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Isabelle Darby #1
Deadly Whispers in Lower Dimblebrook
When Isabelle Darby moves to the delightfully cosy village of Lower Dimblebrook, she’s searching for peace and quiet as well as a chance to escape from heartbreak. After making friends with Fiona Lambourne, another newcomer to the village, Issie is left reeling when tragedy strikes and Fiona is murdered, the second wife Anthony Lambourne has lost in unfortunate circumstances. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the local gossips insist that Fiona had been embroiled in an affair before her death, something which Issie knows not to be the case. Determined to clear her friend's reputation and solve the mystery of the rumours, Issie takes on both the gossips and the handsome but stern DI Wainwright, making both friends and enemies along the way!
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2020
70 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Julie Butterfield
13 books38 followersJulie Butterfield belongs to the rather large group of 'always wanted to write' authors who finally found the time to sit down and put pen to paper - or rather fingers to keyboard.
It has to be pointed out that 'Did I mention I won the lottery' is a complete work of fiction and she did not in fact receive millions in her bank account and forget to tell her husband - even though he still asks her every day if she has anything to tell him!
It has to be pointed out that 'Did I mention I won the lottery' is a complete work of fiction and she did not in fact receive millions in her bank account and forget to tell her husband - even though he still asks her every day if she has anything to tell him!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 25, 2021
This was an engaging, fun, light, and slowly evolving tale that took a winding path with several twists and false leads. Being the first of a new series we were introduced to a quaint little village full of uniquely quirky characters that were humorously and entertainingly depicted in an instantly knowable manner while in the midst of a murder investigation that appeared to be going nowhere. The new detective assigned to the area was confounded by the village ways and the lightning-fast and oddly powerful gossip mill, which somehow always the author’s writing style, wry wit, and leisurely and meandering pace, it was just what I needed.
January 24, 2021
I just really want to take a moment to admire this beautiful cover. It has just the right amount of cozy, a town where you can expect serene and quiet, while indulging in a little bit of murder - just perfect for cozy mystery fans.
Isabelle "Issie" Darby escapes from Bristol to a small village in the Cotswold - Lower Dimblebrook to escape and mend a broken heart. What she gets instead is losing a friend she has made in that small village to murder.
The writing was completely immersive as I sit and read this book while the rain is pouring in the winter chill. Butterfield transported me to an idyllic countryside village and as the mystery unfolds, you learn about the characters in the village, a little bit more about Issie as the investigation to find the culprit is on the way. I really enjoyed the writing. It was entertaining as it was enjoyable to read over a couple of days.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books with Julie Butterfield.
Isabelle "Issie" Darby escapes from Bristol to a small village in the Cotswold - Lower Dimblebrook to escape and mend a broken heart. What she gets instead is losing a friend she has made in that small village to murder.
The writing was completely immersive as I sit and read this book while the rain is pouring in the winter chill. Butterfield transported me to an idyllic countryside village and as the mystery unfolds, you learn about the characters in the village, a little bit more about Issie as the investigation to find the culprit is on the way. I really enjoyed the writing. It was entertaining as it was enjoyable to read over a couple of days.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading more books with Julie Butterfield.
January 25, 2021
Issie just transferred from Bristol to Lower Dimblebrook village, she became easily friend of Fiona Lambourne a slightly newcomer like her after she married a local man. They make a great duo and they feel really lucky to have found each other until the day Fiona was found dead and Issie feel isolated, like nobody gets her.
The police investigation brings up a possible affair between Fiona and a mysterious man that Detective Dave Wainwright thinks could have murdered the young woman, but Issie doesn't believe this piece of village gossip so she tries to clear her friend's name. Will Issie succeed in her aim without antagonize the detective and jeopardizing the investigation?
This was the first cozy mystery by Julie Butterfield I've read and I've found it nice and easy to read.
Chapter after chapter it was clear to me who the culprit was but I've still enjoyed of the little village life, all its inhabitants, the lively descriptions of the countryside. I adored the little love hints that the author put here and there, I so hope to read more about these characters.
I recommend to read this novel in a winter weekend, it will transport you to a Summer time full of colours and scents.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
January 21, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BlogTour for the first in Julie Butterfield's simply delightful cosy mystery series DEADLY WHISPERS IN LOWER DIMBLEBROOK.
Oh, my delightful wonder! I feel like I have stepped right into Midsomer County (minus the wonderful Tom Barnaby and the cheeky Ben Jones) and lost myself completely in this simply delightful Cotswold village. Although there aren't near as many murders in Lower Dimblebrook as there is in Midsomer. I was completely immersed within the first few pages and found myself cheering Issie on as she laid into the gossipy villagers in the local shop. Where do I begin with this...dare I say it again...delightful cosy mystery?
The story jumps right in as we find ourselves in the village shop alongside Isabelle "Issie" Darby as she hears Doris Stokes eagerly relinquish the juicy bit of gossip she has discovered. A body, right there in Lower Dimblebrook, for all to see as seen by Colin Bradbury as he passed by in his van and pulling over for details. But not just any body...that of Fiona Lambourne, of THE Lambournes of Lambourne Estate...the big house!
Issie couldn't believe her ears and told Doris stokes in no uncertain terms that she was mistaken and should be ashamed of herself for spreading malicious gossip. Fiona was her friend and they were meeting for lunch later that day, and Issie was here to purchase items for that lunch. But she left in a hurry after her altercation with Doris Stokes and without making any purchases. Issie hurried home and called Fiona's mobile, knowing that it was all a dreadful mistake and that they would both laugh about it together later. But Fiona never answered. And she never arrived for lunch. And Issie found herself in tears that maybe, just maybe, village gossip Doris was right and that Fiona was dead.
A couple of miles out of the village in the old disused car park for the woodlands was a crime scene. At the centre of it was the Range Rover belonging to Fiona Lambourne and a body laying beside it. DI Wainwright had just been promoted and found himself in this village backwater when he would rather be back in the city. He is joined by DC Jenny Cotterill who had grown up in Upper Dimblebrook and now lived in a village not far from where they now found themselves. Cotterill was a local and new how villages such as these worked and proved to be a useful asset to the investigation team.
Their first point of call is to Lambourne House of course to question the widow, Anthony Lambourne, and his mother Cecelia Lambourne. Both are shocked to learn of dear Fiona's tragic demise and could think of no one who could possibly want to harm her, let alone kill her. So who did murder Fiona and why? Then Wainwright discovers that this is Anthony Lambourne's second marriage, his first ending rather tragically as well. However, that was investigated fully at the time and ruled an accident. But Wainwright didn't believe in coincidences...
It isn't long before DI Wainwright finds himself at Issie's door to question her, as Fiona's closest friend. But almost from the first moment DI Wainwright didn't endear himself to Issie...in fact he infuriated her. And the feeling was somewhat mutual although, unlike Issie, he found her rather endearing and often popped back to her little cottage. Whether it be for questioning, updating...or just because he liked the scenery.
Then when Issie hears, from Doris once again, that Fiona had embarked on an affair and it was the talk of the village, she had had enough. Determined to clear her friend's name of any impropriety or infidelity, Issie embarks on her own investigation and before long calls on Doris to help her disprove the rumours that seem to be nothing but deadly whispers. After all, no one has actually seen this so-called man that Fiona was supposedly involved with. It just became rumour that fuelled the gossips.
And then Issie remembers Fiona telling her about Sophie Lambourne's diaries and how she had found them in the attic and began reading them, her obsession with Anthony's first wife propelling her. Issie had a thought as to where Fiona had hidden them, away from the the prying eyes of Cecelia. Upon finding them, Issie decided to read the last two diaries to see if she could find a link between Sophie and Fiona's deaths.
But is that altogether wise? The all-seeing, all-knowing eyes of Lower Dimblebrook seem to know everything Issie does before she's even contemplated it! But Issie soon discovers that the village grapevine can be a help instead of a hindrance.
The residents of Lower Dimblebrook are a delightful bunch - something akin to Midsomer or even Miss Marple's own St Mary Mead. Issie had left the busy life in Bristol behind after the collapse of her marriage and moved to the delightful village in the Cotswolds for a change of scenery and a change of lifestyle. She rents Brook House Dairy cottage from the equally delightful Madeleine Halesowen who is an absolute hoot! Although Issie kept to herself for the first several months of living in the village, and after discovering that she was indeed the talk of the village also, she decided to become more involved in the village. And so she befriends Doris Stokes, self appointed fountain of knowledge, the vicar's wife Miriam Hollier as well as Mrs Harris from the village shop. But the highlight of her days are the quiet conversations she shares with Madeleine, who always seems to have tea or elderberry gin or Pimm's on hand as if expecting her. But more than that, I love Geraldine! I hope, by some misfortune of Doris' friend Betty, that Issie gets to keep her. She is a welcome addition.
I thoroughly enjoyed DEADLY WHISPERS IN LOWER DIMBLEBROOK despite figuring out very early on in the story who the murderer was as it was staring me in the face throughout. It certainly didn't deter from my enjoyment as it was lovely escape from reality that I found myself completely immersed that I never wanted to leave.
I cannot wait for the second book. I am tempted to jump onto Amazon and purchase it right now - but my TBR list is so huge as it is I may never get to it...lol As I am on the tour for this book is how I have come to read it...and I am so glad I did. A mystery or two, a little romance, a chocolate box village where everyone knows everything about everyone...well, almost...what more could you ask for? DEADLY WHISPERS IN LOWER DIMBLEBROOK is a delightful little piece of the Cotswolds in this cosy mystery that you will never want to leave.
I would like to thank #JulieButterfield, #RachelsRandomResources, #ButterfieldBooks for an ARC of #DeadlyWhispersInLowerDimblebrook in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Oh, my delightful wonder! I feel like I have stepped right into Midsomer County (minus the wonderful Tom Barnaby and the cheeky Ben Jones) and lost myself completely in this simply delightful Cotswold village. Although there aren't near as many murders in Lower Dimblebrook as there is in Midsomer. I was completely immersed within the first few pages and found myself cheering Issie on as she laid into the gossipy villagers in the local shop. Where do I begin with this...dare I say it again...delightful cosy mystery?
The story jumps right in as we find ourselves in the village shop alongside Isabelle "Issie" Darby as she hears Doris Stokes eagerly relinquish the juicy bit of gossip she has discovered. A body, right there in Lower Dimblebrook, for all to see as seen by Colin Bradbury as he passed by in his van and pulling over for details. But not just any body...that of Fiona Lambourne, of THE Lambournes of Lambourne Estate...the big house!
Issie couldn't believe her ears and told Doris stokes in no uncertain terms that she was mistaken and should be ashamed of herself for spreading malicious gossip. Fiona was her friend and they were meeting for lunch later that day, and Issie was here to purchase items for that lunch. But she left in a hurry after her altercation with Doris Stokes and without making any purchases. Issie hurried home and called Fiona's mobile, knowing that it was all a dreadful mistake and that they would both laugh about it together later. But Fiona never answered. And she never arrived for lunch. And Issie found herself in tears that maybe, just maybe, village gossip Doris was right and that Fiona was dead.
A couple of miles out of the village in the old disused car park for the woodlands was a crime scene. At the centre of it was the Range Rover belonging to Fiona Lambourne and a body laying beside it. DI Wainwright had just been promoted and found himself in this village backwater when he would rather be back in the city. He is joined by DC Jenny Cotterill who had grown up in Upper Dimblebrook and now lived in a village not far from where they now found themselves. Cotterill was a local and new how villages such as these worked and proved to be a useful asset to the investigation team.
Their first point of call is to Lambourne House of course to question the widow, Anthony Lambourne, and his mother Cecelia Lambourne. Both are shocked to learn of dear Fiona's tragic demise and could think of no one who could possibly want to harm her, let alone kill her. So who did murder Fiona and why? Then Wainwright discovers that this is Anthony Lambourne's second marriage, his first ending rather tragically as well. However, that was investigated fully at the time and ruled an accident. But Wainwright didn't believe in coincidences...
It isn't long before DI Wainwright finds himself at Issie's door to question her, as Fiona's closest friend. But almost from the first moment DI Wainwright didn't endear himself to Issie...in fact he infuriated her. And the feeling was somewhat mutual although, unlike Issie, he found her rather endearing and often popped back to her little cottage. Whether it be for questioning, updating...or just because he liked the scenery.
Then when Issie hears, from Doris once again, that Fiona had embarked on an affair and it was the talk of the village, she had had enough. Determined to clear her friend's name of any impropriety or infidelity, Issie embarks on her own investigation and before long calls on Doris to help her disprove the rumours that seem to be nothing but deadly whispers. After all, no one has actually seen this so-called man that Fiona was supposedly involved with. It just became rumour that fuelled the gossips.
And then Issie remembers Fiona telling her about Sophie Lambourne's diaries and how she had found them in the attic and began reading them, her obsession with Anthony's first wife propelling her. Issie had a thought as to where Fiona had hidden them, away from the the prying eyes of Cecelia. Upon finding them, Issie decided to read the last two diaries to see if she could find a link between Sophie and Fiona's deaths.
But is that altogether wise? The all-seeing, all-knowing eyes of Lower Dimblebrook seem to know everything Issie does before she's even contemplated it! But Issie soon discovers that the village grapevine can be a help instead of a hindrance.
The residents of Lower Dimblebrook are a delightful bunch - something akin to Midsomer or even Miss Marple's own St Mary Mead. Issie had left the busy life in Bristol behind after the collapse of her marriage and moved to the delightful village in the Cotswolds for a change of scenery and a change of lifestyle. She rents Brook House Dairy cottage from the equally delightful Madeleine Halesowen who is an absolute hoot! Although Issie kept to herself for the first several months of living in the village, and after discovering that she was indeed the talk of the village also, she decided to become more involved in the village. And so she befriends Doris Stokes, self appointed fountain of knowledge, the vicar's wife Miriam Hollier as well as Mrs Harris from the village shop. But the highlight of her days are the quiet conversations she shares with Madeleine, who always seems to have tea or elderberry gin or Pimm's on hand as if expecting her. But more than that, I love Geraldine! I hope, by some misfortune of Doris' friend Betty, that Issie gets to keep her. She is a welcome addition.
I thoroughly enjoyed DEADLY WHISPERS IN LOWER DIMBLEBROOK despite figuring out very early on in the story who the murderer was as it was staring me in the face throughout. It certainly didn't deter from my enjoyment as it was lovely escape from reality that I found myself completely immersed that I never wanted to leave.
I cannot wait for the second book. I am tempted to jump onto Amazon and purchase it right now - but my TBR list is so huge as it is I may never get to it...lol As I am on the tour for this book is how I have come to read it...and I am so glad I did. A mystery or two, a little romance, a chocolate box village where everyone knows everything about everyone...well, almost...what more could you ask for? DEADLY WHISPERS IN LOWER DIMBLEBROOK is a delightful little piece of the Cotswolds in this cosy mystery that you will never want to leave.
I would like to thank #JulieButterfield, #RachelsRandomResources, #ButterfieldBooks for an ARC of #DeadlyWhispersInLowerDimblebrook in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 21, 2021
Series: Isabelle Darby Cozy Village Mysteries #1
Publication: 10/30/20
Number of Pages: 222
Julie Butterfield is a new-to-me author who has definitely captured my attention. I enjoyed the mystery even though the identity of the villain was fairly apparent early on. I also enjoyed the hints of a coming romance – which is a requirement for me in mysteries. I love a good mystery, but I definitely need a little romance to go along with it, so I’m looking forward to future books. The plotting was well-done and the book was well-written.
Isabelle Darby moved to the small Cotswold village of Lower Dimblebrook from Bristol just after the break-up of her marriage. She wanted to completely disconnect from the familiar faces and places – all of those reminders in Bristol. In Lower Dimblebrook, she has certainly found that new lifestyle – along with a new career as a book illustrator. She rents Brook House Dairy, a beautiful old stone cottage covered in honeysuckle, owned by a lovely older lady (you’ll love her, Madeleine Halesowen, she is a hoot). Isabelle has only been in the village a short time but hasn’t tried to ‘fit into’ village life yet. She just isn’t ready, so she keeps herself pretty isolated. She has only made one friend in the village – another newcomer – Fiona Lambourne – who is married to the local large landowner, Anthony Lambourne. Isabelle, ‘Issie’, and Fiona have only known each other for a short time, but they’ve become very close friends.
Detective Inspector Dave Wainwright isn’t enjoying working in the Cotswolds. He just doesn’t get village life. Investigations aren’t just straight-forward investigations. No, here you have to follow the rules of the village – and the villagers will tell you what they want you to know. Or, the villagers are in such awe of and respectful of certain locals that they take whatever those individuals say as gospel and then repeat it as fact until everyone believes it actually is a fact. DI Wainwright just doesn’t get it – but lucky for him, Detective Constable Jenny Cotterill, is a local and understands the protocols.
DI Wainwright and DC Cotterill are called to Lower Dimblebrook when the body of Fiona Lambourne is found in an abandoned local car park. She had been bludgeoned to death with a large rock. Why was Fiona at that car park? Was she meeting someone? If so, who? Fiona was a lovely, caring young woman who loved her husband and her two step-sons – who would want to harm her?
Issie is in shock when she hears her friend Fiona is dead – frankly, she doesn’t believe it at first and has words with the person she hears telling the tale. When Fiona doesn’t arrive for the planned luncheon with Issie, and Issie can’t reach her on her phone, she comes to the shocking realization it must be true. When rumors spread that Fiona was having an affair, and the police are buying into that theory, Issie can’t stay out of it. She knows beyond any doubt that Fiona was NOT having an affair – that she loved her husband with all of her heart. Issie vowed to clear Fiona’s name since the police would not.
I enjoyed the book and I enjoyed the push-pull between Issie and DI Wainwright. I also enjoyed the peep into small village life. I loved the secondary characters - Madeleine Halesowen, Doris Stokes – the village gossip, and Miriam Hollier – the Vicar’s wife. What I didn’t care for was some of the TSTL things Issie did and her ‘logic’ that allowed her to get to that point.
I hope you’ll give this author and this book a try and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication: 10/30/20
Number of Pages: 222
Julie Butterfield is a new-to-me author who has definitely captured my attention. I enjoyed the mystery even though the identity of the villain was fairly apparent early on. I also enjoyed the hints of a coming romance – which is a requirement for me in mysteries. I love a good mystery, but I definitely need a little romance to go along with it, so I’m looking forward to future books. The plotting was well-done and the book was well-written.
Isabelle Darby moved to the small Cotswold village of Lower Dimblebrook from Bristol just after the break-up of her marriage. She wanted to completely disconnect from the familiar faces and places – all of those reminders in Bristol. In Lower Dimblebrook, she has certainly found that new lifestyle – along with a new career as a book illustrator. She rents Brook House Dairy, a beautiful old stone cottage covered in honeysuckle, owned by a lovely older lady (you’ll love her, Madeleine Halesowen, she is a hoot). Isabelle has only been in the village a short time but hasn’t tried to ‘fit into’ village life yet. She just isn’t ready, so she keeps herself pretty isolated. She has only made one friend in the village – another newcomer – Fiona Lambourne – who is married to the local large landowner, Anthony Lambourne. Isabelle, ‘Issie’, and Fiona have only known each other for a short time, but they’ve become very close friends.
Detective Inspector Dave Wainwright isn’t enjoying working in the Cotswolds. He just doesn’t get village life. Investigations aren’t just straight-forward investigations. No, here you have to follow the rules of the village – and the villagers will tell you what they want you to know. Or, the villagers are in such awe of and respectful of certain locals that they take whatever those individuals say as gospel and then repeat it as fact until everyone believes it actually is a fact. DI Wainwright just doesn’t get it – but lucky for him, Detective Constable Jenny Cotterill, is a local and understands the protocols.
DI Wainwright and DC Cotterill are called to Lower Dimblebrook when the body of Fiona Lambourne is found in an abandoned local car park. She had been bludgeoned to death with a large rock. Why was Fiona at that car park? Was she meeting someone? If so, who? Fiona was a lovely, caring young woman who loved her husband and her two step-sons – who would want to harm her?
Issie is in shock when she hears her friend Fiona is dead – frankly, she doesn’t believe it at first and has words with the person she hears telling the tale. When Fiona doesn’t arrive for the planned luncheon with Issie, and Issie can’t reach her on her phone, she comes to the shocking realization it must be true. When rumors spread that Fiona was having an affair, and the police are buying into that theory, Issie can’t stay out of it. She knows beyond any doubt that Fiona was NOT having an affair – that she loved her husband with all of her heart. Issie vowed to clear Fiona’s name since the police would not.
I enjoyed the book and I enjoyed the push-pull between Issie and DI Wainwright. I also enjoyed the peep into small village life. I loved the secondary characters - Madeleine Halesowen, Doris Stokes – the village gossip, and Miriam Hollier – the Vicar’s wife. What I didn’t care for was some of the TSTL things Issie did and her ‘logic’ that allowed her to get to that point.
I hope you’ll give this author and this book a try and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2021
I'm moving to Lower Dimblebrook.
Okay, so our heroine, Issy, moves to this cozy little village to escape the heartbreak and shame of divorce and live in anonymity. Then the one friend she makes is found murdered in an abandoned car park.
I love this picturesque, oh so English village the author creates and the characters who populate it! That said, I knew who the culprit was from the start, and the main character, Issy, stands out as an author's pawn. She is thick as pudding, witnessed first by the fact that she chose a small village to disappear in. A village. Where everyone knows when you so much as sneeze. Then she makes friends with the lady of the big house. Not exactly flying under the radar.
And it's not her friend's murder that upsets her so much as rumors of her infidelity! I also suspect our Issy, after downing two gins, chased by two bottles of wine and waking without so much as a headache, may have a little problem. But then, I'm a teetotaler, so what do I know? Issy goes on to be extremely repetitive and make implausible choices that make the plot drag, and both she and tall, dark, and broody (and prospective love interest), DI Wainwright, fail to follow obvious lines of inquiry, which is another sign of author imposition. While the villagers can get away with not seeing the forest for the trees because of their history, outsiders should at least question certain things--like the victim did.
The writing was very good in the beginning, which pleased me, though the deeper I got into the book, the more grammatical errors pulled me out of the story. And I'm not talking about the usual English spelling or phrases. I did notice the head-hopping, but that's pretty common for English writers, so I take that in stride.
Even with all that, I can't help it. I love Lower Dimblebook. I love Madeleine and her magic teapot, and Doris, and Miriam, and four-legged Geraldine, and I will be be going back for more. The author created a wonderful storyworld and I want more. I hope Issy comes into her own and doesn't let me down.
Okay, so our heroine, Issy, moves to this cozy little village to escape the heartbreak and shame of divorce and live in anonymity. Then the one friend she makes is found murdered in an abandoned car park.
I love this picturesque, oh so English village the author creates and the characters who populate it! That said, I knew who the culprit was from the start, and the main character, Issy, stands out as an author's pawn. She is thick as pudding, witnessed first by the fact that she chose a small village to disappear in. A village. Where everyone knows when you so much as sneeze. Then she makes friends with the lady of the big house. Not exactly flying under the radar.
And it's not her friend's murder that upsets her so much as rumors of her infidelity! I also suspect our Issy, after downing two gins, chased by two bottles of wine and waking without so much as a headache, may have a little problem. But then, I'm a teetotaler, so what do I know? Issy goes on to be extremely repetitive and make implausible choices that make the plot drag, and both she and tall, dark, and broody (and prospective love interest), DI Wainwright, fail to follow obvious lines of inquiry, which is another sign of author imposition. While the villagers can get away with not seeing the forest for the trees because of their history, outsiders should at least question certain things--like the victim did.
The writing was very good in the beginning, which pleased me, though the deeper I got into the book, the more grammatical errors pulled me out of the story. And I'm not talking about the usual English spelling or phrases. I did notice the head-hopping, but that's pretty common for English writers, so I take that in stride.
Even with all that, I can't help it. I love Lower Dimblebook. I love Madeleine and her magic teapot, and Doris, and Miriam, and four-legged Geraldine, and I will be be going back for more. The author created a wonderful storyworld and I want more. I hope Issy comes into her own and doesn't let me down.
January 24, 2021
3.5 Issie is an absolutely infuriating character but I enjoyed this quite a lot. Full review to come!
January 23, 2021
If there’s one thing that I like to do, it’s discovering new authors. Julie Butterfield is definitely a new author for me. I read the synopsis of this story and it certainly sounded like it was right up my street, as I love anything to do with mystery (cozy or otherwise) and murder. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me next to no time to get into this book. As soon as I started to read, I instinctively knew that I was in for a treat with this story and that I would have extreme difficulty in putting the book to one side for any length of time. So it proved to be. I became wrapped up in the story to the extent that I managed to focus only on the book, I shut out all other distractions and I lost track of time. I didn’t realise just how quickly I had been getting through the book until I looked up to check and I was staggered to realise that I had cleared over a third of the book in one go. I was enjoying the story that much that I just didn’t want to put the book down. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right path or if I had the wrong end of the stick. I found ‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ to be an addictive read, which held my attention from start to finish.
‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ is well written. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In a way, reading this book felt like having a darn good village gossip with all the other nosy busybodies. The author has clearly captured the ‘village mentality’. I live in a village too and it is fairly like Lower Dimblebrook in that people mind everybody else’s business except their own. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be an intriguing story with some interesting characters. I found this to be a well written and gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Julie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me next to no time to get into this book. As soon as I started to read, I instinctively knew that I was in for a treat with this story and that I would have extreme difficulty in putting the book to one side for any length of time. So it proved to be. I became wrapped up in the story to the extent that I managed to focus only on the book, I shut out all other distractions and I lost track of time. I didn’t realise just how quickly I had been getting through the book until I looked up to check and I was staggered to realise that I had cleared over a third of the book in one go. I was enjoying the story that much that I just didn’t want to put the book down. I had my own suspicions as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right path or if I had the wrong end of the stick. I found ‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ to be an addictive read, which held my attention from start to finish.
‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ is well written. The author has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In a way, reading this book felt like having a darn good village gossip with all the other nosy busybodies. The author has clearly captured the ‘village mentality’. I live in a village too and it is fairly like Lower Dimblebrook in that people mind everybody else’s business except their own. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be an intriguing story with some interesting characters. I found this to be a well written and gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Deadly Whispers In Lower Dimblebrook’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Julie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 26, 2021
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries fan? If you are, I’ve got one heck of a perfect cozy for you. This one is so good I really think Hallmark should pick it up and make it into a movie, it would transfer to the screen so well, and I’ve already casted Lacey Chabert as Issie.
Just in case Hallmark doesn’t take my suggestion, you need to pick this one up if you are a murder mystery lover, it checks all the boxes! Deadly Whispers in Lower Dimblebrook by Julie Butterfield is her first cozy mystery, and it is also the first in the Isabell Darby Cozy Village Mystery Series.
Issie has moved to the quaint little village of Lower Dimblebrook to get away. With her relationship failed, she just wanted to be in a place where nobody knows her past and she could start again. Not knowing anyone in Lower Dimblebrook, she befriends Fiona one day, another newcomer to the village. Fiona and Issie become fast friends and confidants, so when Fiona is found murdered one morning, Issie is beside herself. The small little village is full of gossip, and the rumor is that Fiona had been cheating on her husband, Anthony Lambourne, the son of the wealthy Lambourne family and heir to the Lambourne Estate. Issie insists that Fiona was madly in love with her husband and wasn’t cheating, but no one believes her, not even DI Wainwright who is working the case. So she sets off to find out the truth and quash the rumor, clearing Fiona’s reputation, hopefully solving the mystery of Fiona’s murder before DI Wainwright finds out she is snooping around.
An absolute page turner from page one, Julie Butterfield has successfully written the start to what is bound to be a brilliant mystery series. The characters in Lower Dimblebrook are delightful, and Issie is an exemplary protagonist. There is more to mystery in this one as we slowly start to find out why Issie has moved from the big city, and the spark of a relationship with the attractive yet “disturbing” DI Wainwright looks as if it could turn into something more. I absolutely loved this charming mystery and look forward to reading Book 2 in the series, which was fortunately released last month. I think Ms. Butterfield may have just found her niche in Lower Dimblebrook. Highly recommend, I'd love to see this onscreen!
Just in case Hallmark doesn’t take my suggestion, you need to pick this one up if you are a murder mystery lover, it checks all the boxes! Deadly Whispers in Lower Dimblebrook by Julie Butterfield is her first cozy mystery, and it is also the first in the Isabell Darby Cozy Village Mystery Series.
Issie has moved to the quaint little village of Lower Dimblebrook to get away. With her relationship failed, she just wanted to be in a place where nobody knows her past and she could start again. Not knowing anyone in Lower Dimblebrook, she befriends Fiona one day, another newcomer to the village. Fiona and Issie become fast friends and confidants, so when Fiona is found murdered one morning, Issie is beside herself. The small little village is full of gossip, and the rumor is that Fiona had been cheating on her husband, Anthony Lambourne, the son of the wealthy Lambourne family and heir to the Lambourne Estate. Issie insists that Fiona was madly in love with her husband and wasn’t cheating, but no one believes her, not even DI Wainwright who is working the case. So she sets off to find out the truth and quash the rumor, clearing Fiona’s reputation, hopefully solving the mystery of Fiona’s murder before DI Wainwright finds out she is snooping around.
An absolute page turner from page one, Julie Butterfield has successfully written the start to what is bound to be a brilliant mystery series. The characters in Lower Dimblebrook are delightful, and Issie is an exemplary protagonist. There is more to mystery in this one as we slowly start to find out why Issie has moved from the big city, and the spark of a relationship with the attractive yet “disturbing” DI Wainwright looks as if it could turn into something more. I absolutely loved this charming mystery and look forward to reading Book 2 in the series, which was fortunately released last month. I think Ms. Butterfield may have just found her niche in Lower Dimblebrook. Highly recommend, I'd love to see this onscreen!
January 22, 2021
🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄Book Review
🌄When Isabelle Darby moves to the delightfully cosy village of Lower Dimblebrook, she’s searching for
peace and quiet as well as a chance to escape from heartbreak.
🌄After making friends with Fiona
Lambourne, another newcomer to the village, Issie is left reeling when tragedy strikes and Fiona is
murdered, the second wife Anthony Lambourne has lost in unfortunate circumstances. And if that
wasn’t bad enough, the local gossips insist that Fiona had been embroiled in an affair before her
death, something which Issie knows not to be the case.
🌄Determined to clear her friend's reputation
and solve the mystery of the rumours, Issie takes on both the gossips and the handsome but stern DI
Wainwright, making both friends and enemies along the way!
🌄This book is completely up my street as it merges two genres I enjoy: chick lit and murder.
It is very reminiscent of Miss Marple/Midsomer Murders episodes which I find are not so heavy and deep that you need all your concentration to absorb it, which was perfect for me to have this to hand as a bit of escapism after a long day teaching.
🌄I found Issie (the main character) somewhat a reluctant heroine as she was conflicted in trying to find out who murdered her best friend yet was hampered by her own anxieties of saying or doing the wrong thing. Her will they/won't they relationship with the detective assigned to the case is also endearing held my interest too.
🌄I am pleased to see that this is book one as I was hoping this would turn into a series of books.
Well done Julie Butterfield! You have a new collector of your books!
🌄🌄🌄🌄/5
🌄When Isabelle Darby moves to the delightfully cosy village of Lower Dimblebrook, she’s searching for
peace and quiet as well as a chance to escape from heartbreak.
🌄After making friends with Fiona
Lambourne, another newcomer to the village, Issie is left reeling when tragedy strikes and Fiona is
murdered, the second wife Anthony Lambourne has lost in unfortunate circumstances. And if that
wasn’t bad enough, the local gossips insist that Fiona had been embroiled in an affair before her
death, something which Issie knows not to be the case.
🌄Determined to clear her friend's reputation
and solve the mystery of the rumours, Issie takes on both the gossips and the handsome but stern DI
Wainwright, making both friends and enemies along the way!
🌄This book is completely up my street as it merges two genres I enjoy: chick lit and murder.
It is very reminiscent of Miss Marple/Midsomer Murders episodes which I find are not so heavy and deep that you need all your concentration to absorb it, which was perfect for me to have this to hand as a bit of escapism after a long day teaching.
🌄I found Issie (the main character) somewhat a reluctant heroine as she was conflicted in trying to find out who murdered her best friend yet was hampered by her own anxieties of saying or doing the wrong thing. Her will they/won't they relationship with the detective assigned to the case is also endearing held my interest too.
🌄I am pleased to see that this is book one as I was hoping this would turn into a series of books.
Well done Julie Butterfield! You have a new collector of your books!
🌄🌄🌄🌄/5
November 25, 2020
Izzie is relatively new to Lower Dimblebrook and has made a friend in Fiona through going to a Zumba class. They have arranged to meet for lunch, but when in the local shop, Izzie hears the village gossip say that Fiona has just been found dead, being found in a nearby car park where she was apparently meeting her lover. Izzie is outraged and won’t believe a word of it. Fiona can't be dead- they were meeting for lunch and no way is she having an affair- she dearly loves her husband having given up so much to be with him and live with not only him but his mother also in the big house. After a visit from DI Wainwright who pretty much says the same thing Izzie sets out to defend her friend and scotch the rumours- and discovers more than she anticipated. Is it coincidence that Anthony Lambourne has lost two wives or is more going on in the big house?
I really enjoyed reading this- it's a fun read with some wonderful characters. Izzie comes across as just the friend you would like, Doris as a right old gossip but with her heart in the right place and Dave? Let's say Dave is Dave! (you’ll have to read to find out more). A mystery or two, a village where everyone knows things about everyone, a little romance and a smile- what more could you ask for? Loved it.
I really enjoyed reading this- it's a fun read with some wonderful characters. Izzie comes across as just the friend you would like, Doris as a right old gossip but with her heart in the right place and Dave? Let's say Dave is Dave! (you’ll have to read to find out more). A mystery or two, a village where everyone knows things about everyone, a little romance and a smile- what more could you ask for? Loved it.
June 9, 2023
I hadn't read anything by this author before but I like cozy mystery books so this was something I thought I'd like. It took a while for the story to get going and I had worked out who the murderer was by the middle of the book, but it didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the book and I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Set in the Cotswolds, Isabelle or Issie had moved to Lower Dimblebrook to make a fresh start. She's renting a cute cottage and Madeline, the owner lives in a house behind her; she has a habit of serving alcoholic drinks from a teapot so you have to watch what you're doing! Lower Dimbrook residents are typical of small villages, everyone knows what's going on with everyone else.
When Fiona, a friend of Issie's is murdered, Issie feels she has to ask questions because everyone assumes it was Fiona's lover who killed her, when Issie is adamant she was in a happy marriage to the local lord of the manor. DI Wainwright is assigned to the case, he's not used to working in a small village and gets frustrated with the small village residents and their closeness.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Set in the Cotswolds, Isabelle or Issie had moved to Lower Dimblebrook to make a fresh start. She's renting a cute cottage and Madeline, the owner lives in a house behind her; she has a habit of serving alcoholic drinks from a teapot so you have to watch what you're doing! Lower Dimbrook residents are typical of small villages, everyone knows what's going on with everyone else.
When Fiona, a friend of Issie's is murdered, Issie feels she has to ask questions because everyone assumes it was Fiona's lover who killed her, when Issie is adamant she was in a happy marriage to the local lord of the manor. DI Wainwright is assigned to the case, he's not used to working in a small village and gets frustrated with the small village residents and their closeness.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 29, 2025
Well first of all, I liked the setting and the descriptions of village life, but I knew who the killer was about a third of the way into the book, and this is as someone who rarely guesses these type of things. I still kept reading just to find out how the truth would come to light and then was very disappointed because there seems to be a huge plot hole that nobody has mentioned anywhere and I'm rather surprised that no one has talked about this.
SPOILER
Fiona mentions in her diary that she is due to meet..... well you know who.... the next day, so obviously this diary entry was written the night before. Yet earlier in the book its clearly mentioned that she gave Issie the locker keys and pass days before her death. So how did Fiona put the updated diary into her locker when Issie was the one who had the key?
Apart from that, Issie's behavior and reasoning at the end of the book is extremely annoying and really very stupid.
I did like some things about the book and there were some very funny moments, but I just couldn't get past the plot hole and Issie behaving the way she did. Three stars but that's being slightly generous.
SPOILER
Fiona mentions in her diary that she is due to meet..... well you know who.... the next day, so obviously this diary entry was written the night before. Yet earlier in the book its clearly mentioned that she gave Issie the locker keys and pass days before her death. So how did Fiona put the updated diary into her locker when Issie was the one who had the key?
Apart from that, Issie's behavior and reasoning at the end of the book is extremely annoying and really very stupid.
I did like some things about the book and there were some very funny moments, but I just couldn't get past the plot hole and Issie behaving the way she did. Three stars but that's being slightly generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2021
This has been, as expected, a nice, comfortable and easy read. There are many conventions of the cosy mystery genre here which I have enjoyed. Firstly, there was the engaging opening which sets us up for the mystery we are dealing with – an unexpected murder of an upper class village wife. We are told that a woman has been found dead in a car park. There is very scant details or evidence apart from that to begin, and it is up to the investigators, the villagers, and us to come up with a theory or conclusion as to what happened and why.
I have felt totally immersed in village life and all the highs and lows of it. Throughout the book, the author touches on elements such as community spirit, friendship and loyalty, but also explores in some detail the issues of a village rumour mill and village gossip.
The elements of friendship and hints at romance within the book provide a lighter tone, again fitting in with this wonderful aspect of the cosy mystery genre. I thought it would be a challenge to make the development of the relationship between Issie and DI Wainwright seem authentic and genuine, whilst maintaining the integrity of the investigation and the main plot, but this talented author does so with ease.
In summary, this is a comfortable, easy going read for fans of, or newbies to the cosy mystery genre, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to reading the next in the series, and seeing what’s next for the wonderfully eccentric characters I have met in Dimblebrook!
I have felt totally immersed in village life and all the highs and lows of it. Throughout the book, the author touches on elements such as community spirit, friendship and loyalty, but also explores in some detail the issues of a village rumour mill and village gossip.
The elements of friendship and hints at romance within the book provide a lighter tone, again fitting in with this wonderful aspect of the cosy mystery genre. I thought it would be a challenge to make the development of the relationship between Issie and DI Wainwright seem authentic and genuine, whilst maintaining the integrity of the investigation and the main plot, but this talented author does so with ease.
In summary, this is a comfortable, easy going read for fans of, or newbies to the cosy mystery genre, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to reading the next in the series, and seeing what’s next for the wonderfully eccentric characters I have met in Dimblebrook!
January 20, 2021
Issie is a character that you quickly like. A kind woman who is still recovering from a betrayal. The loss of a close friend is not something she can easily cope with, and the range of emotions she experiences are authentic and relatable.
There are lots of villagey characters, a multi-layered plot and a taciturn and sexy detective. He and Issie frequently clash over the murder investigation. Madeline Issie's landlord and neighbour is an enigmatic character who disperses advice humour and alcohol in a china teapot throughout the story.
The plot keeps its secrets well and has lots of false leads. The ending is climatic and revealing in lots of ways and worthy of such an engaging tale.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
There are lots of villagey characters, a multi-layered plot and a taciturn and sexy detective. He and Issie frequently clash over the murder investigation. Madeline Issie's landlord and neighbour is an enigmatic character who disperses advice humour and alcohol in a china teapot throughout the story.
The plot keeps its secrets well and has lots of false leads. The ending is climatic and revealing in lots of ways and worthy of such an engaging tale.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
April 25, 2024
I did like this book however there was a lot of repetition in the text & some incorrect words and grammar. The culprit for me was also a little obvious from the beginning.
The main characters were likeable and the villagers were written nicely too. The police characters were intriguing. I think the Constable could be expanded upon in future stories and I am assuming the relationship between the Inspector and the main character will grow.
Now the scene has been set for future stories hopefully there will be fewer errors and less repetition, that said I will read the next story soon. Murder aside (my favourite genre - obviously) Lower Dimblebrook seemed quite a pleasant place to spend a few hours reading about.
The main characters were likeable and the villagers were written nicely too. The police characters were intriguing. I think the Constable could be expanded upon in future stories and I am assuming the relationship between the Inspector and the main character will grow.
Now the scene has been set for future stories hopefully there will be fewer errors and less repetition, that said I will read the next story soon. Murder aside (my favourite genre - obviously) Lower Dimblebrook seemed quite a pleasant place to spend a few hours reading about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2020
Deadly Whispers in Lower Dimblebrook is a cozy mystery you'll want to read. Could there really be a murderer in the quaint Cotswold village? Author Julie Butterfield describes in accurate detail what happens when rumors are whispered in a small village. Soon it's hard to know what is truth and what is tale. Add a murder and everyone has a story. Lower Dimblebrook's villagers are wonderfully crafted and soon I was walking along the quaint roads by cottages in the Cotswold with Issie. Enjoyable read!
April 20, 2022
A thoroughly good read
Such a well written story. It gave me an insight to village life to the extent that I gradually got to feel I knew Lower Dimblebrook and its people.
Highly recommended.
.
Such a well written story. It gave me an insight to village life to the extent that I gradually got to feel I knew Lower Dimblebrook and its people.
Highly recommended.
.
September 10, 2022
Murder in the family
This book could do with a good editor . Apart from that it's a fairly good read although who know who the murderer is from mid-way through the book and that let's it down.
This book could do with a good editor . Apart from that it's a fairly good read although who know who the murderer is from mid-way through the book and that let's it down.
March 27, 2025
entertaining
I enjoyed this book, it flowed along and the characters were well described and I would like to live in the village myself!
I enjoyed this book, it flowed along and the characters were well described and I would like to live in the village myself!
April 13, 2021
*I received an ARC copy through Authors XP in exchange for an honest review*
An unexpected murder. Small town gossip. Alleged affairs. And a love story between the new girl in town and the detective investigating said murder.
Deadly Whispers in Lower Dimblebrook has got it all!
The story follows the small but lively village of Dimblebrook where a recent murder has taken place. The story begins off with two women gossiping about the death of Fiona Lambourne while grocery shopping when Isabelle Darby — or Issie — overhears. Issie had just moved to Lower Dimlebrook and made friends with Fiona, so to find out about her death the way she did, was just terrible, and as a reader, I totally felt her emotions resonating through her character. I could imagine myself in the scene, just going about my business, picking out food, and then accidentally overhearing a conversation about a friend’s recent death. Issie stands by the truth that Fiona is so not dead and even stands by her when there are “deadly whispers” of Fiona being caught in a secret affair right before her death.
I thought adding the “affair” twist into the story was really interesting because it gave both readers and citizens of Lower Dimblebrook a hmmm-who-could-it-be kind of moment because naturally, the blame should go to Fiona’s husband, who had already lost a previous wife in an unfortunate accident. But throw in an extra (mystery) character and you’ve got yourself that edge-of-your-seat whodunit murder mystery.
Also to weave in a light-hearted but wholesome all the same love story in the midst of a murder mystery is no easy feat but Julie Butterfield made it work! What I also appreciated was the sprinkled in bits of humor, whether it was in the dialogue or in the descriptions of the various characters. Speaking of the characters, no two characters were the same, and each female lead, especially, had their own personality, even the sadly dead Fiona, who seemed like a wonderfully, sweet character who met with too early of a demise.
The story plays out a little slow, allowing for the tension to build as Issie gets caught between the lies and deceit, wondering whether she truly knew Fiona — or any of the other residents of Lower Dimblebrook — the way she thought she did. There was a truly explosive ending with a surprise twist that you really don’t see coming; I honestly never suspected the murder to be who it turned out to be. This entire time I thought it was the most obvious person, of course, the husband, because in most true crime shows and documentaries, even when the husband seems innocent, they hardly ever are. After that, the ending was as sweetly written because not only was Fiona’s murder solved, but Issie also got her closure and happy ending.
I’m really excited for the sequel and can’t wait to see what new tale Julie Butterfield whips up!
An unexpected murder. Small town gossip. Alleged affairs. And a love story between the new girl in town and the detective investigating said murder.
Deadly Whispers in Lower Dimblebrook has got it all!
The story follows the small but lively village of Dimblebrook where a recent murder has taken place. The story begins off with two women gossiping about the death of Fiona Lambourne while grocery shopping when Isabelle Darby — or Issie — overhears. Issie had just moved to Lower Dimlebrook and made friends with Fiona, so to find out about her death the way she did, was just terrible, and as a reader, I totally felt her emotions resonating through her character. I could imagine myself in the scene, just going about my business, picking out food, and then accidentally overhearing a conversation about a friend’s recent death. Issie stands by the truth that Fiona is so not dead and even stands by her when there are “deadly whispers” of Fiona being caught in a secret affair right before her death.
I thought adding the “affair” twist into the story was really interesting because it gave both readers and citizens of Lower Dimblebrook a hmmm-who-could-it-be kind of moment because naturally, the blame should go to Fiona’s husband, who had already lost a previous wife in an unfortunate accident. But throw in an extra (mystery) character and you’ve got yourself that edge-of-your-seat whodunit murder mystery.
Also to weave in a light-hearted but wholesome all the same love story in the midst of a murder mystery is no easy feat but Julie Butterfield made it work! What I also appreciated was the sprinkled in bits of humor, whether it was in the dialogue or in the descriptions of the various characters. Speaking of the characters, no two characters were the same, and each female lead, especially, had their own personality, even the sadly dead Fiona, who seemed like a wonderfully, sweet character who met with too early of a demise.
The story plays out a little slow, allowing for the tension to build as Issie gets caught between the lies and deceit, wondering whether she truly knew Fiona — or any of the other residents of Lower Dimblebrook — the way she thought she did. There was a truly explosive ending with a surprise twist that you really don’t see coming; I honestly never suspected the murder to be who it turned out to be. This entire time I thought it was the most obvious person, of course, the husband, because in most true crime shows and documentaries, even when the husband seems innocent, they hardly ever are. After that, the ending was as sweetly written because not only was Fiona’s murder solved, but Issie also got her closure and happy ending.
I’m really excited for the sequel and can’t wait to see what new tale Julie Butterfield whips up!
June 1, 2021
r/suggestmeabook: I want a murder mystery in a charming English village with a displaced city girl who’s still learning old-fashioned small town ways.
Julie Butterfield has created a lovely world in Lower Dimblebrook, even if there’s a not-so-lovely murderer in the neighborhood. The protagonist, Issie Darby, is easy to relate to—a woman who left her city home for a small town life, but hasn’t quite become part of the town yet. Many of us probably have that fantasy, and Butterfield does a good job of making the transition believable.
Butterfield also makes Issie’s gradual involvement in solving the mystery quite believable—more so than many amateur sleuths. Rather than jumping into trying to catch a murderer, Issie is more concerned with her murdered friend’s reputation, and that seems like the kind of mystery that a layperson would reasonably get caught up in.
The “deadly whispers” of the title make for an interesting exploration: how gossip, commonly thought of as a minor infraction, can be dangerous. The novel opens with the local gossips salivating over the murder, and it is easy to see why Issie would want to keep the townspeople at arm’s length. Doris Stokes, the prime mover of news, is saved from being a cutout character, and details of her relationship with Gertrude well-served the story, illuminating her in both good ways and bad.
Her fellow exile from the city is the detective, DI Dave Wainwright, who can’t wait to get back to a city, and who finds the instantaneous information exchanges of the village remarkably frustrating. I hope that Butterfield will develop him past being pretty but grumpy into a more three-dimensional character.
The novel suffers from a couple of points that are common to cozies (and many mysteries generally, both print and film). First, the identity of the murderer becomes fairly obvious about halfway through the story, so the reader is just left with waiting for the denouement. Second, as a result of this, moments when you want to yell at the protagonist not to be stupid start arising with greater frequency as the story nears the end. Or maybe that’s just me, but I get very frustrated when the protagonists are being dense given the evidence both she and I, the reader, have. However, many readers of cozies aren’t particularly fussed by the puzzle being over early, and even with the aggravation, I wanted to finish the story.
The pleasant atmosphere of Lower Dimblebrook pervades the story, and the concrete details have me ready to book a cottage with the delightful Madeleine Halesowen, Issie’s landlord, murder or no. Save me some rhubarb wine.
Julie Butterfield has created a lovely world in Lower Dimblebrook, even if there’s a not-so-lovely murderer in the neighborhood. The protagonist, Issie Darby, is easy to relate to—a woman who left her city home for a small town life, but hasn’t quite become part of the town yet. Many of us probably have that fantasy, and Butterfield does a good job of making the transition believable.
Butterfield also makes Issie’s gradual involvement in solving the mystery quite believable—more so than many amateur sleuths. Rather than jumping into trying to catch a murderer, Issie is more concerned with her murdered friend’s reputation, and that seems like the kind of mystery that a layperson would reasonably get caught up in.
The “deadly whispers” of the title make for an interesting exploration: how gossip, commonly thought of as a minor infraction, can be dangerous. The novel opens with the local gossips salivating over the murder, and it is easy to see why Issie would want to keep the townspeople at arm’s length. Doris Stokes, the prime mover of news, is saved from being a cutout character, and details of her relationship with Gertrude well-served the story, illuminating her in both good ways and bad.
Her fellow exile from the city is the detective, DI Dave Wainwright, who can’t wait to get back to a city, and who finds the instantaneous information exchanges of the village remarkably frustrating. I hope that Butterfield will develop him past being pretty but grumpy into a more three-dimensional character.
The novel suffers from a couple of points that are common to cozies (and many mysteries generally, both print and film). First, the identity of the murderer becomes fairly obvious about halfway through the story, so the reader is just left with waiting for the denouement. Second, as a result of this, moments when you want to yell at the protagonist not to be stupid start arising with greater frequency as the story nears the end. Or maybe that’s just me, but I get very frustrated when the protagonists are being dense given the evidence both she and I, the reader, have. However, many readers of cozies aren’t particularly fussed by the puzzle being over early, and even with the aggravation, I wanted to finish the story.
The pleasant atmosphere of Lower Dimblebrook pervades the story, and the concrete details have me ready to book a cottage with the delightful Madeleine Halesowen, Issie’s landlord, murder or no. Save me some rhubarb wine.
February 25, 2021
I KNEW IT!!!
Isabelle Darby recently just moved to Lower Dimblebrook. After having her heart broken, the only thing she wants is peace and quiet. As she is rather keeping her distance, her only friend is Fiona Lambourne, also recently moved to Lower Dimblebrook after getting married to Anthony. But when Fiona is murdered, Issie is determined to find out the truth, because she does not believe that her friend would have an affair, resulting in her death. Issie is ready to investigate each rumour she hears, to the frustration of the handsome yet stern DI Wainwright.
I know this author and I truly enjoyed reading her other books. Yet as this is a slightly different genre, I was a bit afraid that I would enjoy it lesser. But I was WRONG WRONG WRONG!!! 🤣
I could relate to Issie, having difficulties in setting in a new place and making new acquaintances. And in a little village like Lower Dimblebrook, where gossip is the main form of entrainment, I can imagine that Issie was not really adamant in making new friends and talk about her past. Yet I was happy she found a friend in Fiona. And yes, as a reader you know that Fiona will be found murdered, but it did gave me a little shock in discovering the details of it. Issie is shown a true friend, as she is determined to clear her friend’s name and want to find out the truth, no matter what gossip is saying.
Slowly we get to know more about the life Fiona was having. And it’s clear that nothing is what it seems.
Beside the investigation Issie is having, of course the real institutions are also doing their work. And I found it very amusing how Issie was able to frustrate DI Wainwright! And the pushing and pulling between Issie and the DI is certainly an unfinished business that I surely want to read more about! Also it seemed so typical when the local enforcements were a bit fearful about investigating the Lambournes yet also a bit know – it – all concerning the people, frustrating the DI even more! The way things are handled in Lower Dimblebrook seems so typical of smaller villages and I can imagine that is truly how things are handled in a small community.
Even if I found the culprit rather quickly (am I a good investigator or was it rather obvious, I don’t know…but I hope for the first one😀) I found this a very entertaining story. It may seem morbid to say this about a story about murder, but this is not the typical detective story. There is this lightness in it, also many sweet moments that made this truly a nice read!
Isabelle Darby recently just moved to Lower Dimblebrook. After having her heart broken, the only thing she wants is peace and quiet. As she is rather keeping her distance, her only friend is Fiona Lambourne, also recently moved to Lower Dimblebrook after getting married to Anthony. But when Fiona is murdered, Issie is determined to find out the truth, because she does not believe that her friend would have an affair, resulting in her death. Issie is ready to investigate each rumour she hears, to the frustration of the handsome yet stern DI Wainwright.
I know this author and I truly enjoyed reading her other books. Yet as this is a slightly different genre, I was a bit afraid that I would enjoy it lesser. But I was WRONG WRONG WRONG!!! 🤣
I could relate to Issie, having difficulties in setting in a new place and making new acquaintances. And in a little village like Lower Dimblebrook, where gossip is the main form of entrainment, I can imagine that Issie was not really adamant in making new friends and talk about her past. Yet I was happy she found a friend in Fiona. And yes, as a reader you know that Fiona will be found murdered, but it did gave me a little shock in discovering the details of it. Issie is shown a true friend, as she is determined to clear her friend’s name and want to find out the truth, no matter what gossip is saying.
Slowly we get to know more about the life Fiona was having. And it’s clear that nothing is what it seems.
Beside the investigation Issie is having, of course the real institutions are also doing their work. And I found it very amusing how Issie was able to frustrate DI Wainwright! And the pushing and pulling between Issie and the DI is certainly an unfinished business that I surely want to read more about! Also it seemed so typical when the local enforcements were a bit fearful about investigating the Lambournes yet also a bit know – it – all concerning the people, frustrating the DI even more! The way things are handled in Lower Dimblebrook seems so typical of smaller villages and I can imagine that is truly how things are handled in a small community.
Even if I found the culprit rather quickly (am I a good investigator or was it rather obvious, I don’t know…but I hope for the first one😀) I found this a very entertaining story. It may seem morbid to say this about a story about murder, but this is not the typical detective story. There is this lightness in it, also many sweet moments that made this truly a nice read!
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