The Dartmoor Murders: The must-read cosy crime series

Devon Mysteries #4

by Stephanie Austin

When Juno Browne buys a wardrobe to stock in her fledgling antiques store, she doesn't expect to find a dead body inside. And when the man she bought it from, rascally farmer Fred Crick, is found battered to death in his blazing cottage, the hunt for a double murderer is on. Despite the police struggling to connect the two deaths, this time Juno is resolved to ignore her impulse to investigate.



Until, that is, a stranger arrives who bears an uncanny resemblance to the dead man in the wardrobe. Determined to discover how his identical twin brother died and impressed by Juno's reputation in the local press as Ashburton's amateur sleuth, Henry Gillow tries to drag her into his quest to solve the mystery, with disastrous results.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Amateur Sleuth

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 17, 2021

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐ -- It was okay

I don't really have a lot to say about this one. I finished it all in one go, so I must have enjoyed it on some level. However, when I finished it, I just was left feeling "meh" about it all. 🤷🏻‍♀️ A lot of things were happening in this book. Most of which had nothing to do with the actual murder and investigation. I also didn't particularly like Juno, and why does she put up with this Daniel guy?! Like I said, it wasn't a bad read, the writing was decent. I enjoyed the setting. Definitely a mixed bag.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Berleen Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all like complimentary gifts, don't we? But what if this Complimentary gift is a dead body of an unknown middle-aged man. Ohh Yes... when Juno picks her wardrobe and settles it in her antique shop she finds a dead body in it.

This book was the 4th in the Devon mystery series, although it won't affect the reading experience as they are not related.

Juno the main lead and a very likable character is an offstage investigator. She runs an antique shop along with 2 other girls with different saleable items. They have some free huge space to rent out when Fizz comes in and rents it all. When Juno purchases some furniture from Fred a weird grumpy man, she finds a dead body in it. this man is not from around Dartmoor, so how did he land in here, when the cops reach Fred's house to enquire about the dead body, they find his house lit by fire and him dead inside. Juno tries her best to keep out of the case until the dead man from the furniture comes in front of her. Shocked to death she questions the man only to find out that he is the dead man's twin brother and he wants Juno to help him solve this murder mystery. Another dead body was found dugout but this was old and it was Fred's wife who was assumed of runaway with lover case years ago.

Amidst all this, there is a robbery in Juno's antique shop and a lot of her precious stock has been taken away. Fizz was in charge of the shop on the day of the theft. Juno is furious and desperate to find the culprit who is now famous after similar multiple robberies in the neighborhood. Also, there are farm sheep thieves who are claimed to have been stealing sheep from many farmers, the story of which was being covered by a foreign journalist. And Juno involved in it too. Will she find out the Murderer? the Antique thief and the Sheep thief?

This book was slow-paced yet intriguing. I was so eager to unravel these 3 mysteries in one story. However, I completed this book leisurely enjoying the story with humor, emotion, and thrill. A perfect cozy mystery that urges you to find the end but doesn't push you to skip anything. I enjoyed this book and it deserved the 5-star totally. I was hooked to this book right from the first few chapters and through the end, it keeps getting better and better.
Eagerly waiting for book 5, would catch up with the previous 3 books by then.

Thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the DRC I truly Enjoyed it, and would recommend it to all the Cozy Mystery lovers.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 Stars

Juno Browne inherited Old Nick (an antique store) when the owner died (in the previous book, I guess). Now she has to find a way to run the store while recovering from injuries (from book 3) and try not to get into any more trouble.

But when she opens the wardrobe that’s a part of her latest purchase to fill the store, a body tumbles out onto the floor. Juno has no idea who the dead man is, nor does she know if the crooked seller Fred had anything to do with this.

Another death happens in succession, and Juno tries her best to not get into the mess. It’s hard when the police can’t find anything, and she’s not satisfied not knowing the truth. The dead man’s twin brother arrives, wanting Juno’s help to solve the murder. She’s Devon’s amateur sleuth, after all.

Things start to happen, and Juno is in the middle of it. Not everything is related to the murders, but it’s up to Juno to sort the mess, or so it seems. Can Juno find the killer without risking her neck in the process?

I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series but had no trouble following this one. Some characters are recurring, but it’s easy to understand the relationship between them. The book is more of a cozy mystery than a suspense thriller. The story progresses at its own pace, adding more subplots as we read. Luckily, the subplots are also tied up before the book ends.

Reviewing this book is turning out to be tough. I liked the story enough but was impressed or wowed by it. Somehow, the allure of the cover and the title (main reasons why I requested the book) seemed a bit missing in the story. That said, the book is nowhere dull. I’m going to read the previous books to get a better idea.

It is narrated by Juno, and we see her quirky humor scattered throughout. The insights into her life are entertaining as she regales them in a dry tone. Story-wise, there are no unexpected pull-the-rug moments, so that’s a plus. I did guess the killer and even the reason to an extent. It was fun to see my guess confirmed.

Overall, The Dartmoor Murders is a good book for a lazy afternoon. Pick it up when you don’t want to rush through a book. It’s not a slow read by any means, but things take time to get to the end. Remember, it’s a cozy mystery.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Allison & Busby and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #TheDartmoorMurders

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another installment in the Juno Browne series, and I genuinely didn't want to put this one down.

Juno is on top form, promising to stay out of trouble and not investigate anything, but of course trouble comes looking for her. She does sometimes make stupid decisions, but they always seem to make sense at the time. I think the only one I disagreed with was her going to confront the killer alone in an isolated spot on the Moor, despite what happened twice before when she went to confront a killer - you think she'd have learned by now, and I like that all her loved ones call her out on this.

We didn't have as much of the usual ensemble cast in this book, but I think that's because there seemed to be multiple threads being pulled at once - the murder, the robbery, and the sheep rustling, and how they all converge was very well put together and thought out. I wish we had known if Juno got any of her stock back, but it is always interesting to see her learning more about antiques and buying new items for the shop.

The people we do see regularly - Ricky and Morris, and Adam and Kate, along with the shop girls - are all wonderful as usual. I love how real and alive Ashburton and Dartmoor seems in this series, it does feel so true to life, and I think having been to most of the places mentioned does give me a stronger fondness for the books.
I had guesses on who the killer was, and didn't figure that out until the reveal, but I did guess their real identity before it came out so I was pleased with myself for that.
Like Juno, I also felt very annoyed at Henry, and then very sorry for him. He's obviously had a tough time, and wasn't coping well with his brothers death, but his behaviour definitely did cross the line more than once.

Overall a good 4.5 rounded up to five, and I can't wait to read the next book.

[Pol B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Well written, funny, great characters. Would make a good television series! I know the area well where it’s set in Devon so this made it even more enjoyable. As this is the fourth in the Juno Browne series (I have not read the previous books) it made no difference to the enjoyment of reading it. I’ll probably read the next in series rather than go back .

[Mark Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book a bit disappointing. I was expecting a gripping murder mystery but instead it was a slow narrative, with too many slightly boring sub plots and irrelevant characters. Though it starts of strong, it quickly dwindles off into a bit of a reading slog with a sprinkling of occasionally interesting moments. Ironically throughout the book the main character is frequently referred to as some kind of Poirot-level detective but we barely see any of these talents and any mystery-reveal moments or twists are far too soft. Perhaps I am being slightly harsh as this book never garnered my full attention, but I think that was down to a story that never fulfills it's potential.

[H. Daley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not, not entertaining!

[Norma Laming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I put off listening to each one as they become available just so that I can have something to look forward to.

[Cidney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I had vowed not to read another Juno Browne book again after the first dire one about a month ago, but a friend had dropped this off for me to read. I began it with dread, but it was marginally better than the first one I had read. In this one she's still going round trying to solve crimes and putting herself in harm's way, it's a complete wonder that she's not been knocked off herself by one of the murderers she encounters. Instead a harmless man whose twin brother was murdered, is himself murdered. She's a dangerous woman to know it seems.

I won't go into the whole story but I can't help thinking I have no idea why her boyfriend Daniel is mentioned in these books at all, he's a complete loser really, he turns up when he feels like it, using her place just for accommodation, wonders in and out of her life at will with no commitments at all. He's just a dead end. The other characters in the book are being a bit more padded out now but I still don't rate these books that highly. It wasn't a long book so just took up a morning on the swing seat in the shade.

I really hope no-one else gives me another of these dratted books.

[Chuba · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a stupid story. Full of unbelievable, stupid decisions by the main character and totally unbelievable, chance events that solve plot points. The setting was nice, though.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

The Dartmoor Murders is the 4th book in the Juno Browne series of murder mysteries set in the Devon town of Ashburton and the surrounding moors. This was a good easy read which I enjoyed.

Juno is still running the antique shop, Old Nick's, and trying to meet all the domestic needs of her clients as she hurtles around the town. This novel starts with Juno going to collect some pieces of furniture she has purchased from Fred Gillow, who lives in a cottage in the outlying moorland having recently sold his farm close to where he now lives. When Juno collects the furniture it seems no one is around and having already paid Henry she loads up the goods and drives back to Ashburton. However, when the wardrobe is unpacked and the rope holding the door together is untied a corpse drops out and Juno is thrown once more into an investigation made more complicated when Fred is found dead in his cottage which has been set on fire.

Running parallel to this story line is the introduction of Fizz, and annoying creative who makes painted silk scarves and rents the upstairs space in Old Nick's as a workshop. While very talented she is also very annoying and it's not long before she has everyone's backs up. This situation is not helped when she is left in charge of the shop one day and falls for a scam which results in the few valuable treasures Juno actually has for sale being stolen.

Add to this the crime of sheep stealing taking place locally and a suspicious foreign journalist in the area, the discovery of a grave on the land that Fred Gillow previously owned, Morris and Ricky are up to their necks in costumes for another am-dram production and this plot has a lot going on but in a very gentle way. Juno doesn't get as involved in the investigation as much as she did in the earlier novels instead she is used as the channel which the information is delivered to the reader while at the same time having enough involvement to make it an interesting and thrilling read.

Juno is a lovely character who is well known and respected in her community but she also seems to be someone who can be taken advantage of because of her caring nature. In the last novel Juno found herself becoming romantically attached to Daniel Thorncroft, who has inherited a derelict farm on the moors that he wants to renovate. Juno does feel like despite being so well liked and busy she's also quite a lonely person coming home to Bill the cat who doesn't even belong to her so I've enjoyed seeing more personal friendship for Juno in this novel.

Another good cosy read I would recommend for easy reading and feel the series is improving as it progresses.

[Beachcomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. This was the first of Austin’s books I’d read, and was keen to try as someone who lived down the road from Ashburton for several years and now lives in Newton Abbot (the author is right, we do have a lot of charity shops!). I didn’t feel the initial murders really took up much of the plot here, there’s very little investigating going on - but overall I liked the book. You did get to know the characters without too much rehashing history, which could be annoying for those who’ve read from the beginning of the series.

The reasons I didn’t give it 4 stars are that it was a like rather than love, I couldn’t believe there was a character called Cruella deVille (I had wondered if this was Juno’s nickname for her from a previous book? But it didn’t seem so), not to mention she came across as utterly two dimensional, Fizzy Izzy just seemed a silly name and overdone character/plot point, and what was with two characters having violet, and turquoise eyes? You expect odd eye colours, flashing eyes, eyes shooting daggers, etc. from wannabe amateur authors, I wouldn’t expect this from someone on their fourth book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dartmoor Murders is the fourth book in the fun Devon Mysteries series. Juno has inherited an antiques shop which is not yet turning over much profit. In exchange for goods and services she is allowing a few vendors to set up rent free as she has the space and she could use more custom. When outgoing and irritating Fizz comes along expressing her desire to pay rent on three spots for her silk scarf business, Juno can't afford to turn her down. But when a body unexpectedly shows up in a wardrobe Juno buys from cantankerous Fred Crick she is a wee bit alarmed. As an amateur sleuth she is no stranger to dead bodies so she takes action.

While entangled in the murder case which becomes murder caseS, Juno is bewildered by other crimes in her area and inveigles and questions. Her steadfast and loyal friends including Daniel back her. Bodies and secrets pile up and tensions increase. Clues are discovered along the way and she tries to put her angst toward Cruella aside.

Cozy mystery readers ought to read this and the others in the series, perfect on a lazy day.

My sincere thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this engaging charmer.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first two bodies were recent, and Juno saw them both.
Juno has a history of getting involved with murder investigations and on the wrong side of Detective Sergeant Cruella Deville (but not the others). Besides the murders, there have been fraudulent thievings from other shop owners as well as thefts of farm animal herds and large farm equipment happening in the district. Add in the business tenant from the pit, an attractive photojournalist from Australia, and a mostly absent love interest to round out this delightful tale.
As this is the first I've read in the series, I can tell you that it works just as well as a stand alone. But this one is so good that I want the earlier ones, too.
I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from Allison & Busby via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Cynthea Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a very busy antique dealer, who to keep the wolf from the door, has many other jobs as well. Juno is always getting herself involved in trouble; she seems to have a knack for it. When she buys some antique furniture from a local inhabitant, it’s the start of a long and complicated murder investigation.

I really enjoyed the latest novel in Stephanie Austin’s series. It’s light, amusing and very easy to read. As it is written in the first person, Juno has to encounter a myriad of people for the plot to progress. It was occasionally difficult to keep track of all their names, but otherwise I felt it was well written. I enjoyed her descriptions of the various settings in Devon, most of which I knew.

This is my first of Stephanie’s novels, but I will certainly read more and could recommend it to those that like a light read.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very engaging and enjoyable escape to Devon. A modern cosy with a very likable heroine. Juno Browne has an unlucky propensity for finding dead bodies, leading to awkwardness with the local police, especially since Juno is godmother to the DI’s child.
Although this this the 4th book in the series, it was the first I had read and I was not at a disadvantage, it works very well as a standalone.
Overall a good, well rounded story with believable characters, credible dialog, and a good plot. I will definitely be reading the first three in the series.
Many thanks to netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy, it was a pleasure to read.

[histeriker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know any other part in the series, but it was not a problem to get into the book. The characters are introduced nicely and if the things needed explanation at least a short one was provided. So I really felt informed.
I really liked the setting, as it was one of the things which inspired me to pick up the book. The small town feeling is shown and well-drawn and Dartmoor is described the way I imagined it.
The characters are natural and you can identify yourself with them. I also liked this feeling of community which was conjured around the shop. The characters are a bit quirky, but it has a special charm. I could really imagine reading the other books.
A recommendation from me!

[Sally Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cosy village murder drama featuring Juno Browne, who whilst trying to run an antique shop, seems to constantly stumble upon murders ! Lots of characters from earlier books in the series, and at time I found this confusing, trying to remember who was who.
The story involves the sudden death of a visitor to the area, there for a walking holiday, and the murder of a curmudgeonly local farmer who appears to have spent his life upsetting everyone.
In spite of frequent warnings from the local police not to get involved in their investigations, Juno constantly interferes, putting herself and others in danger.

[Lena]

First book on the Devon Mysteries series that I read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Juno is a nicely developed character that I found engaging and relatable. I loved seeing Juno's struggle to not get involved, while also wanting to know what happened. The mystery has a lot layers to it and the reveals itself slowly in a way that really captured my attention from beginning to end. I appreciated just how well rounded this story is and I enjoyed seeing it all come together in a surprising and satisfying ending.

[Priya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts with Juno stumbling across two deaths and being interrogated over them. After the initial few chapters, the story veered in a different direction with livestock hustling and antique thefts and Juno not doing much in solving any of it. Towards the conclusion she stumbles upon a photograph and gets to solve the initial plot. Apart from a peek into the everyday life in the town the narrative doesn’t offer much in the way of clues or red herrings. For readers who enjoyed the previous books this would be a letdown. At last I could get the name of the dog.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not her fault, but Juno Browne keeps finding dead bodies! The latest one is in a wardrobe she has just bought as stock for her shop. And it's not the only one. There's another in a burnt out cottage. And... but to say more would be a spoiler. The fourth in Stephanie Austin's series of crime novels set in and around Ashburton doesn't disappoint. It's a great read, full of interesting characters, including Mr Daniel Thorncroft, his whippet Lottie, and Bill, the one-eyed cat. I loved Fizzy Izzy and hope we see more of her in future books. Highly recommended for lovers of cosy crime.

[Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really enjoyed this one, I wasn't sure to start with but it really started to take shape and I just feel in love with it. I will definitely be checking out the first three books in this series and the ones to come (thankfully don't have to be read in order). I was really shocked with some plot twists but had an inkling about other bits. I found the character's lovable and there were some comical bits within to make it lighter. It isn't a heavy read and can be read in one sitting, if you want a quick read.

[Emily Basford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that @stephanieaustin bases her stories in Devon. Having moved here 4 years ago, it’s lovely to picture all the quaint little towns and rolling moorlands 😍

This is the 4th book in the Juno Browne series and the books just keep getting better. This has been my favourite read of hers so far!

To add to the collection of antiques, Juno purchase a wardrobe only to find a body hidden inside. To make things worse, the man she bought it from is found dead the same day… can Juno stay out of trouble or is she going to be roped in to solving the mystery 👀

🧡🫶🏻📚

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good mystery in this excellent series.
Even if it's not my favorite I thoroughly enjoyed it as it's full of twists and turns and I was happy to catch up with Juno and her friends.
The plot is complex and includes some subplots. It kept me reading and guessing and I liked the solution.
Good character development, solid mystery.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Carole-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting used to these nice, comfy, easy to read, murder mysteries...
Juno Browne getting invoved in another 'dead body' find - this time in a wardrobe bought from a reclusive ex-farmer...
Diversions caused by Fizzy Izzy and her silk paintings; a death caused by a heart attack; a twin seeking reparation; an intrigung reporter from Australia; and a 'slightly detached' boyfriend who actually turns up when needed :)

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Austin’s Devon mysteries are just the thing for a bit of cosy crime escapism. The Dartmoor Murders is the fourth in the series and sees the heroine Juno Browne embroiled in yet another murder - and alongside this is the burgeoning romance with her and the tall, dark, handsome Daniel and his adorable whippet Lottie. Filled with a varied cast of likeable characters this is a light yet engaging story. Roll on book 5 and another adventure!

[CJ Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth in a series featuring Juno Browne as an amateur sleuth. I have not read the first three books, but I don’t feel it detracted much from the enjoyment of the book, which I read in one sitting. The characters were interesting and the plot moved quickly. I had just finished visiting Dartmoor when I read the book, and it was interesting to see some of the places I had visited mentioned prominently in the book.

[☺Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a wonder that Juno Browne hasn't been murdered. She constantly puts herself, and others, in danger with her snooping. That said, I do enjoy these cozy mysteries by Stephanie Austin. I still have yet to read book two. (I kind of wish the titles were more unique - as they are, they are much too similar.)

[Catherine Diggines · Rating 2 out of 5]

so much yet so little happened in this book, it took the author 349 pages to write a plot that should have been done in 20 pages

the reason it gets 2 stars instead of 1 is because i’ve formed an attachment to Fizz and also because i would feel bad putting this book in the same category as any Colleen Hoover book 💀 it was well written, just dull

[Teena Cartlidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read, I wished I had realised it was the 4th of a series. Would have liked to have started with the first of the series as areas of it I hadn't the information gained from the previous books.