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Havard & Lambert Mysteries #4
Murder in a Welsh Town
Plans for a town pantomime are thrown in the air after one of the actors is murdered.
The victim is local gossip, nosy parker and aspiring manipulator, Ivor Gladwin. Reviled by many and ignored by more, the list of people who could have wanted rid of him seems to grow by the minute.
Despite having overstepped the mark in past cases, because of her familiarity with the individuals involved, ex police officer Fabia Havard is actually tasked by her boyfriend, and serving DCI, to look into the matter on the side.
Unfortunately, she stumbles upon an ongoing undercover inquiry, and the killer looks like they might creep back into the woodwork.
With amateur dramatics suspended and a serious murder case on their hands, Havard and Lambert will need to put their minds together to crack the case.
Murder in a Welsh Town is a richly-woven domestic murder mystery full of interesting characters and shady secrets. It can be enjoyed entirely on its own or as part of the series.
The victim is local gossip, nosy parker and aspiring manipulator, Ivor Gladwin. Reviled by many and ignored by more, the list of people who could have wanted rid of him seems to grow by the minute.
Despite having overstepped the mark in past cases, because of her familiarity with the individuals involved, ex police officer Fabia Havard is actually tasked by her boyfriend, and serving DCI, to look into the matter on the side.
Unfortunately, she stumbles upon an ongoing undercover inquiry, and the killer looks like they might creep back into the woodwork.
With amateur dramatics suspended and a serious murder case on their hands, Havard and Lambert will need to put their minds together to crack the case.
Murder in a Welsh Town is a richly-woven domestic murder mystery full of interesting characters and shady secrets. It can be enjoyed entirely on its own or as part of the series.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
637 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Pippa McCathie
18 books65 followersSouth Wales has played a big part in Pippa's life, two of her three sons were born in Swansea and she visits close friends near Newport as often as she can. Brought up in Mauritius, she's spent a lot of her life travelling, to Guernsey, London, South Africa, South Wales, Iran and back to Guernsey. She began writing in school exercise books to entertain her friends, which resulted in dubious exam results but much laughter. She's had many poems and short stories published and, once her boys had been packed off to school, started on the novels. For the last 17 years she's taught a creative writing class, and in her spare time she's worked as a volunteer with a national charity, helped run Guernsey's local Eisteddfod, and looked after a gorgeous husband and a cowardly cat. All these activities have helped her avoid time wasting activities such as housework and gardening. Murder in the Valleys, published by The Book Folks, is the first in a series featuring Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert, who are currently Pippa's best friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 19, 2022
This is the fourth book in the series (although it is the second I've read) and it was just as good with plenty of twists and turns although the characters could've done with developing a bit more which was done better in the other of the series that I've read. To me this is a nice cozy read as I'm from and still live in the area so it has a nice familiarity to it all, even down to some of the words and phrases that are used. One thing that did niggle though was how some clues / parts of the story were deliberately held back, which was usually done with a bit of a clunky 'so she / he told them' type approach, as this made me jump out of the story and remind me I was reading something and not actually there, which was a shame. I don't remember that being part of the other book. And of course the ongoing romance between Fabia and Matt still doesn't feel right and is a bit 'forced'.
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September 27, 2023I’ve listened to a few of these now, and still enjoying the series despite narrator changes in the audiobooks, but I have to say I’m a little bit tired of some of the author’s stylistic choices. Particularly wearing are the ‘private’ conversations where the characters discuss a revelation the reader is not privy to until later, yet I’ve still found the outcomes slightly predictable.
The plots are entertaining enough, and I like following the characters through as well, they’re mostly likeable and engaging. The lilting Welsh accents are lovely to listen to.
The plots are entertaining enough, and I like following the characters through as well, they’re mostly likeable and engaging. The lilting Welsh accents are lovely to listen to.
January 6, 2021
Good short mystery
Kept me guessing even though figured out the ending with all the titbits of information before the last few pages, was an interesting read. The proof readers could do better is the main gripe I do have though. Some small errors, but one is bigger, which they should have seen. I very much doubt that two of the characters could be good sandwiches! "Butties" Friends or "Buddies" yes they can though. Nobody says "Hi butty or butt" to someone unless you are intending to insult them, but we do say buddy or bud. (especially in North of UK). Can't even pass as a Welsh term either, (my o/h is Welsh).
Kept me guessing even though figured out the ending with all the titbits of information before the last few pages, was an interesting read. The proof readers could do better is the main gripe I do have though. Some small errors, but one is bigger, which they should have seen. I very much doubt that two of the characters could be good sandwiches! "Butties" Friends or "Buddies" yes they can though. Nobody says "Hi butty or butt" to someone unless you are intending to insult them, but we do say buddy or bud. (especially in North of UK). Can't even pass as a Welsh term either, (my o/h is Welsh).
February 12, 2021
I've really enjoyed this series but this one annoyed me. It felt like everyone knew what was going on but keeping the reader in the dark. Lots of "what about this person?" comments.
Also the character list would have been useful earlier than the last page.
Also the character list would have been useful earlier than the last page.
November 20, 2020
Another murder but this time Fabia Havard, rather than taking it upon herself to investigate the crime, is tasked by her partner, Matt Lambert to help solve the case. The two must work together to find who killed a member of the cast of the town pantomime, and the result will be a dramatic conclusion.
This book will appeal to readers who like cozy or domestic mysteries. A wonderful setting, great characters and a cleverly woven plot will have you reading late into the night.
This book will appeal to readers who like cozy or domestic mysteries. A wonderful setting, great characters and a cleverly woven plot will have you reading late into the night.
December 30, 2020
Not a Need to Read
This was going to be an interesting mystery but the author dumped the characters instead of letting them emerge and grow.
This was going to be an interesting mystery but the author dumped the characters instead of letting them emerge and grow.
January 21, 2024
Actual rating: 2.5 stars--this was about half of what a really good book should be. My favorite thing about it was the setting. It just happened to be set in south-east Wales, an area I have traveled through and have fond memories of, including Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey!
Most of the characters were one-dimensional and flat. I did think there was some potential for a fully-realized person in the Chief Inspector, Matt Lambert, but I found Fabia to be hopeless. This book could have used some substantial character development, while at the same time, dropping a few extras who were completely superfluous. By the way, I wanted to throttle everyone who kept referring to the first victim's bad habit of "winding people up." That particular phrase nearly drove me crazy! Apparently no one could think of any synonyms such as "teasing," "pushing one's buttons," or "getting his goat," etc.
I thought the murders were treated in an off-handed manner as it became glaringly obvious who the culprit was, in a most unsatisfying way. This was an elementary mystery and not worth continuing the series.
Most of the characters were one-dimensional and flat. I did think there was some potential for a fully-realized person in the Chief Inspector, Matt Lambert, but I found Fabia to be hopeless. This book could have used some substantial character development, while at the same time, dropping a few extras who were completely superfluous. By the way, I wanted to throttle everyone who kept referring to the first victim's bad habit of "winding people up." That particular phrase nearly drove me crazy! Apparently no one could think of any synonyms such as "teasing," "pushing one's buttons," or "getting his goat," etc.
I thought the murders were treated in an off-handed manner as it became glaringly obvious who the culprit was, in a most unsatisfying way. This was an elementary mystery and not worth continuing the series.
November 28, 2021
Really really bad, and the last of this series I will read. There was zero action, zero plot development, zero character development. You could have skipped 90% of this book (mainly women weeping, crying, or being frantic, Fabia being awful and rehashing how she’s older than Matt about a dozen times, Matt being unreachable because he’s incapable of charging his phone, and the main characters being incompetent investigators) and missed absolutely nothing. I can’t believe this was published.
August 14, 2022
Fifth of the series I have read
I enjoyed the earlier books but had trouble reading this one. It is very annoying to have info shared between the characters and not shared with the reader. There was just too much of that in this book and it was a real turn off for me. I think I am done reading the series, although I did like the characters.
I enjoyed the earlier books but had trouble reading this one. It is very annoying to have info shared between the characters and not shared with the reader. There was just too much of that in this book and it was a real turn off for me. I think I am done reading the series, although I did like the characters.
April 15, 2022
I had forgotten how annoying some of the writing could be ... starting to reveal something then not finishing it to the reader. It is a shame because they could be interesting stories. Also wouldn't her trip to the hospital have found out the 'surprise '?
March 4, 2023
In the fourth book of this excellent series, Fabia Harvard and Matt Lambert have a murder on their doorstep when Ivor Gladwin, one of the actors in the town pantomime, is found dead. He took satisfaction in winding people up, which means plenty of suspects for his murder. And some of those suspects have problems of their own, which come to a head for one couple when a second person is murdered.
It’s a complex case that overlaps with an undercover operation Lambert has not been informed about. With tensions running high, and one of the undercover officers in an affair with a suspect for Ivor Gladwin’s murder, the problems continue to pile up.
All the main characters from the previous novels are there, maintaining the backstory and relationships that are such a key part of the novels. It’s a slow investigation, but never dull or without incident, reflecting the way murders are solved by solid police work and evidence, carefully gathered.
If you enjoy a solid cosy mystery with a complex puzzle to solve, supported by an engaging cast of local characters, then this is definitely a series worth trying. But like any series, you’ll get more out of the books if you start at the beginning.
It’s a complex case that overlaps with an undercover operation Lambert has not been informed about. With tensions running high, and one of the undercover officers in an affair with a suspect for Ivor Gladwin’s murder, the problems continue to pile up.
All the main characters from the previous novels are there, maintaining the backstory and relationships that are such a key part of the novels. It’s a slow investigation, but never dull or without incident, reflecting the way murders are solved by solid police work and evidence, carefully gathered.
If you enjoy a solid cosy mystery with a complex puzzle to solve, supported by an engaging cast of local characters, then this is definitely a series worth trying. But like any series, you’ll get more out of the books if you start at the beginning.
August 26, 2022
Great series!
This is the 4th book in the Havard and Lambert mystery series set in SE Wales. I read the first three as a boxed set and was so pleased to find this one.
With Matt comfortably ensconced in Fabia's house in Pontygwyn, the local theater group is set to perform a "panto" (i.e. pantomime) when one of the actors is murdered. Matt is assigned the case when the other lead investigator is sidelined by a car accident. To Matt's surprise the Chief suggests Matt consult with Fabia because she is involved in the production and knows all the participants. The victim was a known busybody, storing up information about others and using it to bully them or just to have the upper hand in the relationships. Hence, there were many possible suspects in his murder. Later another totally obnoxious person was murdered complicating the case. But the team worked out the solution giving it a satisfying ending. My only complaint was that the characters discussed their views of the perpetrator(s) without sharing them with the readers...frustrating!
I definitely would read more mysteries in this series even if only to see what happens next between Matt and Fabia!
This is the 4th book in the Havard and Lambert mystery series set in SE Wales. I read the first three as a boxed set and was so pleased to find this one.
With Matt comfortably ensconced in Fabia's house in Pontygwyn, the local theater group is set to perform a "panto" (i.e. pantomime) when one of the actors is murdered. Matt is assigned the case when the other lead investigator is sidelined by a car accident. To Matt's surprise the Chief suggests Matt consult with Fabia because she is involved in the production and knows all the participants. The victim was a known busybody, storing up information about others and using it to bully them or just to have the upper hand in the relationships. Hence, there were many possible suspects in his murder. Later another totally obnoxious person was murdered complicating the case. But the team worked out the solution giving it a satisfying ending. My only complaint was that the characters discussed their views of the perpetrator(s) without sharing them with the readers...frustrating!
I definitely would read more mysteries in this series even if only to see what happens next between Matt and Fabia!
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January 22, 2021Plans for a town pantomime are thrown in the air after one of the actors is murdered.
The victim is local gossip, nosy parker and aspiring manipulator, Ivor Gladwin. Reviled by many and ignored by more, the list of people who could have wanted rid of him seems to grow by the minute.
Despite having overstepped the mark in past cases, because of her familiarity with the individuals involved, ex police officer Fabia Havard is actually tasked by her boyfriend, and serving DCI, to look into the matter on the side.
Unfortunately, she stumbles upon an ongoing undercover inquiry, and the killer looks like they might creep back into the woodwork.
With amateur dramatics suspended and a serious murder case on their hands, Havard and Lambert will need to put their minds together to crack the case.
OK Read the preceding books.
The victim is local gossip, nosy parker and aspiring manipulator, Ivor Gladwin. Reviled by many and ignored by more, the list of people who could have wanted rid of him seems to grow by the minute.
Despite having overstepped the mark in past cases, because of her familiarity with the individuals involved, ex police officer Fabia Havard is actually tasked by her boyfriend, and serving DCI, to look into the matter on the side.
Unfortunately, she stumbles upon an ongoing undercover inquiry, and the killer looks like they might creep back into the woodwork.
With amateur dramatics suspended and a serious murder case on their hands, Havard and Lambert will need to put their minds together to crack the case.
OK Read the preceding books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
Enjoyable
Fabia is volunteering to paint sets for an amateur theater group when one of the actors is murdered. This isn't your typical murder, the victim was an emotional blackmailer so we have a myriad of suspects. But what did he have that warranted his death. So starts an exciting story with many twist and turns that overlaps into many investigating agencies. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Fabia is volunteering to paint sets for an amateur theater group when one of the actors is murdered. This isn't your typical murder, the victim was an emotional blackmailer so we have a myriad of suspects. But what did he have that warranted his death. So starts an exciting story with many twist and turns that overlaps into many investigating agencies. Thoroughly enjoyable.
September 28, 2023
Plans are afoot for a town pantomime in Pontygwyn but their panto is on hold as one of the cast, Ivor Gladwin is murdered.
As he was the local busybody, disliked by everyone for his meddling and belittling ways there is definite no shortage of suspects.
Matt and Fabia once again swing into action as it looks lile elements of this case could overlap with another ongoing situation involving people trafficking.
They will need to work together to solve this puzzling "Murder in a Welsh town."
As he was the local busybody, disliked by everyone for his meddling and belittling ways there is definite no shortage of suspects.
Matt and Fabia once again swing into action as it looks lile elements of this case could overlap with another ongoing situation involving people trafficking.
They will need to work together to solve this puzzling "Murder in a Welsh town."
March 27, 2024
Great Story--Hard to put down
Fabia was a police officer, but now she is an artist. Matt is her boyfriend. He's a police officer. The town has a theatre group. One of the members is murdered. Matt is in charge of investigation. As the police try to solve the murder, another murder is committed. Was the murdered the same individual? Are the crimes connected? And, can Matt and his crew solve the cases?
Fabia was a police officer, but now she is an artist. Matt is her boyfriend. He's a police officer. The town has a theatre group. One of the members is murdered. Matt is in charge of investigation. As the police try to solve the murder, another murder is committed. Was the murdered the same individual? Are the crimes connected? And, can Matt and his crew solve the cases?
November 29, 2020
Wonderful series
The characters are so well developed that this book is like visiting with old friends. An interesting and interwoven plot that will keep you guessing as there are numerous suspects. A refreshing read in contrast to so many police procedurals where the officers are carrying so much baggage; divorce, alcoholism or grief. Recommend the entire series.
The characters are so well developed that this book is like visiting with old friends. An interesting and interwoven plot that will keep you guessing as there are numerous suspects. A refreshing read in contrast to so many police procedurals where the officers are carrying so much baggage; divorce, alcoholism or grief. Recommend the entire series.
December 8, 2020
A good story, well told.
I was brought up in a small town in South Wales and so could well understand the dynamics of the interplay amongst the characters, albeit with a sense of nostalgia. I particularly like the way the author dropped hints in the story that were enlarged on later.
I was brought up in a small town in South Wales and so could well understand the dynamics of the interplay amongst the characters, albeit with a sense of nostalgia. I particularly like the way the author dropped hints in the story that were enlarged on later.
February 21, 2021
Excellent!
Wonderful series! This time the entire village is involved in a theater production when two of the members, both unpleasant, are murdered. There is a plethora of suspects, no solid motive, and very little solid evidence! Fabia is asked to help, surprisingly, and things escalate rapidly. Lots of excitement and great solution!
Wonderful series! This time the entire village is involved in a theater production when two of the members, both unpleasant, are murdered. There is a plethora of suspects, no solid motive, and very little solid evidence! Fabia is asked to help, surprisingly, and things escalate rapidly. Lots of excitement and great solution!
February 25, 2021
I liked her previous three mysteries in this series, but this fourth installment was not very good. The plot was not believable, there was no cohesion to the story line, the characters were poorly developed, and some of the plot developments seemed copies of previous plot lines. The only reason I gave it a 2 is because I still like the developments of regular characters.
March 30, 2021
Interesting and frustrating
I really enjoyed the book but at times throughout the book clues were given to each other but not to the readers; because of this we (the readers) are unable to draw a well informed idea of who the killer(s) are. It does keep you guessing, but in an unfair way. Other than that the book was enjoyable, but not give stars,
I really enjoyed the book but at times throughout the book clues were given to each other but not to the readers; because of this we (the readers) are unable to draw a well informed idea of who the killer(s) are. It does keep you guessing, but in an unfair way. Other than that the book was enjoyable, but not give stars,
April 16, 2021
Engaging
Good character studies. Plot structure is solid, but she doesn’t deal in red herrings—instead she lets you know they have worked out who the killer us, but they don’t let you in in why and how they came to that conclusion. Takes away a bit if the fun. Still, a good read.
Good character studies. Plot structure is solid, but she doesn’t deal in red herrings—instead she lets you know they have worked out who the killer us, but they don’t let you in in why and how they came to that conclusion. Takes away a bit if the fun. Still, a good read.
September 29, 2021
Probably closer to 3.5. It's so hard to tell when one's appreciation of a work has been skewed by the previous few books one has just read. I did not feel this was as good as the earlier books in the series although the subject matter was handled very well. It handles the difficult crime at the heart of all that follows quite gently while giving just weight to the horrors of family violence.
December 20, 2022
Another great book!
I really enjoy these murder mysteries. The reason that I only gave it 4 stars is that I realized that we don’t get all the clues to determine the culprit. I was fairly certain about the one but I was lost in the wide range of characters for the other. Again the characters are well developed and you cared about them.
I really enjoy these murder mysteries. The reason that I only gave it 4 stars is that I realized that we don’t get all the clues to determine the culprit. I was fairly certain about the one but I was lost in the wide range of characters for the other. Again the characters are well developed and you cared about them.
March 28, 2024
One of the actors in the local pantomime is found dead, murdered. There would seem to be quite a few suspects as he was an unlikeable character. But will he be the only victim. DCI Matt Lambert and his team investigate helped by ex-police officer Fabia Havard.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
October 13, 2025
A well written, entertaining mystery. The death of a snoop at the local pantomime theatre draws Fabia and Matt into another mystery. A well paced easy read with lots of strong suspects and with twists and turns and a few surprises. Narrator has changed but maintains the previous standards and is easy to listen to. Highly recommended series.
December 2, 2020
Good story
It was a good read but to be honest it was a problem with the amount of people involved in the murders but if it follows real life cases it could be that the investigation team do have trouble solving murders
It was a good read but to be honest it was a problem with the amount of people involved in the murders but if it follows real life cases it could be that the investigation team do have trouble solving murders
January 3, 2021
Another great story
Another great story featuring Matt and Davis and the rest of Matt's team. Plenty of twists and turns in this case and they kept me gripped and guessing right to the end. More please.
Another great story featuring Matt and Davis and the rest of Matt's team. Plenty of twists and turns in this case and they kept me gripped and guessing right to the end. More please.
January 19, 2021
A Fun Read
Not the very best read but very good. An joyab!e read. Intriguing characters and both humorous and threatening situations in the twists and turns of the plot. She builds good suspense.
Not the very best read but very good. An joyab!e read. Intriguing characters and both humorous and threatening situations in the twists and turns of the plot. She builds good suspense.
February 20, 2021
Murder in a Welsh Town.
I have absolutely loved these books, being a Welsh Lady they have a real appeal for me, I hope there are more. I really get stuck in and can't put them down !.
I have absolutely loved these books, being a Welsh Lady they have a real appeal for me, I hope there are more. I really get stuck in and can't put them down !.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews