What do you think?
Rate this book
Beaufort Scales Mystery #1-4
The Beaufort Scales Cozy Mysteries (with Dragons) Collection: Tea, murder, & magic in the Yorkshire Dales (Books 1 - 4)
"I confess, this series is laugh-out-loud funny! Completely creative, and with recipes!" - Amazon reviewer
A picture-perfect Yorkshire village.
You know the sort.
Village greens. Dry-stone walls. Summer bake sales.
A surprisingly high body count.
Dragons …
Toot Hansell nestles in the fells of the Yorkshire Dales, peaceful, river-girt, and ruled (in a subtle yet oddly irresistible manner) by the ladies of the Women's Institute. It's the sort of village where one might expect the greatest drama of the year would be someone getting a burnt scone at the summer fete.
However.
Toot Hansell is also home to dragons. Dragons with a fondness for barbecues, tea, mince pies, and investigations.
Because Toot Hansell also has a surprisingly high crime rate, and neither the Women's Institute nor the dragons are going to stand for that sort of thing. They've been watching Poirot. And one can't wait on the police to do everything …
Grab a cuppa and settle in with the first four books in the Beaufort Scales cozy mystery (with dragons) series.
And mind the cat. I think they may be up to something...
• • •
BAKING BAD:
"Baking Bad is a total romp that any dragon-lover not stuck in the smaug (see what I did there?) will love. Get your talons on this book now and enjoy." - Amazon reviewer
A tranquil village. A poisoned cupcake. A murdered vicar.
A simple case - or it should be. But all clues point to the local Women’s Institute, and Detective Inspector Adams is about to discover there’s much more to Toot Hansell than bake sales and jam making.
There's the dragons, for a start …
YULE BE SORRY:
"… another warm and funny caper in the Yorkshire Dales, a celebration of friendship, and a joy to read." - Amazon reviewer
A festive tale of kidnappings, explosions, and stolen turkeys.
One should never meddle in the affairs of dragons, but someone has been doing just that. They’ve been making dragon scale baubles that are nothing short of lethal, and kidnapping delivery drivers all over the Yorkshire Dales. And while the Women's Institute might not need to get involved, there's a limit to what the police can do when they don't believe in dragons …
A MANOR OF LIFE & DEATH:
"Hilarious, engaging, exciting and touching by turns (and sometimes all at once) and of course bolstered by oodles of tea and cake." - Amazon reviewer
Warring staff. “Accidental” poisonings. Topiary of dubious intent.
Throw in the full complement of the Toot Hansell Women’s Institute and dragons doing yoga on the terrace, and DI Adams is starting to wonder if she might have made a small misjudgement signing up for this particular spa weekend in the country.
And that’s before the dead body in the sauna and the storm that cuts them off from the rest of the world …
GAME OF SCONES:
"Each installment of the Beaufort Scales series just gets better and better." - Amazon reviewer
Bribery. Corruption. Murder. Who said local politics were boring?
Suspicious deaths on the Skipton city council don't sound as though they should have anything at all to do with the Toot Hansell Women's Institute, and they certainly shouldn't involve dragons. Or not in the mind of DI Adams, anyway.
The Women's Institute and dragons may have different ideas, of course …
NOTE:
These cozy mysteries contain:
- no graphic violence
- no sex
- no strong language; however it does contain some blasphemous language
- copious quantities of cake and tea. You may need supplies.
A picture-perfect Yorkshire village.
You know the sort.
Village greens. Dry-stone walls. Summer bake sales.
A surprisingly high body count.
Dragons …
Toot Hansell nestles in the fells of the Yorkshire Dales, peaceful, river-girt, and ruled (in a subtle yet oddly irresistible manner) by the ladies of the Women's Institute. It's the sort of village where one might expect the greatest drama of the year would be someone getting a burnt scone at the summer fete.
However.
Toot Hansell is also home to dragons. Dragons with a fondness for barbecues, tea, mince pies, and investigations.
Because Toot Hansell also has a surprisingly high crime rate, and neither the Women's Institute nor the dragons are going to stand for that sort of thing. They've been watching Poirot. And one can't wait on the police to do everything …
Grab a cuppa and settle in with the first four books in the Beaufort Scales cozy mystery (with dragons) series.
And mind the cat. I think they may be up to something...
• • •
BAKING BAD:
"Baking Bad is a total romp that any dragon-lover not stuck in the smaug (see what I did there?) will love. Get your talons on this book now and enjoy." - Amazon reviewer
A tranquil village. A poisoned cupcake. A murdered vicar.
A simple case - or it should be. But all clues point to the local Women’s Institute, and Detective Inspector Adams is about to discover there’s much more to Toot Hansell than bake sales and jam making.
There's the dragons, for a start …
YULE BE SORRY:
"… another warm and funny caper in the Yorkshire Dales, a celebration of friendship, and a joy to read." - Amazon reviewer
A festive tale of kidnappings, explosions, and stolen turkeys.
One should never meddle in the affairs of dragons, but someone has been doing just that. They’ve been making dragon scale baubles that are nothing short of lethal, and kidnapping delivery drivers all over the Yorkshire Dales. And while the Women's Institute might not need to get involved, there's a limit to what the police can do when they don't believe in dragons …
A MANOR OF LIFE & DEATH:
"Hilarious, engaging, exciting and touching by turns (and sometimes all at once) and of course bolstered by oodles of tea and cake." - Amazon reviewer
Warring staff. “Accidental” poisonings. Topiary of dubious intent.
Throw in the full complement of the Toot Hansell Women’s Institute and dragons doing yoga on the terrace, and DI Adams is starting to wonder if she might have made a small misjudgement signing up for this particular spa weekend in the country.
And that’s before the dead body in the sauna and the storm that cuts them off from the rest of the world …
GAME OF SCONES:
"Each installment of the Beaufort Scales series just gets better and better." - Amazon reviewer
Bribery. Corruption. Murder. Who said local politics were boring?
Suspicious deaths on the Skipton city council don't sound as though they should have anything at all to do with the Toot Hansell Women's Institute, and they certainly shouldn't involve dragons. Or not in the mind of DI Adams, anyway.
The Women's Institute and dragons may have different ideas, of course …
NOTE:
These cozy mysteries contain:
- no graphic violence
- no sex
- no strong language; however it does contain some blasphemous language
- copious quantities of cake and tea. You may need supplies.
1278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2020
142 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Kim M. Watt
42 books328 followersHello lovely people!
I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.
And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.
You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.
But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.
And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.
Come join me!
I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.
And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.
You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.
But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.
And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.
Come join me!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 26, 2023
I reviewed these books individually, but I read them in this collected edition, and despite the fact that I rated them slightly lower as single volumes, as a collection this is such a great buy and so worth the time. Plus there’s a link to a free recipe book, so you can be prepared for whenever some dragons with a taste for baked goods drop by! Absolutely wonderful!
April 28, 2022
Rated the storys individually but giving this 5 stars for shear value for money <3
October 30, 2022
High Tea and Dragons
This charming set of four novel's shows how the Beaufort Scales Dragons interact with the local Women's Institute in the small British village of Toot Hansell. They are brought together by their common interests in tea, baked goods, arts and crafts and keeping the secrets of the existence of a den of dragons who have shrunk over time to the size of dogs. Their leader is Beaufort Scales.
When crime threatens the village, the dragons are drawn into the lives of the middle-aged matrons, providing aerial surveillance and covert operations to search for clues. In return, the formidable W.I. ladies sell the dragon made goods at local fetes and on the internet to make the dragons' caves warmer and cozier.
These humorous stories transport the reader to a pleasant and timeless place where magical beings and humans live together in
almost perfect harmony (expect for the occasional death of some nasty pieces of work). As in any cozy mystery, evil doers are punished and virtue triumphs.
If you want to spending a few hours escaping the mundane real world and visit a place full of memorable characters, sit down with a pot of tea and a strawberry scone with clotted cream and fall under the spell of the enchanting Toot Hamsell dragons and their stalwart human allies.
This charming set of four novel's shows how the Beaufort Scales Dragons interact with the local Women's Institute in the small British village of Toot Hansell. They are brought together by their common interests in tea, baked goods, arts and crafts and keeping the secrets of the existence of a den of dragons who have shrunk over time to the size of dogs. Their leader is Beaufort Scales.
When crime threatens the village, the dragons are drawn into the lives of the middle-aged matrons, providing aerial surveillance and covert operations to search for clues. In return, the formidable W.I. ladies sell the dragon made goods at local fetes and on the internet to make the dragons' caves warmer and cozier.
These humorous stories transport the reader to a pleasant and timeless place where magical beings and humans live together in
almost perfect harmony (expect for the occasional death of some nasty pieces of work). As in any cozy mystery, evil doers are punished and virtue triumphs.
If you want to spending a few hours escaping the mundane real world and visit a place full of memorable characters, sit down with a pot of tea and a strawberry scone with clotted cream and fall under the spell of the enchanting Toot Hamsell dragons and their stalwart human allies.
September 26, 2023
This is an absolutely fantastic book and I thoroughly enjoyed them. When I finished the collection I just wanted to read more. The Beaufort Scale's cozy mysteries is just brilliant. if you love dragons even miniature ones cozy mysteries of village ladies doing their own bit of investigation and a serious amount of cakes then you're going to love these books I absolutely enjoyed them and I highly recommend them they are fantastic books and I would seriously give them a go, but I would recommend having a Victoria sponge or some sort of cake near to hand if you do.
March 9, 2022
Fun light set of mysteries! They're a bit formulaic, but so are most cozy mysteries. Surprisingly light on the murder side for the type, which I appreciate. It can be a bit ridiculous with books like this where a town of 1000 people had about a tenth of the population die off as the books progress.
I also appreciate the recipes at the end of each book. Not tried any out yet though.
I also appreciate the recipes at the end of each book. Not tried any out yet though.
November 15, 2022
Fun and laugh out loud funny!
Had no idea what this would be like but so glad I took the chance! Perfect for those days when it seems dark and too dreary, open this book and fall into a world of dragons who love tea and cake, older women who find they are more than what they thought, and the hysterical situations these two very unlikely group of friends find themselves!
Had no idea what this would be like but so glad I took the chance! Perfect for those days when it seems dark and too dreary, open this book and fall into a world of dragons who love tea and cake, older women who find they are more than what they thought, and the hysterical situations these two very unlikely group of friends find themselves!
March 4, 2021
Excellent series
This is the best, most refreshing, new fantasy series I have read in many years. There’s humor, a fabulous new plot and new characters, human and otherwise, in each book. I can scarcely wait to reread them all again and again and again!
This is the best, most refreshing, new fantasy series I have read in many years. There’s humor, a fabulous new plot and new characters, human and otherwise, in each book. I can scarcely wait to reread them all again and again and again!
April 22, 2021
Excellent read!
I highly recommend this imaginative, hilarious boxed set. It's a feel good read, in an easy to read format, at a great low price. I'm eager to read more of these phenomenal characters, and other books from this author. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this imaginative, hilarious boxed set. It's a feel good read, in an easy to read format, at a great low price. I'm eager to read more of these phenomenal characters, and other books from this author. Enjoy!
October 18, 2021
Delicious Mystery with magic in its bones
A delightful read with magical characters combining my love of magical creatures with detective stories and cake! Well with a read of the series.
A delightful read with magical characters combining my love of magical creatures with detective stories and cake! Well with a read of the series.
June 2, 2024
Delightful, fun reading!!
Very accessible characters, intelligent, murder mysteries, delightful locations lovingly described, humor, magic, and usually delicious sounding food - what’s not to love?
Very accessible characters, intelligent, murder mysteries, delightful locations lovingly described, humor, magic, and usually delicious sounding food - what’s not to love?
July 9, 2021
Brilliant series, great set of characters, really enjoyable read.
Do I want to read more of them ... most definitely !!!
Do I want to read more of them ... most definitely !!!
July 9, 2021
Great set of books
Enjoyable reading. Great turns of phrase, interesting characters and mysteries.
I ouldnt put this down and intend to read more
Enjoyable reading. Great turns of phrase, interesting characters and mysteries.
I ouldnt put this down and intend to read more
June 22, 2022
Superb
Love this series. Dragons, women's institute, dryads, eco protesters, a talking car, an invisible dandy dog and detectives.
Great fun
Love this series. Dragons, women's institute, dryads, eco protesters, a talking car, an invisible dandy dog and detectives.
Great fun
August 23, 2022
Very sweet, cozy books, comfort reading of the best sort. They did move a bit slowly for me sometimes, but I wouldn't really change anything.
March 26, 2024
These novels were very funny and enjoyable. The mysteries were well thought out and kept me guessing right up to the end of each book. I would recommend them.
September 2, 2025
The zany exploits of the Women's Institute and the Cloverly dragons are a joy to read. The constabularly don't have a moment to be bored. They are chasing after these clumsy amateur detectives.
August 21, 2023
I loved all the books. I loved the names and the personalities of each character. I love reading fun fantasy for adults. Fun, fun, fun!
December 26, 2024
Absolutely delightful!
Charming stories of village life, mysteries, and DRAGONS! So many laugh out loud moments, and a testament to the power of friendship and great baking. Kim Watt has a gift for drawing delicious word pictures. She writes compelling, well edited narratives that engage the reader in a world so real that I want to move to Toot Hansell myself.
Charming stories of village life, mysteries, and DRAGONS! So many laugh out loud moments, and a testament to the power of friendship and great baking. Kim Watt has a gift for drawing delicious word pictures. She writes compelling, well edited narratives that engage the reader in a world so real that I want to move to Toot Hansell myself.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews