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Belinda Penshurst #1
Murder in the Village
Meet Belinda Penshurst. Castle owner, dog lover… crime solver?
Belinda Penshurst loves her home village Little Challham, with its shady lanes, two pubs and weekly market. She’s lived there all her life, knows everybody, and feels proud of its charming, friendly nature. So when irritable pub landlord Tipper is found dead in his cellar, she’s shocked… and also perfectly placed to investigate.
Retired detective Harry Powell moved to Little Challham for a quiet life. He didn’t expect to be dragged into a murder investigation. But Belinda is a very persuasive woman, and there are strange things happening in the village. Particularly the number of dogs that have disappeared lately…
Is there a dognapper at work in Little Challham? Is Belinda right to be worried that her brother Marcus was arguing with Tipper on the day he died? Belinda and Harry interrogate the suspects: the rival landlord, the outraged barmaid, and the mysterious man in the black car. But are they on the right track… or is the killer already on their trail?
Belinda Penshurst loves her home village Little Challham, with its shady lanes, two pubs and weekly market. She’s lived there all her life, knows everybody, and feels proud of its charming, friendly nature. So when irritable pub landlord Tipper is found dead in his cellar, she’s shocked… and also perfectly placed to investigate.
Retired detective Harry Powell moved to Little Challham for a quiet life. He didn’t expect to be dragged into a murder investigation. But Belinda is a very persuasive woman, and there are strange things happening in the village. Particularly the number of dogs that have disappeared lately…
Is there a dognapper at work in Little Challham? Is Belinda right to be worried that her brother Marcus was arguing with Tipper on the day he died? Belinda and Harry interrogate the suspects: the rival landlord, the outraged barmaid, and the mysterious man in the black car. But are they on the right track… or is the killer already on their trail?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2021
617 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this first book in a new series which brings together amateur sleuth Belinda Penshurst and retired policeman Harry Powell. The setting is a charming English village with all the quirky characters required to make an interesting and fun read.
Belinda lives in the castle and is engaged in making the local businesses viable.She has a finger in many pies but also has to deal with a brother, Marcus, who seems to be making his cash in less than honorable ways. Harry turns out to be a blast from her past but they quickly get together to try and solve the thefts of local dogs and a quick succession of murders.
The relationship between Belinda and Harry is really good and has great promise for future books. They obviously like each other and some of their dialogue is very humorous, but Harry has issues to deal with before they can progress. I liked the fact that both of these main characters are intelligent, rational human beings which often is not the case in all cosy mysteries!
I am looking forward to more books in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Belinda lives in the castle and is engaged in making the local businesses viable.She has a finger in many pies but also has to deal with a brother, Marcus, who seems to be making his cash in less than honorable ways. Harry turns out to be a blast from her past but they quickly get together to try and solve the thefts of local dogs and a quick succession of murders.
The relationship between Belinda and Harry is really good and has great promise for future books. They obviously like each other and some of their dialogue is very humorous, but Harry has issues to deal with before they can progress. I liked the fact that both of these main characters are intelligent, rational human beings which often is not the case in all cosy mysteries!
I am looking forward to more books in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 7, 2021
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
In Murder in the Village, the first in the Belinda Penshurst series of mysteries, we meet Belinda Penshurt, who is a little over forty and living in her family home—the village manor/castle—in the village of Little Challham. Belinda has invested in various local businesses and done well for herself, even saving her family from certain financial ruin, a result of her brother Marcus’s endless hare-brained schemes. Marcus too lives at Challham Castle (and comes up with said hare-brained schemes), as does their father who seems absent from the scene though where or why is not explained.
One of the businesses that Belinda has invested in, is one of the two village pubs, run by the usually inebriated Tipper, who is assisted by Sandra, a woman who bears Belinda a grudge. Noticing that Tipper doesn’t seem to have invested any of the money Belinda gave him in the pub’s décor, she heads in to confront him, only to find him dead—murdered. She decides to investigate.
Alongside we have our second main character, Harry Powell, a retired police detective. Harry has now moved to Little Challham, where he is working as a representative of Doggie Delight, a dog food company, a job which requires him to get orders and deliver food to customers. On one such delivery trip, a customer, Ivy White tells him of her fears that a dognapping gang is on the loose and she fears for her dog’s safety. Soon others, too, are seen to have the same fear.
Belinda knows Harry from a previous meeting many years ago, and convinces him to join her in her investigation of Tipper’s death, promising also to help him with the dognapping gang. Harry is reluctant and wishes to leave the murder investigation to the police but agrees to join her. Belinda is excited about investigating (gleeful, almost), but behind it also is her worry about her brother’s possible involvement in the case, for just before Tipper’s death, she had overheard Tipper rowing with Marcus. Do they get to the killer before the police does? Do they manage to catch the dognappers?
A small English Village, a murder mystery and a dognapping plot—this book has all the elements that I would enjoy, and I expected to enjoy it very much, but sadly, this one didn’t work for me at all. I did appreciate the fact that both main characters are middle-aged, and loved that there were lots of dogs around in the story but that was about it.
Belinda wasn’t a character I took to at all; and many of the plot details too, seemed a bit strange/unconvincing—for instance, why Belinda would decide to investigate a case simply because she found a body, rather than leave it to the police didn’t make much sense—agreed it was a person she knew, and a matter she was interested in, but even if she had started taking an interest because of her brother’s possible involvement, I’d have been more convinced, but that comes after. Then there were other little things like how both Belinda and Harry go poking around even in the police’s presence, or Harry’s being at a loss for explanations when a person is hurt because he’s only dealt with dead bodies—I mean he was a police detective not a coroner (also if this last instance was meant to be humorous, it didn’t really come across as that). Then Belinda is supposed to be an investor and businesswoman, and yet when Harry tries to use his whiteboard to chalk out the case, she sees it as something to laugh at than a methodical way of looking at things. Also the dognappers marking houses where they planned to strike didn’t seem a mystery at all—fairly clear from the start. Regrettably, the writing too was not to my liking.
This was not one that worked for me at all, but other reviewers have enjoyed it, so don’t let me dissuade you from giving it a try. For me, though just 2 stars.
In Murder in the Village, the first in the Belinda Penshurst series of mysteries, we meet Belinda Penshurt, who is a little over forty and living in her family home—the village manor/castle—in the village of Little Challham. Belinda has invested in various local businesses and done well for herself, even saving her family from certain financial ruin, a result of her brother Marcus’s endless hare-brained schemes. Marcus too lives at Challham Castle (and comes up with said hare-brained schemes), as does their father who seems absent from the scene though where or why is not explained.
One of the businesses that Belinda has invested in, is one of the two village pubs, run by the usually inebriated Tipper, who is assisted by Sandra, a woman who bears Belinda a grudge. Noticing that Tipper doesn’t seem to have invested any of the money Belinda gave him in the pub’s décor, she heads in to confront him, only to find him dead—murdered. She decides to investigate.
Alongside we have our second main character, Harry Powell, a retired police detective. Harry has now moved to Little Challham, where he is working as a representative of Doggie Delight, a dog food company, a job which requires him to get orders and deliver food to customers. On one such delivery trip, a customer, Ivy White tells him of her fears that a dognapping gang is on the loose and she fears for her dog’s safety. Soon others, too, are seen to have the same fear.
Belinda knows Harry from a previous meeting many years ago, and convinces him to join her in her investigation of Tipper’s death, promising also to help him with the dognapping gang. Harry is reluctant and wishes to leave the murder investigation to the police but agrees to join her. Belinda is excited about investigating (gleeful, almost), but behind it also is her worry about her brother’s possible involvement in the case, for just before Tipper’s death, she had overheard Tipper rowing with Marcus. Do they get to the killer before the police does? Do they manage to catch the dognappers?
A small English Village, a murder mystery and a dognapping plot—this book has all the elements that I would enjoy, and I expected to enjoy it very much, but sadly, this one didn’t work for me at all. I did appreciate the fact that both main characters are middle-aged, and loved that there were lots of dogs around in the story but that was about it.
Belinda wasn’t a character I took to at all; and many of the plot details too, seemed a bit strange/unconvincing—for instance, why Belinda would decide to investigate a case simply because she found a body, rather than leave it to the police didn’t make much sense—agreed it was a person she knew, and a matter she was interested in, but even if she had started taking an interest because of her brother’s possible involvement, I’d have been more convinced, but that comes after. Then there were other little things like how both Belinda and Harry go poking around even in the police’s presence, or Harry’s being at a loss for explanations when a person is hurt because he’s only dealt with dead bodies—I mean he was a police detective not a coroner (also if this last instance was meant to be humorous, it didn’t really come across as that). Then Belinda is supposed to be an investor and businesswoman, and yet when Harry tries to use his whiteboard to chalk out the case, she sees it as something to laugh at than a methodical way of looking at things. Also the dognappers marking houses where they planned to strike didn’t seem a mystery at all—fairly clear from the start. Regrettably, the writing too was not to my liking.
This was not one that worked for me at all, but other reviewers have enjoyed it, so don’t let me dissuade you from giving it a try. For me, though just 2 stars.
September 6, 2021
The first book in the Belinda Penshurst Cozy mystery series is set in a small British country town. One murder and the missing dogs make two people decided to solve the mysteries until they could continue quiet living in Little Challham. Well, that is what will happen, more murders and missing dogs!
Belinda Penshurst, the owner of Challham Castle, worried about the pub owner's death and his relationship with her brother, Marcus. Harry Powell is a retired detective who now works in a dog food company, he delivers food to customers, and he is worried about missing dogs and a stranger car in the neighborhood.
Belinda and Harry were a fun team and I like to read their next case. I've enjoyed the voices the narrator used, different accents for both sexes, and she beautifully expressed the emotions!
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the chance of listening to Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1) by Lisa Cutts, Narrated by Lucy Paterson, I have given my honest review.
Belinda Penshurst, the owner of Challham Castle, worried about the pub owner's death and his relationship with her brother, Marcus. Harry Powell is a retired detective who now works in a dog food company, he delivers food to customers, and he is worried about missing dogs and a stranger car in the neighborhood.
Belinda and Harry were a fun team and I like to read their next case. I've enjoyed the voices the narrator used, different accents for both sexes, and she beautifully expressed the emotions!
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the chance of listening to Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1) by Lisa Cutts, Narrated by Lucy Paterson, I have given my honest review.
August 25, 2021
Murder in the Village is the first instalment in the Belinda Penshurst Mystery series set in the small, pristine village of Little Challham in Kent. The picture-postcard location for this brand spanking new series has shades resembling that of Midsomer Murders; it's stunning, tight-knit but with a sinister edge to it. Belinda is the proprietor of the local castle and has the pleasure of living in such a grand place which she shares with her father and brother, Marcus. Our secondary protagonist is Harry Powell, a retired police detective who is now enjoying the slower and more serene way of life out of the hustle and bustle of the city.
He lives in the castle's gatehouse and has recently started a job he finds thoroughly mundane - delivering dog food and treats for a business known as Doggie Delight, however, recently the area has been plagued by a slew of canine disappearances, and Harry can't help but quietly and covertly investigate. Belinda has invested in several local businesses as she understands the importance of village commerce, so when a suspicious dead body is discovered in the New Inn, the watering hole in which she is a stakeholder, she is of course concerned about both the murder and its impact on the pub.
Harry is first on the scene to help investigate given his past career, but when the bodies begin to pile up, it seems someone is playing a very dangerous game of cat and mouse with the villager’s lives and livelihoods. This is billed as a cosy/cozy mystery but it has an edgier side to it that makes it a lot more exciting than many cosies/cozies out there but still avoids graphic descriptions and profanity. The characters are a wonderful bunch who are beautifully developed each with distinct personalities and the setting and Belinda’s castle home are described in lush, richly imagined detail.
It's a captivating and compulsively readable mystery with plenty of tension and intrigue throughout it's pages, but one of my highlights was the atmosphere and how well the author portrayed the often claustrophobic nature of small-town life and the tendency to overestimate how well you know someone who is an inhabitant of the local area. It's a fun, easy and entertaining read simply perfect for a spot of escapism and a break from reality. A promising start to the series. Highly recommended.
He lives in the castle's gatehouse and has recently started a job he finds thoroughly mundane - delivering dog food and treats for a business known as Doggie Delight, however, recently the area has been plagued by a slew of canine disappearances, and Harry can't help but quietly and covertly investigate. Belinda has invested in several local businesses as she understands the importance of village commerce, so when a suspicious dead body is discovered in the New Inn, the watering hole in which she is a stakeholder, she is of course concerned about both the murder and its impact on the pub.
Harry is first on the scene to help investigate given his past career, but when the bodies begin to pile up, it seems someone is playing a very dangerous game of cat and mouse with the villager’s lives and livelihoods. This is billed as a cosy/cozy mystery but it has an edgier side to it that makes it a lot more exciting than many cosies/cozies out there but still avoids graphic descriptions and profanity. The characters are a wonderful bunch who are beautifully developed each with distinct personalities and the setting and Belinda’s castle home are described in lush, richly imagined detail.
It's a captivating and compulsively readable mystery with plenty of tension and intrigue throughout it's pages, but one of my highlights was the atmosphere and how well the author portrayed the often claustrophobic nature of small-town life and the tendency to overestimate how well you know someone who is an inhabitant of the local area. It's a fun, easy and entertaining read simply perfect for a spot of escapism and a break from reality. A promising start to the series. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2021
Nothing ever happens in Little Challham...nothing really happens in this book either! Yes, the local pub landlord drowned in his own ale and there are a band of dognappers lurking in the dark...but none of it is exciting enough to hold my attention.
Belinda Penshurst might love her life in Little Challham...hell, I probably would too if I lived in her castle! But I didn't like Belinda. She was irritating and seemed to look down her nose at everyone. Her brother Marcus was another fool who hasn't appeared to have grown up. Harry Powell, now retired from the author's previous East Rise series, was the only likeable character with his little chats with the villagers...but with Belinda I was left scratching my head. What on earth are they talking about? The pair left me utterly confused by their interactions to the point I just didn't care anymore.
I really couldn't get into this book and I don't even have the energy to rehash the plot in my own retelling of it because there doesn't seem much point.
I love Midsomer Murders and the whole cosy English village scene...but MURDER IN THE VILLAGE doesn't cut it for me. But don't take my word for it...plenty of other people have enjoyed it so you might too!
I haven't read the author's crime series but I think that would be more up my alley, particularly the ones that feature DI Harry Powell who has now retired to Little Challham and featured in this book, as I'm fairly fussy about cosy mysteries that can hold my attention.
I would like to thank #LisaCutts, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderInTheVillage in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Belinda Penshurst might love her life in Little Challham...hell, I probably would too if I lived in her castle! But I didn't like Belinda. She was irritating and seemed to look down her nose at everyone. Her brother Marcus was another fool who hasn't appeared to have grown up. Harry Powell, now retired from the author's previous East Rise series, was the only likeable character with his little chats with the villagers...but with Belinda I was left scratching my head. What on earth are they talking about? The pair left me utterly confused by their interactions to the point I just didn't care anymore.
I really couldn't get into this book and I don't even have the energy to rehash the plot in my own retelling of it because there doesn't seem much point.
I love Midsomer Murders and the whole cosy English village scene...but MURDER IN THE VILLAGE doesn't cut it for me. But don't take my word for it...plenty of other people have enjoyed it so you might too!
I haven't read the author's crime series but I think that would be more up my alley, particularly the ones that feature DI Harry Powell who has now retired to Little Challham and featured in this book, as I'm fairly fussy about cosy mysteries that can hold my attention.
I would like to thank #LisaCutts, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderInTheVillage in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 22, 2021
Is he seeing crime where it doesn't exist to make himself feel more connected to the life he left behind when he retired from the police force? Is she getting involved because she is a bored heiress who is trying to connect with the town she grew up in or could it be that there really is a sinister group dognapping pets and killing people off. Intriguing storyline with extremely interesting characters that draw you and have you wanting to help them figure things out as well. A story wrapped with humor, wit, intrigue, murder, mystery and a lot of intriguing interpersonal interactions between the two main characters as well as between each of them and the townsfolk. I am really hoping to read or rather listen to more from this author as this audiobook definitely entertained and has me intrigued to listen to more. The narrator did an excellent job of helping breathe more life into these well developed characters. I'd recommend putting it on your must listen list!!
July 20, 2021
What a great start to a new series! I loved the heroine, castle-owner and business angel Belinda Penshurst, who rushes in where angels fear to tread. Her crime-solving partner, retired police detective Harry Powell is much more cautious (and dearly wishes Belinda was too) making for some wonderfully humorous moments and a lively, spark-filled investigation. I really enjoyed the local characters and the setting too, and had no idea who the murderer was. In short, wonderfully entertaining with the perfect set of ingredients.
August 26, 2021
Whether due to the murder of pub landlord Tupper or a slew of missing dogs, Belinda Penshurst is on the case. Amateur detective to be sure, Belinda has every intention of solving both cases. When Harry Powell, a retired dectective, moves into Belinda's small town, he certainly had no intention to be dealing with yet another murder. In fact, Harry and the police in the small village just don't appear to be taking things as seriously as Belinda.
Just as the police are certain that they found the killer, Belinda digs even deeper, proving that she is the perfect person to solve the mysteries at hand. Murder in the Village most certainly makes a fabulous first book in what promises to be an entertaining series. I loved Belinda, Harry and other characters in this story. Belinda's doggedness (pun intended) to get to the bottom of what was going on was enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the possible romance between Belinda and Harry and especially how the book ended which no doubt made me anticipate what just might be next.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Just as the police are certain that they found the killer, Belinda digs even deeper, proving that she is the perfect person to solve the mysteries at hand. Murder in the Village most certainly makes a fabulous first book in what promises to be an entertaining series. I loved Belinda, Harry and other characters in this story. Belinda's doggedness (pun intended) to get to the bottom of what was going on was enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the possible romance between Belinda and Harry and especially how the book ended which no doubt made me anticipate what just might be next.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 25, 2021
Oh I really enjoyed this book! Midsommer meets audio! Perfect! It had me in stitches several times and gasping in alarm at others. The main characters Harry and Belinda make a great crime busting duo, love Belinda's passion for all things right and proper and Harry's ticking the boxes procedures. The narrator was great, no silly whiney voices for different characters but you could tell the difference when someone else spoke. I look forward very much to the next in hopefully a long series.
October 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Murder in the Village, the first novel to feature local businesswoman Belinda Penshurst and retired detective inspector Harry Powell, set in the English village of Little Chalham.
Harry suspects there is a dog napping ring in Little Chalham and decides to investigate to alleviate the boredom of his new existence as a dog food distributor. Meanwhile Belinda finds the local pub landlord murdered and is determined to investigate. They pool their resources to investigate both cases.
I enjoyed the author’s police procedurals, so I was interested to see what she would do in this new series. I can’t say that I particularly enjoyed it, but I can’t say that I didn’t either. I read it in return for a free copy, but I felt no enthusiasm for doing so. It lacks the spark that good reads have, so it was easy to put down and I never heard the siren call luring me back.
The plot is relatively simple, two amateurs running around asking questions to find a murderer and break up a dog napping ring. The method isn’t really my thing, as it seems to get bogged down in minutiae and circular thinking. In short, it takes a long time to get a result and I found the journey to that result a bit boring.
I didn’t find Harry particularly convincing as a former DI. Running an investigative team requires strength of character and a certain forcefulness and he’s rather passive as a personality. Belinda is more recognisable as forceful, bossy woman used to getting her own way. If there had been real chemistry between them it would have livened up the read, but it never gets there with a few musings and some lame jokes being the sum total.
Murder in the Village is not for me, but I can appreciate that it fits well into the cosy genre.
Harry suspects there is a dog napping ring in Little Chalham and decides to investigate to alleviate the boredom of his new existence as a dog food distributor. Meanwhile Belinda finds the local pub landlord murdered and is determined to investigate. They pool their resources to investigate both cases.
I enjoyed the author’s police procedurals, so I was interested to see what she would do in this new series. I can’t say that I particularly enjoyed it, but I can’t say that I didn’t either. I read it in return for a free copy, but I felt no enthusiasm for doing so. It lacks the spark that good reads have, so it was easy to put down and I never heard the siren call luring me back.
The plot is relatively simple, two amateurs running around asking questions to find a murderer and break up a dog napping ring. The method isn’t really my thing, as it seems to get bogged down in minutiae and circular thinking. In short, it takes a long time to get a result and I found the journey to that result a bit boring.
I didn’t find Harry particularly convincing as a former DI. Running an investigative team requires strength of character and a certain forcefulness and he’s rather passive as a personality. Belinda is more recognisable as forceful, bossy woman used to getting her own way. If there had been real chemistry between them it would have livened up the read, but it never gets there with a few musings and some lame jokes being the sum total.
Murder in the Village is not for me, but I can appreciate that it fits well into the cosy genre.
August 24, 2021
For a murder/mystery, this was such a fun read!
This is the first book in a brand new series featuring Belinda Penshurst who lives in a castle in the small village of Little Challham. I really enjoyed Belinda's character. She is bold and not afraid to speak her mind which gets her into trouble more than a few times! We also meet Harry who is retired from the police force of which the pair join forces after one of the local residents is murdered.
Murder is not the only crime going on in this small village as dogs seem to be going missing also. Being a dog lover, I was in my element with this book and reading of the different breeds of which they also had their own personalities. As the author very kindly states at the very beginning of the story, no dogs were harmed, and can confirm that this is definitely the case.
Murder in the Village has quite a bit of humour running throughout which added to how much I loved this book. It was such an enjoyable first introduction to these characters and setting and has left me very much looking forward to more in the series. If you love crime reads that are on the cosier, light hearted side, then this is the perfect book to dive into.
This is the first book in a brand new series featuring Belinda Penshurst who lives in a castle in the small village of Little Challham. I really enjoyed Belinda's character. She is bold and not afraid to speak her mind which gets her into trouble more than a few times! We also meet Harry who is retired from the police force of which the pair join forces after one of the local residents is murdered.
Murder is not the only crime going on in this small village as dogs seem to be going missing also. Being a dog lover, I was in my element with this book and reading of the different breeds of which they also had their own personalities. As the author very kindly states at the very beginning of the story, no dogs were harmed, and can confirm that this is definitely the case.
Murder in the Village has quite a bit of humour running throughout which added to how much I loved this book. It was such an enjoyable first introduction to these characters and setting and has left me very much looking forward to more in the series. If you love crime reads that are on the cosier, light hearted side, then this is the perfect book to dive into.
August 22, 2021
Murder in the Village by Lisa Cutts is the first book in The Belinda Penshurst Mystery series. I like that this cozy mystery is set in Britain. We get that cozy English village charm. The author provided detailed descriptions that allowed me to visualize the village, Belinda’s home, and the characters. Our two amateur sleuths, Belinda Penshurst and Harry Powell work to solve two crimes. They must catch a murderer and figure out who is behind the local dognapping’s. The two run around asking questions and trying to outdo each other. The mysteries were straightforward. For a detective, Harry failed to question the right people with regard to the dognapping. I felt the story got bogged down in the details. The endless detailed descriptions made for slow reading along with the repetitive details. I had a hard time wading through this whodunit (it is great if you are suffering from insomnia). I could not get into the story (I really tried). It did not feel that this was the first book. The author did not provide the backstory that I wanted on our main characters especially Harry. We are told that Harry is a retried detective inspector who has moved to Little Challham and now works for Doggie Delight delivering kibble (I want more information). Of course, Harry may no longer be a detective, but it is hard to give up old habits. Belinda has her finger in a number of pies in the village plus she is trying to find out what mischief her brother, Marcus is up to this time. The last time the family almost lost their home. She is also having trouble with her latest investment. Belinda finds the cause of her latest problem dead which is how she gets involved in solving the crime. The author was trying to establish a romantic relationship between our two protagonists, but it missed the mark. Why Harry would like someone who looks down on him and sneers, I do not know. The dialogue between them makes a person cringe. Personally, I was not a fan of either one of them. Belinda is a bossy, forceful woman with attitude (big chip or should I say boulder on her shoulder). Harry is a quiet man who pays attention to details. There are times, though, when I felt he missed the mark. The book moved at a snail’s pace (I felt like I was traveling on a glacier to get to the resolution). The best thing about the story was the cute dogs. Murder in the Village was not the right fit for me. I suggest you read a sample to see if this cozy mystery suits you. Murder in the Village is British whodunit with dognapped doggies, pub problems, a troublemaker brother, a mysterious murder, and two squabbling sleuths.
August 30, 2021
I'm a bit of a sucker for a cozy mystery, so I jumped at the chance to read Murder in the village.
I know Lisa Cutts has written other books before this one but this is actually the first I've read of hers, but it certainly won't be the last!
Two cases run side by side in this novel. First off, the dog owners of Little Challam are being targeted by mysterious dognappers. The second mystery involves the murder of pub landlord Tipper, a man with no shortage of enemies, but who would want to kill him? Belinda joins forces with retired detective Harry Powell to solve both cases.
Murder in the village has all the ingredients of a good cozy mystery, an idyllic sounding setting, a cast of interesting characters and a couple of determined amateur sleuths intent on getting to the bottom of the case.
Belinda and Harry made a fun pair together. Belinda is fairly bossy and stubborn, not afraid to say what she thinks, while Harry is a little more reserved and thoughtful. I enjoyed the back and forth between Belinda and Harry. I feel there's some good potential between the pair and look forward to seeing what they get up to next.
At times, I found Belinda a tad annoying, but she grew on me as the story went along.
Both mysteries kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and red herrings along the way.
Murder in the village is a solid cozy mystery and a must for fans of this genre!
I know Lisa Cutts has written other books before this one but this is actually the first I've read of hers, but it certainly won't be the last!
Two cases run side by side in this novel. First off, the dog owners of Little Challam are being targeted by mysterious dognappers. The second mystery involves the murder of pub landlord Tipper, a man with no shortage of enemies, but who would want to kill him? Belinda joins forces with retired detective Harry Powell to solve both cases.
Murder in the village has all the ingredients of a good cozy mystery, an idyllic sounding setting, a cast of interesting characters and a couple of determined amateur sleuths intent on getting to the bottom of the case.
Belinda and Harry made a fun pair together. Belinda is fairly bossy and stubborn, not afraid to say what she thinks, while Harry is a little more reserved and thoughtful. I enjoyed the back and forth between Belinda and Harry. I feel there's some good potential between the pair and look forward to seeing what they get up to next.
At times, I found Belinda a tad annoying, but she grew on me as the story went along.
Both mysteries kept me guessing with plenty of suspects and red herrings along the way.
Murder in the village is a solid cozy mystery and a must for fans of this genre!
August 26, 2021
Lisa Cutts has written a great debut in her new mystery series featuring Belinda Penshurst.
Belinda is in Little Challham, Kent and her home is the castle there. She lives with her dad and her brother, Marcus. The gatehouse is occupied by Harry Powell, a retired detective inspector who moved to look for a quieter life. He has trained to be a Doggy Delight food delivery associate but it's not long before he finds himself getting involved in the area's disappearing dog problem that has suddenly arisen. When the landlord at the local pub, the New Inn, an establishment that forty-one-year-old Belinda has enjoyed a tipple or two in and has invested in financially, is found dead, Belinda and Harry work together to try to figure out the perpetrator's identity.
The characters are a brilliant mixed bag who are excellently drawn, each with distinct personalities. The locale and the castle are described in appreciable detail. The mystery itself was vastly intriguing with a great amount of suspense for a cosy. A fun, entertaining and atmospheric read with a bang on small-town setting. I'm already looking forward to the second instalment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Belinda is in Little Challham, Kent and her home is the castle there. She lives with her dad and her brother, Marcus. The gatehouse is occupied by Harry Powell, a retired detective inspector who moved to look for a quieter life. He has trained to be a Doggy Delight food delivery associate but it's not long before he finds himself getting involved in the area's disappearing dog problem that has suddenly arisen. When the landlord at the local pub, the New Inn, an establishment that forty-one-year-old Belinda has enjoyed a tipple or two in and has invested in financially, is found dead, Belinda and Harry work together to try to figure out the perpetrator's identity.
The characters are a brilliant mixed bag who are excellently drawn, each with distinct personalities. The locale and the castle are described in appreciable detail. The mystery itself was vastly intriguing with a great amount of suspense for a cosy. A fun, entertaining and atmospheric read with a bang on small-town setting. I'm already looking forward to the second instalment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
August 20, 2021
Very enjoyable start to a new cozy mystery! I cannot wait for the next one!
Belinda moved back to her small village when her brother, Marcus, proved he cannot be responsible for their family estate. Though she enjoys her town, Belinda still has the need for big city life.
Harry retires from decades of police work - to become a dog food distributor. He finds the work fulfilling if not slightly boring.
Until a local pub owner is found floating in a beer barrel.
Harry and Belinda work together to uncover the culprit, while investigating dognapping leading to pregnant thoroughbred dogs.
I loved the banter between Harry and Belinda, as well as the characters of the Little Challham.
Great start to a new series - lots of action, short chapters and great plot.
Belinda moved back to her small village when her brother, Marcus, proved he cannot be responsible for their family estate. Though she enjoys her town, Belinda still has the need for big city life.
Harry retires from decades of police work - to become a dog food distributor. He finds the work fulfilling if not slightly boring.
Until a local pub owner is found floating in a beer barrel.
Harry and Belinda work together to uncover the culprit, while investigating dognapping leading to pregnant thoroughbred dogs.
I loved the banter between Harry and Belinda, as well as the characters of the Little Challham.
Great start to a new series - lots of action, short chapters and great plot.
August 25, 2021
When dogs are going missing in Little Challham, Challam Castle owner, Belinda Penshurst, talks retired detective, Harry Powell to investigate with her. When a murder is committed, Belinda and Harry decide to investigate both matters.
This is an entertaining cozy mystery and the first in a new series. I wasn’t too keen on Belinda’s character to start off with but she did grow on me. Plenty of interesting characters and an enjoyable take on village life, I hope to read more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is an entertaining cozy mystery and the first in a new series. I wasn’t too keen on Belinda’s character to start off with but she did grow on me. Plenty of interesting characters and an enjoyable take on village life, I hope to read more.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 27, 2021
I think this one will be great for fans of Murder, She Wrote!
Not really my cup of tea, but in the past I've given 5 stars to Lisa Cutts' books and she does write a good story - this one was well narrated too.
Thanks so much Bookouture Audio, Bookouture, via Netgalley, for gifting me an audiobook copy - can't wait for more!
Not really my cup of tea, but in the past I've given 5 stars to Lisa Cutts' books and she does write a good story - this one was well narrated too.
Thanks so much Bookouture Audio, Bookouture, via Netgalley, for gifting me an audiobook copy - can't wait for more!
September 7, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy. Belinda lives in Challham Castle in the village of Little Challham. Retired Police detective Harry Powell delivers dog food. They join forces to investigate a murder and dog napping spate. A amusing and delightful mystery.
November 27, 2021
Murder in the Village is the start of another brand new cosy mystery series set in the quiet, cosy village of Little Chalham and which brings together two unlikely persons together to form a crime solving duo--Belinda Penhurst an independent woman in her early forties who lives in the local castle and has financially invested in a lot of the local businesses around the village and Harry Powell, a retired police officer/detective who has recently moved to the area and now runs his own dog food business. Belinda and Harry are worlds apart but join forces after the murder of a tavern keeper is linked to a series of dognappings occurring around the village.
I received both the e-Arc and audio ARC of this book. The overall audiobook narration by Lucy Paterson was done well but (and this is just my thoughts) I kind of felt she made Belinda sound much older whenever she narrated her character...I kind of had two images of Belinda going in my mind while reading the book and listening to it separately and they didn't match. Overall I liked the book and loved the setting of Little Chalham. Harry Powell is the lead character in a previous detective/police procedural series by Lisa Cutts and it will be interesting to see how he manages now in a more cosy setting.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture/Bookouture Audio and the author Lisa Cutts for both the e-Arc and audio ARC of the book.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐✨💫
I received both the e-Arc and audio ARC of this book. The overall audiobook narration by Lucy Paterson was done well but (and this is just my thoughts) I kind of felt she made Belinda sound much older whenever she narrated her character...I kind of had two images of Belinda going in my mind while reading the book and listening to it separately and they didn't match. Overall I liked the book and loved the setting of Little Chalham. Harry Powell is the lead character in a previous detective/police procedural series by Lisa Cutts and it will be interesting to see how he manages now in a more cosy setting.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture/Bookouture Audio and the author Lisa Cutts for both the e-Arc and audio ARC of the book.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐✨💫
December 8, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder In The Village' by Lisa Cutts.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lisa Cutts, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 25th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Belinda Penshurst Mystery' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of M.C. Beaton, H.Y. Hanna and Emily Organ will love the first novel in the Belinda Penshurst series!' I am a huge fan of Emily Organ so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Little Challam which is a fictional village in Kent, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Belinda Penshurst and Harry Powell. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely fantastic page turning start to what promises to be a riveting new series!!! Congratulations Lisa on a great success!!!
This book is very well written and very smooth and easy to read. The descriptions are vivid and helps you to really feel that you are in the middle of the village whilst everything is going on. The synopsis and cover suit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline itself is quite fast paced and there is always something going on to captivate your attention and keep you constantly turning the pages. I am very pleased that Lisa brought the methods used my dotnappers to the readers attention as graffiti outside homes where dogs reside is a well used technique by dog thief's yet many people I speak to know nothing about it so congratulations Lisa on bringing this fact to your readers attention. I really enjoyed the storyline and was pleased to read at the beginning thay No dogs were harmed in the making of the story or in the storyline either. I also wanted to mention that I really enjoyed the extract included prior to the storyline from 'The Power of the Dog' by Rudyard Kipling. An absolutely fantastic choice and true words that fit well with the storyline. This book is filled with suspense, red herrings, tension, friendship, a hint of romance, lots of dogs and some laughter mixed in. A perfect combination for any successful cosy mystery. I had no idea who was doing what and am pleased to say that I was quite surprised when the reveal was made. It is getting harder and harder to surprise me after reading so many crime books and there is nothing worse than working it all out by 50% so another congratulations on this Lisa!!
I really enjoyed meeting Belinda and Harry for the first time and not only was I invested on the storyline but I also became invested in them. It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are and whether you are going to love them or hate them.
I am pleased to say there was nothing to worry about in this case and I am looking forward to seeing more of both Belinda and Harry. The fact that I love animals and run a rescue and that both Harry and Belinda are animal lovers definitely helped me engage with them both. I liken them to a pair of naughty school children. The type on primary school who bicker but really fancy each other and I really am looking forward to see what becomes of them. They both had me in stitches on several occasions, Belinda with some of the things she came out with and her attitude and Harry for just being Harry, bless him!!! Extremely strong, likeable and realistic characters!!!
Well done Lisa on an absolutely fantastic first book in what is promising to be an epic series. Here's to reading the next adventure 🍻
Overall a page turning, non stop, addictive, hilarious cosy mystery that is perfect for the beach or in front of a fire, a fantastic start to what promises to be a riveting series!!!
Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:
😂 "‘Who hasn’t?’ said George, vein popping out of the side of his shaved head. ‘Especially when someone accuses them of murder.’‘She didn’t actually accuse you of murder,’ said Harry, stepping forwards. ‘Didn’t she?’ said George. ‘Didn’t I?’ said Belinda. ‘I meant to.’‘That’s what it sounded like to me,’ said Anita. ‘Thank you, Anita, at least someone was paying attention,’ said Belinda, a triumphant look on her face."
Genres covered in this book include Cosy Mystery, Crime Fiction, Mystery and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Emily Organ, Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, Helena Dixon and anyone looking for a fantastic, laugh a minute cosy mystery
252 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free if you have kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderInTheVillage #Bookouture #LisaCutts #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LisaCutts @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Murder In The Village' by Lisa Cutts.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lisa Cutts, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 25th August 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Belinda Penshurst Mystery' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of M.C. Beaton, H.Y. Hanna and Emily Organ will love the first novel in the Belinda Penshurst series!' I am a huge fan of Emily Organ so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Little Challam which is a fictional village in Kent, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Belinda Penshurst and Harry Powell. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely fantastic page turning start to what promises to be a riveting new series!!! Congratulations Lisa on a great success!!!
This book is very well written and very smooth and easy to read. The descriptions are vivid and helps you to really feel that you are in the middle of the village whilst everything is going on. The synopsis and cover suit the storyline perfectly.
The storyline itself is quite fast paced and there is always something going on to captivate your attention and keep you constantly turning the pages. I am very pleased that Lisa brought the methods used my dotnappers to the readers attention as graffiti outside homes where dogs reside is a well used technique by dog thief's yet many people I speak to know nothing about it so congratulations Lisa on bringing this fact to your readers attention. I really enjoyed the storyline and was pleased to read at the beginning thay No dogs were harmed in the making of the story or in the storyline either. I also wanted to mention that I really enjoyed the extract included prior to the storyline from 'The Power of the Dog' by Rudyard Kipling. An absolutely fantastic choice and true words that fit well with the storyline. This book is filled with suspense, red herrings, tension, friendship, a hint of romance, lots of dogs and some laughter mixed in. A perfect combination for any successful cosy mystery. I had no idea who was doing what and am pleased to say that I was quite surprised when the reveal was made. It is getting harder and harder to surprise me after reading so many crime books and there is nothing worse than working it all out by 50% so another congratulations on this Lisa!!
I really enjoyed meeting Belinda and Harry for the first time and not only was I invested on the storyline but I also became invested in them. It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are and whether you are going to love them or hate them.
I am pleased to say there was nothing to worry about in this case and I am looking forward to seeing more of both Belinda and Harry. The fact that I love animals and run a rescue and that both Harry and Belinda are animal lovers definitely helped me engage with them both. I liken them to a pair of naughty school children. The type on primary school who bicker but really fancy each other and I really am looking forward to see what becomes of them. They both had me in stitches on several occasions, Belinda with some of the things she came out with and her attitude and Harry for just being Harry, bless him!!! Extremely strong, likeable and realistic characters!!!
Well done Lisa on an absolutely fantastic first book in what is promising to be an epic series. Here's to reading the next adventure 🍻
Overall a page turning, non stop, addictive, hilarious cosy mystery that is perfect for the beach or in front of a fire, a fantastic start to what promises to be a riveting series!!!
Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:
😂 "‘Who hasn’t?’ said George, vein popping out of the side of his shaved head. ‘Especially when someone accuses them of murder.’‘She didn’t actually accuse you of murder,’ said Harry, stepping forwards. ‘Didn’t she?’ said George. ‘Didn’t I?’ said Belinda. ‘I meant to.’‘That’s what it sounded like to me,’ said Anita. ‘Thank you, Anita, at least someone was paying attention,’ said Belinda, a triumphant look on her face."
Genres covered in this book include Cosy Mystery, Crime Fiction, Mystery and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Emily Organ, Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, Helena Dixon and anyone looking for a fantastic, laugh a minute cosy mystery
252 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free if you have kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderInTheVillage #Bookouture #LisaCutts #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@LisaCutts @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
October 24, 2021
Taking place in the cute little town of Challham, UK, this cozy mystery is just the read you need to accompany your cuppa! Belinda Penshurst is the owner of Challham Castle, and when a local pub owner is murdered in his own pub, Belinda decides she is going to solve they mystery herself. She and retired detective Harry Powell begin their investigation and no one is above suspicion!
Soon Belinda and Harry discover that the murder may have something to do with the large amount of dogs that have gone missing recently in the village. Will they solve the mystery in time before any more dogs go missing, or people die?!
This book is a charming cozy mystery that will certainly pass the time on any rainy fall afternoon. I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a great job as well!
Special Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Soon Belinda and Harry discover that the murder may have something to do with the large amount of dogs that have gone missing recently in the village. Will they solve the mystery in time before any more dogs go missing, or people die?!
This book is a charming cozy mystery that will certainly pass the time on any rainy fall afternoon. I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a great job as well!
Special Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1)
Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1)
by Lisa Cutts
Pub Date: 25 Aug 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 15 Jul 2021
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Do like a bit of a mystery and this was quite a good read didn't like Belinda 🤔 she is a woman with attitude so it kind of put me off the book but this is only my own personal opinion.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 25 Aug 2021, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1)
Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1)
by Lisa Cutts
Pub Date: 25 Aug 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 15 Jul 2021
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Do like a bit of a mystery and this was quite a good read didn't like Belinda 🤔 she is a woman with attitude so it kind of put me off the book but this is only my own personal opinion.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 25 Aug 2021, to post to these retailers.
October 11, 2021
I’d picked up from NetGalley and I quite enjoyed the narration and some of the plot and characters but found myself not just indifferent to the main character, Belinda, but I actually didn’t particularly…like her. I haven’t read enough cozy mysteries to judge, but I didn’t like how she was so nosy, snoopy, and a bit quick to judge. At the end of the day, sure, her instincts caught the big bad, but I wouldn’t want her as my neighbor much. Still…I did grow to somewhat like her by the end and I did think that both she and Harry make for a splendid team, making headways into a case that has even the cops scratching their heads!
Not for me, but certainly a book of potential that might fit someone else! The writing was good and I didn’t find too much fault in anything else, just simply not my kind of book.
Not for me, but certainly a book of potential that might fit someone else! The writing was good and I didn’t find too much fault in anything else, just simply not my kind of book.
January 25, 2026
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Murder in the Village is the first book in a new English village cozy series by Lisa Cutts. Due out 25th Aug 2021, it's 286 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This was a good series start with a solid small village cozy. The author is a technically adept writer and provides necessary backstory without info-dumping. The narrative is lighthearted, including an ensemble cast of oddball small-town characters.
There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists (including a murder involving cling film), but it's a village cozy, so it's really part of the whimsy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were always on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying or yank me out of my suspension of disbelief, so it was a fun read. There's also an almost slow-burn on/off romance subplot with the handsome former detective who's new to the village, again par for the course. The language is clean, the murder(s) are off screen and free from gory violence, there's no direct graphic sexual content; it's a well written and charming cozy. The plot threads include dog-napping, light blackmail, extortion, and murder, and amateur sleuth Belinda, castle-dwelling, clever, and single minded, is determined to get to the bottom of the skullduggery infesting *her* village.
The audiobook version is very well narrated by Lucy Paterson and has a run time of 7 hours 31 minutes. She has an impressive facility with different local accents and they come across clearly in her dialogue recitation between two or more characters (of both sexes). One of the characters she narrated was an older resident in the village and she was perfectly convincing portraying the stressed and crying septuagenarian.
Charming, diverting, and well written. I intend to seek out future volumes in the series. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Murder in the Village is the first book in a new English village cozy series by Lisa Cutts. Due out 25th Aug 2021, it's 286 pages and will be available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This was a good series start with a solid small village cozy. The author is a technically adept writer and provides necessary backstory without info-dumping. The narrative is lighthearted, including an ensemble cast of oddball small-town characters.
There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists (including a murder involving cling film), but it's a village cozy, so it's really part of the whimsy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were always on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying or yank me out of my suspension of disbelief, so it was a fun read. There's also an almost slow-burn on/off romance subplot with the handsome former detective who's new to the village, again par for the course. The language is clean, the murder(s) are off screen and free from gory violence, there's no direct graphic sexual content; it's a well written and charming cozy. The plot threads include dog-napping, light blackmail, extortion, and murder, and amateur sleuth Belinda, castle-dwelling, clever, and single minded, is determined to get to the bottom of the skullduggery infesting *her* village.
The audiobook version is very well narrated by Lucy Paterson and has a run time of 7 hours 31 minutes. She has an impressive facility with different local accents and they come across clearly in her dialogue recitation between two or more characters (of both sexes). One of the characters she narrated was an older resident in the village and she was perfectly convincing portraying the stressed and crying septuagenarian.
Charming, diverting, and well written. I intend to seek out future volumes in the series. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
August 25, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me the audiobook version of Murder in the Village.
Murder in the Village is a charming cozy mystery. It's a lighthearted, easy read - or in my case, an easy listen.
This is the first book of a new series featuring a retired policeman and an amateur sleuth. Their relationship is endearing and funny. The retired policeman, Harry Powell has just moved in a new home and he leads quite a different life than he had. He works as a dog food seller. The amateur sleuth, Belinda Penshurst lives in her family's castle and is a business woman in her own right. However, her brother has always been a burden/trouble for her.
Both of Harry and Belinda's lives change when a murder occurs in their village. They team up not just to solve that murder, but to solve the case of the missing dogs. There's not only a murderer in town, but also a dog-napper.
The writing style is simple yet beautiful and the story is easy to follow. The plot itself is not something that wowed me, to be honest. The setting and the characters made the book fun, not the actual murder/dognapping mystery.
When it comes to the narrator of this audiobook, I have to say that I have no negative comments to say. She did an excellent job and there were no technical difficulties or problems.
I'd recommend this book to lovers of cozy, laid-back mysteries.
Story rating: 3.8/5 ⭐
Narrator rating: 5/5 ⭐
Murder in the Village is a charming cozy mystery. It's a lighthearted, easy read - or in my case, an easy listen.
This is the first book of a new series featuring a retired policeman and an amateur sleuth. Their relationship is endearing and funny. The retired policeman, Harry Powell has just moved in a new home and he leads quite a different life than he had. He works as a dog food seller. The amateur sleuth, Belinda Penshurst lives in her family's castle and is a business woman in her own right. However, her brother has always been a burden/trouble for her.
Both of Harry and Belinda's lives change when a murder occurs in their village. They team up not just to solve that murder, but to solve the case of the missing dogs. There's not only a murderer in town, but also a dog-napper.
The writing style is simple yet beautiful and the story is easy to follow. The plot itself is not something that wowed me, to be honest. The setting and the characters made the book fun, not the actual murder/dognapping mystery.
When it comes to the narrator of this audiobook, I have to say that I have no negative comments to say. She did an excellent job and there were no technical difficulties or problems.
I'd recommend this book to lovers of cozy, laid-back mysteries.
Story rating: 3.8/5 ⭐
Narrator rating: 5/5 ⭐
August 25, 2021
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book - here’s my honest review:
Welcome to Little Challham, a village with a castle,
That’s where Harry Powell retired to for a life without hassle.
However he’d not known about Belinda Penshurst before
Or that murder mysteries they’d investigate there for sure!
Belinda knows most folks in the village and what goes on
But now there are mysteries to be solved - and not just one!
She has a knack for turning up when disaster strikes
And finding murder victims is something she definitely dislikes!
However, the discoveries have made her determined to find
Who has spoilt the village by being so unkind
With Harry working with her, she’s sure that they’ll discover
Just who did what, to whom and when - and hopes it isn’t her brother!
This is a story of village life with pubs, rivalry and more
But just who are the dognappers and who are they working for?
Are they linked to the murderer - and is there more than one?
Can Belinda and Harry find the answers before any more are gone?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this cosy mystery book
With a fantastic community, fun characters and, look,
As well as murder and dognapping, there's a possible romance!
I can’t wait for more in this series and hope you’ll also give it a chance!
For my copy of this book - here’s my honest review:
Welcome to Little Challham, a village with a castle,
That’s where Harry Powell retired to for a life without hassle.
However he’d not known about Belinda Penshurst before
Or that murder mysteries they’d investigate there for sure!
Belinda knows most folks in the village and what goes on
But now there are mysteries to be solved - and not just one!
She has a knack for turning up when disaster strikes
And finding murder victims is something she definitely dislikes!
However, the discoveries have made her determined to find
Who has spoilt the village by being so unkind
With Harry working with her, she’s sure that they’ll discover
Just who did what, to whom and when - and hopes it isn’t her brother!
This is a story of village life with pubs, rivalry and more
But just who are the dognappers and who are they working for?
Are they linked to the murderer - and is there more than one?
Can Belinda and Harry find the answers before any more are gone?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this cosy mystery book
With a fantastic community, fun characters and, look,
As well as murder and dognapping, there's a possible romance!
I can’t wait for more in this series and hope you’ll also give it a chance!
August 15, 2021
An enjoyable start to a new cozy crime series in which we are introduced to local landowner, business owner and amateur sleuth Belinda and retired policeman now seller of dog biscuits Harry. The two seem an unlikely couple but their easy going banter and mockery of themselves and each other is quite entertaining and makes this a fun read.
In their first outing together the two are looking into both murder and dog napping, both which may be tied together. The pair team up and Harry starts the investigation using his police methods as they write the suspect list out on a whiteboard. There is a good background story to how Belinda and Harry first met some 20 years ago which adds to the character of both and their understanding and treatment of each other and the cast of other people in the book.
There are some hilarious moments also, usually involving Belinda and her rush to act without thinking. The incident near the end when she threw a bag of dog treat turkey twizlers to stop Harry being injured was very comical and I could picture the scene vividly. I look forward to the next outing for Belinda and Harry.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
In their first outing together the two are looking into both murder and dog napping, both which may be tied together. The pair team up and Harry starts the investigation using his police methods as they write the suspect list out on a whiteboard. There is a good background story to how Belinda and Harry first met some 20 years ago which adds to the character of both and their understanding and treatment of each other and the cast of other people in the book.
There are some hilarious moments also, usually involving Belinda and her rush to act without thinking. The incident near the end when she threw a bag of dog treat turkey twizlers to stop Harry being injured was very comical and I could picture the scene vividly. I look forward to the next outing for Belinda and Harry.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2021
Murder in the Village (A Belinda Penshurst Mystery Book 1) by Lisa Cutts
📓Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Suspense
Star: 🌟🌟🌟
🔖This is a cozy little murder mystery, set against the backdrop of a picturesque village called Little Challham.
🔖Living in the Challham Castle, Belinda Penshurst, is kind of the Marple of the book, as she joins hand with the retired police officer Harry Powell, and starts investigating the death of a local pub owner.
🔖As is quite common with several cozies – the actual police aren't of much help, and it's upto the duo to find out the killer.
🔖There are some nice moments in this light-hearted tale, but some parts didn't work for me. Certain scenes were added possibly for some added humor, but I personally thought the story could've been better without those bits.
🔖I however liked the way Harry Powell handled his share of the investigation, and I would love to read more stories featuring him in the lead.
🔖Overall, a nice story.
🔸Final Verdict: Good
🔸Book Cover: Sadly, I didn't think it to be eye-catching enough.
🔸Writing Style: Descriptive
🔸Character Development: Good
✨Many thanks to Bookouture (Publisher) and Netgalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
#MurderintheVillage #NetGalley #arc
📓Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Suspense
Star: 🌟🌟🌟
🔖This is a cozy little murder mystery, set against the backdrop of a picturesque village called Little Challham.
🔖Living in the Challham Castle, Belinda Penshurst, is kind of the Marple of the book, as she joins hand with the retired police officer Harry Powell, and starts investigating the death of a local pub owner.
🔖As is quite common with several cozies – the actual police aren't of much help, and it's upto the duo to find out the killer.
🔖There are some nice moments in this light-hearted tale, but some parts didn't work for me. Certain scenes were added possibly for some added humor, but I personally thought the story could've been better without those bits.
🔖I however liked the way Harry Powell handled his share of the investigation, and I would love to read more stories featuring him in the lead.
🔖Overall, a nice story.
🔸Final Verdict: Good
🔸Book Cover: Sadly, I didn't think it to be eye-catching enough.
🔸Writing Style: Descriptive
🔸Character Development: Good
✨Many thanks to Bookouture (Publisher) and Netgalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
#MurderintheVillage #NetGalley #arc
October 19, 2021
This is a perfectly good cozy mystery story, the perfect one for a rainy day or a beach day. It is simple and straightforward, though for awhile a few too many characters came in -- for an audio book, anyway. The story was easy to follow and repetitive enough to follow easily. The mystery was pleasing because it was understandable.
This is the first of two books in a series.
My real love is the narrator. I didn't understand at first, but she puts me to sleep. Totally, happily to sleep. I don't know if the voice is like my mom's or what, but it is soothing and pleasing. I played the book several times before I realized I was going to have to stay sitting up while I listened to it. Otherwise, snorefest. Not the story, certainly, but a quality of the voice.
Thank you to Netgalley for the audio book.
This is the first of two books in a series.
My real love is the narrator. I didn't understand at first, but she puts me to sleep. Totally, happily to sleep. I don't know if the voice is like my mom's or what, but it is soothing and pleasing. I played the book several times before I realized I was going to have to stay sitting up while I listened to it. Otherwise, snorefest. Not the story, certainly, but a quality of the voice.
Thank you to Netgalley for the audio book.
July 10, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this cozy mystery.
Dogs are going missing in a village in England. Then the local pub's owner is found drowned in a barrel of beer. Belinda, a wealthy woman who lives in a castle, and Harry, a retired detective, join forces to help the police find the killer and who's kidnapping dogs.
I found the dialogue between Belinda and Harry very annoying, always trying to out-think each other and argue, but not in a kind way. Belinda tries to show Harry she's just as capable as a detective, and Harry feels he has more merit due to his former career. They were annoying and detracted from the story. I would read any more in this series, if more are written.
Dogs are going missing in a village in England. Then the local pub's owner is found drowned in a barrel of beer. Belinda, a wealthy woman who lives in a castle, and Harry, a retired detective, join forces to help the police find the killer and who's kidnapping dogs.
I found the dialogue between Belinda and Harry very annoying, always trying to out-think each other and argue, but not in a kind way. Belinda tries to show Harry she's just as capable as a detective, and Harry feels he has more merit due to his former career. They were annoying and detracted from the story. I would read any more in this series, if more are written.
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