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Izzy Palmer Mystery #7
A Corpse in a Quaint English Village
When Izzy Palmer organises a relaxing weekend away with the man she is at least seventy-five per cent certain she's in love with, all she wants is rest, relaxation and perhaps a little romance. But after a battered body turns up in the middle of the Shackleford Rise summer fete, it's clear that there are dark secrets hiding behind the village's ever-twitching curtains.
To complicate things further, a pack of hungry journalists are on Izzy's tail, her all-singing mother has crashed the investigation, her boyfriend keeps being far too polite to everyone, and, oh yes, the bodies are piling up by the hour. How is London's most private detective supposed to solve a string of murders when there are so many other distractions to get in the way? Between a thuggish policeman, a nervous vicar, the world's most evil cat lady, a nosy neighbour and a very sober drunk, someone must be to blame for the killings, and Izzy is certain she can worm out the culprit. Well... seventy-five per cent certain, at the very least.
To complicate things further, a pack of hungry journalists are on Izzy's tail, her all-singing mother has crashed the investigation, her boyfriend keeps being far too polite to everyone, and, oh yes, the bodies are piling up by the hour. How is London's most private detective supposed to solve a string of murders when there are so many other distractions to get in the way? Between a thuggish policeman, a nervous vicar, the world's most evil cat lady, a nosy neighbour and a very sober drunk, someone must be to blame for the killings, and Izzy is certain she can worm out the culprit. Well... seventy-five per cent certain, at the very least.
- GenresMystery
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2021
261 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Benedict Brown
48 books509 followersWriting has always been my passion. It was my favourite hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing. I spent a long time writing kids’ books, including funny fairy tales, dystopic adventures and serious issue-based YA, before switching to murder mysteries last year.
I grew up in a crime fiction family and spent a long time dreaming up the idea for my detective Izzy Palmer’s debut novel. A Corpse Called Bob is my first full-length book for adults in what is already becoming a long series.
I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living with my French/Spanish wife and slightly muddled daughter in Burgos, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I write overlooking the Castilian countryside, trying not to be distracted by the vultures and red kites that fly past my window each day.
I grew up in a crime fiction family and spent a long time dreaming up the idea for my detective Izzy Palmer’s debut novel. A Corpse Called Bob is my first full-length book for adults in what is already becoming a long series.
I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living with my French/Spanish wife and slightly muddled daughter in Burgos, a beautiful city in the north of Spain. I write overlooking the Castilian countryside, trying not to be distracted by the vultures and red kites that fly past my window each day.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 23, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written British 🏰 murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Benedict Brown (The Lizzy Palmer Mysteries book 7 of 8). Lizzy and Dan go on a vacation to a English village. Things are not going to well between Lizzy and Dan. Then murder start occurring in the village. Who is the killer? There are too many suspects? Lizzy investigation leads to the capture of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀☺🏡
Great series. Happy reading and have fun
Another will written British 🏰 murder mystery family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Benedict Brown (The Lizzy Palmer Mysteries book 7 of 8). Lizzy and Dan go on a vacation to a English village. Things are not going to well between Lizzy and Dan. Then murder start occurring in the village. Who is the killer? There are too many suspects? Lizzy investigation leads to the capture of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀☺🏡
Great series. Happy reading and have fun
October 25, 2021
Loved the Twist of Fate
Not everything in life is black and white, and there are times to apply this to the law. Brown explored this with creativity and great satisfaction at the end.
However w this being my eighth Izzy Palmer book I realized Izzy may be Brown as the character in Izzy clothing because no woman would think nor act like an Izzy. She is Brown's teenage boy self disguised like a girl. That is why his next series of mysteries featuring a teenage boy is so brilliant. I came to not like Izzy very much early in this book because of the deception (how can an excellent make writer write as a female lead character...he can't). But at the end Izzy redeems herself and I look forward to the next installment in mid 2022...A Corpse at a Wedding. 🤓
Not everything in life is black and white, and there are times to apply this to the law. Brown explored this with creativity and great satisfaction at the end.
However w this being my eighth Izzy Palmer book I realized Izzy may be Brown as the character in Izzy clothing because no woman would think nor act like an Izzy. She is Brown's teenage boy self disguised like a girl. That is why his next series of mysteries featuring a teenage boy is so brilliant. I came to not like Izzy very much early in this book because of the deception (how can an excellent make writer write as a female lead character...he can't). But at the end Izzy redeems herself and I look forward to the next installment in mid 2022...A Corpse at a Wedding. 🤓
August 19, 2023
After nine months in Peru, Izzy's boyfriend Dr. Danny Fields, is finally coming home. Izzy Palmer is eagerly awaiting his arrival. She has also planned a weekend get-away at a bed-and-breakfast in the quaint village of Shackleford Rise. Unfortunately, when they arrive, the owner / operator of the facility seems to be against strangers / outsiders in the village. There is also a fete scheduled for the weekend to celebrate the village's 900 anniversary. While people are still setting up for the fete, a body is found at a dunk tank. It appears that Gruff Perkins was severely beaten to death. Obviously, this is not the weekend Izzy and Danny had planned. Soon, Izzy notices that her mother's PR Manager, Eddie Vanguard, is in the village, as are a group of journalists. To complicate matters even more, the town's estate agent, Anthea Abingdon, is found inside a celebration cake. She appears to have been strangled with a green wire around her neck. The local policeman P.C. Nate Hammer and P.C. Burton are the only officials investigating the crimes and they do not seem to be interested in resolving anything. Nor has either officer called in any backup officers. Izzy feels that she has no choice but to investigate the situation herself.
Gruff Perkins was not very popular, but who would want to kill him? Why would somebody kill him? Why would somebody kill Anthea? Why aren't the police more interested in solving the case? Can Izzy sort through the lies and half-truths to unravel the mystery?
Benedict Brown has another fantastic mystery for Izzy Palmer to solve. With an assortment of quirky characters and situations to keep the reader engaged throughout. He also includes a smattering of humor to keep the mood light.
Gruff Perkins was not very popular, but who would want to kill him? Why would somebody kill him? Why would somebody kill Anthea? Why aren't the police more interested in solving the case? Can Izzy sort through the lies and half-truths to unravel the mystery?
Benedict Brown has another fantastic mystery for Izzy Palmer to solve. With an assortment of quirky characters and situations to keep the reader engaged throughout. He also includes a smattering of humor to keep the mood light.
October 11, 2021
Benedict Brown gets a lot of attention for his Lord Edgington Investigates series (and rightly so!). As a fan who has spent time with both series, I must say the Izzy Palmer books are well worth your time.
First of all, there is so much clever humor throughout. Izzy and her pals are a riot, and Benedict Brown has such a knack for naturally rolling out the laughs as the plot moves along. This results in fun characters that we fall in love with and we simply just can't get enough of.
Brown always nails his settings, and certainly, Lord Edgington fans will know this to be true. The quaint, English village in this installment is as fun as it is quirky. Each location throughout the story jumps off the page with vivid detail. One of the marks of great cozies is giving the reader a place they want to visit, even if it's a bit off the wall. Brown accomplishes that and then some here.
When it comes to twisty mysteries that will constantly keep readers guessing, Brown has proven time and again just how talented he is. The ending to this one is surprising in all of the right ways, and truly one of the more unique endings I have read in modern cozies.
It is also worth pointing out that readers not familiar with Izzy Palmer can easily jump in here. Benedict Brown does a great job of presenting a complete story while giving enough payoffs for long-time fans. I enjoyed this one so much that I cannot wait to go back and read the books I have missed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First of all, there is so much clever humor throughout. Izzy and her pals are a riot, and Benedict Brown has such a knack for naturally rolling out the laughs as the plot moves along. This results in fun characters that we fall in love with and we simply just can't get enough of.
Brown always nails his settings, and certainly, Lord Edgington fans will know this to be true. The quaint, English village in this installment is as fun as it is quirky. Each location throughout the story jumps off the page with vivid detail. One of the marks of great cozies is giving the reader a place they want to visit, even if it's a bit off the wall. Brown accomplishes that and then some here.
When it comes to twisty mysteries that will constantly keep readers guessing, Brown has proven time and again just how talented he is. The ending to this one is surprising in all of the right ways, and truly one of the more unique endings I have read in modern cozies.
It is also worth pointing out that readers not familiar with Izzy Palmer can easily jump in here. Benedict Brown does a great job of presenting a complete story while giving enough payoffs for long-time fans. I enjoyed this one so much that I cannot wait to go back and read the books I have missed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2021
Another funny Izzy Palmer story full of awkwardness, funny bits, family, romance, and of course dead people!
What is planned for a romantic weekend away with the just returned love of her life, has one blip after another on the road to romantic delight. Of course the ever over polite Danny is understanding and happy to have another chance after a walk in the morning dew. Unfortunately their path crosses a deceased young man in a dunk tank chair of the village fete that is planned for that day. From that point on, Izzy is doing what she loves best-investigating!
So many great characters. So many dead or injured people for such a small town. So many red herrings that it was impossible to decide who was responsible. So much fun finding out the truth about so many things! Definitely a book you won't want to miss if you are an Izzy fan. And although I always recommend starting a series from the beginning, you will still love this zany cast of characters even if it's your first book. But remember there are 6 others in the series plus an extra one that I think should be counted in the series.
The point is, if you love Izzy. there's plenty more to enjoy!
What is planned for a romantic weekend away with the just returned love of her life, has one blip after another on the road to romantic delight. Of course the ever over polite Danny is understanding and happy to have another chance after a walk in the morning dew. Unfortunately their path crosses a deceased young man in a dunk tank chair of the village fete that is planned for that day. From that point on, Izzy is doing what she loves best-investigating!
So many great characters. So many dead or injured people for such a small town. So many red herrings that it was impossible to decide who was responsible. So much fun finding out the truth about so many things! Definitely a book you won't want to miss if you are an Izzy fan. And although I always recommend starting a series from the beginning, you will still love this zany cast of characters even if it's your first book. But remember there are 6 others in the series plus an extra one that I think should be counted in the series.
The point is, if you love Izzy. there's plenty more to enjoy!
October 29, 2024
Unlikable Characters
1 by 1 I've been reading the books in this series thinking the horrible side characters would be featured less and less.... Unfortunately they show up more and more and make the storyline unreadable. Unfortunately great mysteries and crappy characters don't mix, the actual murders and investigation are good but are overshadowed by all of the unnecessary characters acting stupid and idiotic during a murder investigation. Izzy's conversations with herself are even stupider (I have to skip anything italicized so I don't have to read that anymore) I'm truly disappointed in this whole series because of all the unnecessary garbage in between the actual mystery. Benedict Brown's other series are exceptional and he should stick to those instead of continuing with this waste of a good mystery!
1 by 1 I've been reading the books in this series thinking the horrible side characters would be featured less and less.... Unfortunately they show up more and more and make the storyline unreadable. Unfortunately great mysteries and crappy characters don't mix, the actual murders and investigation are good but are overshadowed by all of the unnecessary characters acting stupid and idiotic during a murder investigation. Izzy's conversations with herself are even stupider (I have to skip anything italicized so I don't have to read that anymore) I'm truly disappointed in this whole series because of all the unnecessary garbage in between the actual mystery. Benedict Brown's other series are exceptional and he should stick to those instead of continuing with this waste of a good mystery!
February 21, 2022
With Danny, the love of her life, back from doctoring, Izzy plans a get-away for the two of them to finally have some alone time. As with most things, the weekend doesn't start well as they take unfortunate transportation to staying at the bed & breakfast of the most unpleasant woman who really doesn't want visitors and new people invading her "quaint" village. Dead bodies start to pile up and Izzy, feeling that local law enforcement isn't handling the deaths appropriately, starts investigating. In another amazing, twisty, turny tale, Benedict and Izzy will keep you searching for the culprit(s). All of Izzy's crazy companions show up before all is said and done, and Izzy and Danny make some sense of their relationship.
March 7, 2022
Izzy just keeps getting better
Izzy Palmer's latest mystery is the perfect blend of interesting character, red herrings, and humor. When Izzy and her boyfriend head out for a romantic weekend their plans are disrupted by a murder, and then another murder. The village is far from the quaint vacation spot they were hoping for, and the residents are not exactly the warm welcoming types. The murders Izzy becomes involved with are becoming more complicated, allowing her to grow and become a better character without losing the quirky characteristics that make her one of my favorite detectives.
Izzy Palmer's latest mystery is the perfect blend of interesting character, red herrings, and humor. When Izzy and her boyfriend head out for a romantic weekend their plans are disrupted by a murder, and then another murder. The village is far from the quaint vacation spot they were hoping for, and the residents are not exactly the warm welcoming types. The murders Izzy becomes involved with are becoming more complicated, allowing her to grow and become a better character without losing the quirky characteristics that make her one of my favorite detectives.
June 13, 2025
Small village vengeance
In a small Surrey village where outsiders are not wanted, where Izzy and Danny take off to for a romantic weekend after his nine month Doctors Without Borders is done, what can get in the way of their flowering love story?
It turns out a lot can. Dead bodies. A greasy talent agent. A horror of a bed n’ breakfast landlady. Izzy’s priorities. Confusing clues. Mum and Ramesh doing reconnaissance to make sure Izzy doesn’t screw up. Paparazzi journalists with a penchant for invention.
That’s just to name a few in this crazy whoddunit filled with a quirky small-village cast of lovable and hateful characters.
In a small Surrey village where outsiders are not wanted, where Izzy and Danny take off to for a romantic weekend after his nine month Doctors Without Borders is done, what can get in the way of their flowering love story?
It turns out a lot can. Dead bodies. A greasy talent agent. A horror of a bed n’ breakfast landlady. Izzy’s priorities. Confusing clues. Mum and Ramesh doing reconnaissance to make sure Izzy doesn’t screw up. Paparazzi journalists with a penchant for invention.
That’s just to name a few in this crazy whoddunit filled with a quirky small-village cast of lovable and hateful characters.
October 10, 2021
Izzy's plans for a quiet weekend in a village with her sort-of boyfriend after an absence of 9 months sounds idyllic. But - what goes wrong, does – not one but 2.5 corpses turn up at the village fair, and she's distracted by Danny as well. The landlady is strange, and other village personalities are peculiar as well; red herrings abound. But, in the course of the weekend (with the help of her diva mother, who is launching a musical), all becomes clear … until the surprise ending. Well done.
I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
October 24, 2021
My taste in murder mysteries is in between Cozies (which can be too silly) and classic (which can be too graphic and unpleasant) Benedict Brown fills this unique space beautifully with both his Izzy Palmer series and the Lord Edgington series. I love his delightful use of humor and whimsey. He uses a technique with Izzy that I have never seen before where she has conversations with her brain-they are a hoot. To my frustration, Mr. Brown just can't write books fast enough for me...I have loved every one and am so looking forward to the one coming out in December!
April 29, 2022
Another Epic Read
How is it that Izzy and her merry band of misfits can get better and better in each book?! These quirky characters are truly becoming some of my favorites ever! This time around Izzy and Danny are off for a romantic weekend. But as we know by now, Izzy is far from romantic and always has a tendency to find dead bodies. With much going on around her, how is she going to figure out who done it? Seriously if you haven't read this series, you are truly missing out. Highly recommend
How is it that Izzy and her merry band of misfits can get better and better in each book?! These quirky characters are truly becoming some of my favorites ever! This time around Izzy and Danny are off for a romantic weekend. But as we know by now, Izzy is far from romantic and always has a tendency to find dead bodies. With much going on around her, how is she going to figure out who done it? Seriously if you haven't read this series, you are truly missing out. Highly recommend
July 23, 2024
A Corpse in a Quaint English Village
This is one of the most unusual cases for Izzy. Whilst on a weekend trip with Dr Danny there are two seemingly unrelated murders.
Izzy is confounded by the different scenarios and descriptions give by the resident villagers and the fact that things just don’t add up.
Will she resolve the mystery, well you’ll just have to read this excellent mystery to find out.
This is one of the most unusual cases for Izzy. Whilst on a weekend trip with Dr Danny there are two seemingly unrelated murders.
Izzy is confounded by the different scenarios and descriptions give by the resident villagers and the fact that things just don’t add up.
Will she resolve the mystery, well you’ll just have to read this excellent mystery to find out.
October 11, 2021
Highly recommended!
I've read all the Izzy books, and enjoyed them all, but this is my favorite. (Ok, I say that with each new book, but they keep getting beyter!) Izzy did more of this one on her own than any before, and she feels more developed now as a detective and as a person. Loving the series!
I've read all the Izzy books, and enjoyed them all, but this is my favorite. (Ok, I say that with each new book, but they keep getting beyter!) Izzy did more of this one on her own than any before, and she feels more developed now as a detective and as a person. Loving the series!
October 11, 2021
I was eagerly looking forward to the seventh corpse Izzy Palmer discovers, and I thought it was utterly fantastic!
The village, and all of its inhabitants, certainly were quaint and had me laughing on every page.
Figuring out the killer’s identity was a joyful and intriguing puzzle.
Brilliant !
The village, and all of its inhabitants, certainly were quaint and had me laughing on every page.
Figuring out the killer’s identity was a joyful and intriguing puzzle.
Brilliant !
March 18, 2022
A Very Odd Village Actually
Truly zany cast of characters that have become very endearing as the Izzy stories have grown to include more novels & novellas. Like chips and chocolate - quite addicting too! Loop-de-looping thru the assorted inhabitants of the village and the intrepid Izzy & her followers is great fun! Except for the baddies naturally.
Truly zany cast of characters that have become very endearing as the Izzy stories have grown to include more novels & novellas. Like chips and chocolate - quite addicting too! Loop-de-looping thru the assorted inhabitants of the village and the intrepid Izzy & her followers is great fun! Except for the baddies naturally.
April 6, 2024
Too much crazy
I am just not a fan of Izzy. She wears me out. Too much always going on in her head. So indecisive. Stories Too long with slow action. I feel bad for poor Danny. I like Ra though. I have tried 2 of her adventures. Probably won’t try another. But I love Christopher and his grandpa, I have read several of their stories.
I am just not a fan of Izzy. She wears me out. Too much always going on in her head. So indecisive. Stories Too long with slow action. I feel bad for poor Danny. I like Ra though. I have tried 2 of her adventures. Probably won’t try another. But I love Christopher and his grandpa, I have read several of their stories.
September 11, 2025
Unusual
Having read the earlier books in the series I was looking forward to settling down to a delightful storyline. The characters were a bit wishy washy and a little unbelievable this time around; hopefully this will be addressed in the next book. Having said that the plot twist was a page turner which made up for the long winded storyline.
Having read the earlier books in the series I was looking forward to settling down to a delightful storyline. The characters were a bit wishy washy and a little unbelievable this time around; hopefully this will be addressed in the next book. Having said that the plot twist was a page turner which made up for the long winded storyline.
December 30, 2021
A wonderful mystery full of eccentric characters makes for a delightful read! The setting of a quaint English village is such an integral part of this story. Full of humor and twists, it kept me laughing and guessing until the end. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
March 9, 2023
Village has secrets
What was supposed to be a quiet weekend away with Danny presents a dead body. The local police aren't trying to solve it, so Izzy has to. Very amusing. The usuals do show up.
What was supposed to be a quiet weekend away with Danny presents a dead body. The local police aren't trying to solve it, so Izzy has to. Very amusing. The usuals do show up.
December 12, 2022
Who killed Gruff and why??? And Anthea??? Izzy will figure things out though, won’t she??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
October 6, 2023
Entertaining. I seemed to become more enchanted with Izzy’s family the more books I read. These are read before falling asleep books as they are charming and won’t cause odd dreams
November 11, 2025
Great read
Really well done! Talk about a double twist! This was a very interesting mystery with many possible bad guys and an unexpected ending!
Really well done! Talk about a double twist! This was a very interesting mystery with many possible bad guys and an unexpected ending!
February 6, 2022
Such a good series!
If you're a murder mystery fan who loves humor, this entire series is for you. The characters are so relatable, and the plots so well constructed. Benedict Brown - cheers to you. Thanks for putting these words and these people out into the world for our immense enjoyment.
If you're a murder mystery fan who loves humor, this entire series is for you. The characters are so relatable, and the plots so well constructed. Benedict Brown - cheers to you. Thanks for putting these words and these people out into the world for our immense enjoyment.
June 13, 2022
Another wonderful installment of the Izzy Palmer series. Izzy has planned a surprise remantic weekend for her and Danny, the man she has known since childhood and thinks she loves. The romance is replaced by a quaint little village filled with strange people and 2 murders. Before the weekend is over Ramesh shows up with Izzy's mom who entertains the crowds with her music and a couple of Izzy's dads, actually dad and a few steps. Izzy is a really loveable character surrounded by other great characters. I was surprised at the ending, I never would have figured it out but what a cool twist. I have read quite a few books by Benedict Brown and he has quickly been added to my short list of favorite authors. Try it you'll love it too.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews