any laughs.
Very enjoyable book!! It was a typical Churchill storyline but this time it had a surprise ending. Along the way RSA’s Churchill gives us any laughs.
May 9, 2021
Still entertaining
August 17, 2021
Very intriguing!
This story really had me stumped. I had no idea who did it or why. At the end of the story it all came together.
This story really had me stumped. I had no idea who did it or why. At the end of the story it all came together.
February 28, 2022
I got further in this book before Mrs Churchill became almost too irritating to bear. She is such a bully to Miss Pemberley and she is so arrogant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews