A Devon Night's Death: The gripping cosy crime series

Devon Mysteries #5

by Stephanie Austin

In the Dartmoor town of Ashburton, reluctant antique shop owner and accidental amateur sleuth, Juno Browne, has cash-flow problems. So, when the mild and gentlemanly bookbinder, Frank Tinkler, rents a room above the shop, he seems like the answer to a prayer.

At home, Juno accidentally disturbs intruders and shortly afterwards, one of them falls to his death from a viaduct. Was it accident, suicide or murder? When Juno recognises his accomplice as Frank's nephew, Scott, she decides to investigate .

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime

349 pages, Hardcover

Published February 17, 2022

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this. Statuesque Juno Browne, vintage/second hand dealer, promises not to do any more detecting, but things happen around her. Quirky cast and interesting situations have a way of devolving very quickly. Must read more of the series

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this is book 5 in the series, it wasn't necessary to have read any of the previous novels.
Despite the base storyline not really offering anything particularly original, the story moved along at a nice pace and it had a feel-good factor about it.
The familiarity of the local setting helped with the overall feel of the story and characters.
Would have given 3.5 stars if able to and would definitely read the other books in the series.

[Sue Bridgwater · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are getting more cluttered and inconsequential as they go along.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got through this book so quickly, I did not want to put it down. I was kept guessing by a lot of what kept happening, but I did guess that it would be about drugs, although I was surprised by some of what happened in the end.

Juno was definitely the most reckless she's ever been in this book - considering how badly things have gone for her in the past, she was definitely taking more risks that before. Baiting Gerry and Frank was definitely a stupid move, considering she had learned only a chapter or two before that Frank was Scott's killer. It's always nice to see her called out for her behaviour, and as much as I liked Daniel, I think he did what was best for him because he was right - Juno won't change, as much as she doesn't want to admit it, she likes chasing the clues and seeking justice. I like her because that's who she is, but it does make me frustrated with her because she does jump into things with no regard for her own safety sometimes - or the safety of others, as we've seen with Olly and now with Henry.

I love that the backdrop to this novel is the amateur dramatics of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and we got to see so much more of the locals gathering together to rehearse and perform - I love Olly's involvement, and Sophie coming out of her shell. Ricky and Morris were witty and sarcastic and supportive of everyone as usual, and I like how Elizabeth is the person Juno turns to when she's trying to investigate but not let anyone know.

Frank was the perfect villain for this novel - I was genuinely scared of him, especially because he put on such a nice guy act, and he was clearly planning and masterminding things for a lot longer than anyone thought - the taunting letter to Juno at the end was a nice touch, and I do feel worried that he will show up again in the future, as he's the first person Juno has come up against who actually got away.
Cruella seems to have become a nasty antagonistic bitch in the past couple of novels - she's gone from someone who seems to disapprove of Juno and her activities to someone who genuinely hates her and enjoys causing pain to her. I thought she was misunderstood for a while, when they shared that moment with the coat in the storeroom, but since then she's just become more and more horrible, and I can't understand why - Juno is definitely an annoying menace as far as the police are concerned, but not enough to cause the obvious vitriol we see from Cruella.

Overall a good book, and I am going to have to immediately dive into the next one because I can't wait to see what Juno gets up to next, or how many more bodies she discovers. A 4.5 out of 5, rounded up to 5 stars.

[Kaia Isaacs · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book really went nowhere for me. Not catchy at all unfortunately.

[Kirsty Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Stephanie Austin I struggled to put the book down and I can't wait to read the next

[Roxanne Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juno Browne ("with an e") is the embodiment of the 21st-century gig economy (though she'd never refer to herself that way) with her Domestic Goddess house-cleaning service, dog-walking clients, and the antique store she inherited unexpectedly. She also has a tendency to trip over dead bodies and have trouble find her wherever she goes. In the latest, Juno tries again to rent out the space above Old Nick's to improve cash flow. Her boyfriend--who I keep expecting to find is involved in something nefarious with the way he keeps canceling trips to see--is still working to save peat bogs for the environment, so Juno keeps an eye on his house (and he really shouldn't blame her if she happens to run into some trouble whilst doing so!). Full of the charming characters we've come to know, A Devon Night's Death kept me engaged until the end.....now I want the next one!

Thanks to Allison & Busby for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley.

[Lorraine Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cosy thriller, it’s the fifth book in the series which I didn’t realise until after I was accepted to preview, but it’s set in my favourite place Dartmoor so I was instantly sold. But it didn’t matter as I felt the book stood alone and you didn’t really need to know what had previously happened.

The characters are likeable, Juno has a very busy life, I wished I could fit in as much as she does and solve a mystery as well. The plot is good, it keeps you page turning and kept me guessing what was Frank up to, you just knew “if something is too good to be true it probably is”.

I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books as this was a lovely cosy read. I’d like to know what happened in Juno’s previous adventures.

Thank you Net Galley and the publishers for letting me have a preview I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A Devon's Night Dream Maurice and Ricky are busy with a theatre production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, to be performed in their extensive garden when the Arts Council appoints Gabriel Dark, a professional producer to come to Ashburton to take control. Neither Maurice or Ricky are pleased as they have previous knowledge of Dark and how difficult he can be. Juno is busy running Old Nick's and looking after her domestic clients as well as helping Maurice and Ricky with the auditions, casting and costumes and is grateful when a new person, Frank Tinkler, asks if he can hire the upstairs craft studio at Old Nicks for his paper marbling business. Daniel Thorncroft, Juno's boyfriend is still absent working on bog conservation in Ireland but asks Juno to oversee the delivery of his static caravan at his derelict farm for him to live in as he renovates the building.

Juno has promised Daniel that while he's away she will avoid any more trouble but then while checking on the farm one evening she discovers there are two men in the barn searching for something. On that occasion they escape but not before Juno sees them and later identifies one as Josh Naylor when he discovered deceased at the bottom of the viaduct bridge. While Juno tries to keep out of trouble it seems that trouble seems to come to meet her, when she begins to suspect that things aren't as innocent as they might seem with Frank's business and she begins to think that he's involved in smuggling drugs into prisons and intimidating prisoner's relatives to support him. Juno finds herself becoming more and more involved as she begins to find more and more bodies littered around Ashburton and in the background the trials and tribulations of the theatre production rumble on bringing it's own drama to the plot.

A Devon Night's Dream is the 5th novel in Stephanie Austin's series and this has been my favourite one so far. Juno is now an established character as well as the supporting cast of returning characters that populate Ashburton. There seemed a lot more depth to this novel than previous ones, with a lot of research into the prison/legal system that allows communications between prisoners and the outside as well as a lot of interesting details into the art of paper marbling and drug smuggling!

[George Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Devon Night's Death," the fifth instalment in the Juno Browne series by Stephanie Austin, is a delightful read that seamlessly blends mystery, humor, and the quaint charm of Devon. Juno Browne, our statuesque protagonist, captivates with her blend of vintage charm and an unwilling knack for detective work. Despite her promise to stay away from sleuthing, Juno finds herself entangled in mysterious happenings that are impossible to ignore.

Austin's storytelling is engaging, with a pace that keeps you turning pages without rushing through the scenic beauty of Dartmoor. The book stands strong on its own, welcoming new readers without requiring a background of the previous novels. This aspect particularly appeals to first-timers in the series, like myself, who can dive straight into Juno's world without feeling lost.

The narrative is infused with a sense of warmth and familiarity, making the local setting an integral part of the story. Characters are well-crafted and likable, each adding their unique flavour to the story. Juno, with her busy life and penchant for getting into unforeseen situations, is particularly relatable and endearing.

While the mystery itself may not break new ground in the genre, it’s the storytelling and the setting that elevate this novel. The plot moves at a comfortable pace, with enough twists to keep the reader engaged but not overwhelmed. The cosy thriller aspect is well balanced with Juno’s personal life and the dynamics of the small town.

In conclusion, "A Devon Night's Death" is a charming read, perfect for those who enjoy a cosy mystery with a strong sense of place. It’s a book that invites you in with its warmth and keeps you engaged with its gentle suspense and intriguing characters. A solid four-star read for its delightful narration and the escapism it offers into the picturesque Devon.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of A Devon Night’s Death, the fifth novel to feature amateur sleuth Juno Browne, set in Ashburton, Devon.

Juno’s antique shop is struggling for cash, so she is delighted when book restorer Frank Tinkler asks to rent a room above the shop. Frank moves his business in with the help of his nephew, Scott, but Juno’s investigative juices flow when she recognises Scott as the friend of a man who robbed her boyfriend’s property and has now turned up dead.

This is the first novel in the series that I have read, so I didn’t get some of the references to Juno’s previous adventures. Despite this it works well as a stand-alone, having a self contained plot with the hint of a thread if the author chooses to pursue it.

The plot is well done with a series of incidents that culminates in Juno getting involved in a fight and big changes in her personal life. I must admit that I didn’t find the novel particularly engrossing, exciting or tense, but I think that is the nature of the cosy format - a series of incidents and events that the nosy amateur solves before the police with a side dish of personal strife. It is a good example of the genre (with a bit more bad language than I expected) but I prefer a bit more. More what? I’m not sure, but I think emotional involvement.

I read it to the end and I appreciate what it is, but it didn’t appeal to me.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read with a likeable protagonist (set against the backdrop of her antique store) and an interesting and unfolding storyline focused on corruption, murder and prison drug smuggling. I would have given this more stars except for the extremely insufferable Daniel. Thankfully he wasn’t in the book much but his controlling the protagonist and calling her “Miss B” up to 3 times per page was highly annoying and not charming (as I expect was intended). At least the author has a backstory for him that explains his control (his first wife died, he is scared to lose Juno), but nonetheless it was an irritating addition to an otherwise good book. Perhaps I’m less charmed as I have come into reading this book first and have realised it’s a few books into a series - I acknowledge there would be history there that I’m not privy to and, if being generous, perhaps I could suspend complete judgement of him until reading more of the series. For this book alone though, he was a total wet blanket. While I appreciated Juno’s kind heart I also thought it was a bit odd she didn’t give the police the full info on the extent of the operation (ie the legally protected docs) and find it hard to believe this wouldn’t come up in other interviews or be relevant to them addressing the prison guards who may be involved… unsatisfying that Frank and Gerry got away and in its own way a bit of a Hollywood ending. But this may leave it open for ongoing storyline in further books?

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In many ways Juno is an incredibly likable character. She tries to help people in trouble, is very loyal to her friends, she is bright, and she is hard working.
I didn’t find the mystery very mysterious. It was pretty clear who the bad guys were but it was a matter of figuring out which bad guy did which bad thing. Still there was the suspense of Juno making reckless decisions and putting herself in danger. I prefer mystery to suspense so it wasn’t a perfect fit for me. I also didn’t feel like everything was wrapped up satisfactorily at the end.
I did love the location and the supporting characters.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the inventive pen of Stephanie Austin another gripping mystery/detective novel with Juno Browne in the leading role.I look forward to each of these books because I know I am going to have a good read that will take me down to Devon and Ashburton where most of the action takes place. The descriptions of the villages the people and the countryside are extraordinary and if you are a fan of the area you will understand how nostalgicher writing makes me feel.
Always a good storyline with interesting characters and many twists and turns. This one had a very unexpected turn at the end and I can't wait until book six to find out what happened next.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juno had some very likable traits - she tried to help others when she could, she was exceptionally loyal to her friends, she was intelligent and hard working. But for an intelligent woman she was very reckless and capable of doing very silly things.

The supporting characters were also very entertaining and the location was beautifully described.

The story wasn't really a mystery. It was always obvious who the bad guys were, but it was a matter of figuring out which of the bad guys did which of the bad things. It was more suspense which I don't love so it wasn't a good fit for me.

Also there were some questions not answered at the end which I don't love.

[Anne Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The main character Juno is quite nice but not particularly gripping and she makes a fair amount of fairly strange decisions. The plot is very long-winded and the same kind of crises keep happening and I think it could have been cut by a third. I really disliked Juno's boyfriend, Daniel, who is terribly smug and speaks as if he's just stepped out of a Dickensian novel. That said, the Devon scenery is simply beautiful. And it's nice to see behind the scenes of the local am-dram society. But it's not enough to make this book that interesting.

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this in a bookstore in Barnstaple, North Devon as I always like to read something local to where we are on holiday.
This is book 5 in the Juno Browne series which I didn't know but it's an easy and gently paced cosy crime. There are references to the previous books but it didn't matter too much and I was still able to enjoy this novel. The characters were quirky and likeable and I wouldn't mind exploring Juno's part of Devon on our next trip.

[beyond_blue_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Cozy crime - first time I've come across that term, and that's exactly what this is! I described it to a friend as a bit like Sunday afternoon TV. The crime was probably a bit too gritty for the general feel-good eaay-read of the rest of the book, so that marked it down for me - I sometimes felt a slight disconnect. But I was looking for an easy and entertaining read for a holiday in Cornwall, and this did the trick.

[Len Northfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

continuing good fun

Nice holiday read, especially when you’re in Devon!

Well put together and doesn’t try or pretend to be anything other than a nice holiday read. I’ve enjoyed all the Juno Browne books so far, though this one felt a little flatter than the others. Maybe it’s just that I’m used to them and am familiar with Juno and her crowd (has to be said, the boyfriend is a no-hoper…).

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always happy to catch up with Juno and her friend and always enjoy the mystery.
This one was a bit too slow at the beginning but once the mystery part started I read it as fast as I could.
The mystery is solid and the characters likeable and fleshed out.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Rhiannon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted crime solving with a few murders thrown in. Seems this is no. 5 and I'm guessing reading some of the previous ones would have helped with familiarity with the characters (of which there were many)! Definitely getting Midsomer Murders vibes - cosy community, quirky characters, a local amateur dramatics society, and an above average murder rate...

[Penelope Pitstop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Working my way through the series, giving 3 to some and 4 to others. Most of them are a solid 3.5.

Hugely enjoyable and entertaining although Juno Browne’s tendency to get involved in cop business here extends to setting up an elaborate sting in a jail and, well, no wonder the woman cop hates her.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this ‘cosy crime’ series. Juno Browne is absolutely the Marple of the 21st century. Being a lover of the English Riviera and it’s surrounding areas, I am familiar with many of the places mentioned, allowing the setting to really come alive.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant little read. Seemed at first like it was an introduction to the whole village but once story got going it was a pleasurable easy detective read. Hidden drugs, dead bodies and an inquisitive antiques dealer.

[Sue Vickers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great. Far too many characters wandering around aimlessly, like the storyline. I counted 40 characters mentioned in the first half of the book alone. Even the author gets confused at one stage where Josh Naylor briefly becomes Jake Naylor.

[Lucas Brendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially since I am from Juno Browne's part of the world. Being from the local area helped me to appreciate the meticulous writing Austin does, well worth a read.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being from Juno Browns part of the world helps me to appreciate the meticulous writing that is entailed.

[Mat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, well written. A good read.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin always keeps the plot moving along and Juno continues to be a smart and active heroine.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read .. I am sad I inly have 1 left to go. Roll on the new publication.