What do you think?
Rate this book
THE WELSH MURDER MYSTERIES: Detectives Havard and Lambert box set
A MUST FOR FANS OF COZY STYLE MURDER MYSTERY WHODUNNITS
The Welsh Murder Detectives Havard and Lambert box set - Books 1-3
The first three standalone titles in a great series set in beautiful South Wales with retired detective Fabia Havard and her former protégé Matt
MURDER IN THE VALLEYS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Having left the police following a corruption investigation, ex-superintendent Fabia Havard is struggling with civilian life. When a girl is murdered in her town, she can’t help trying to find the killer. Will her former colleague Matt Lambert stop her, or realize the value of his former boss to the floundering inquiry?
MURDER AT THE OLD ABBEY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When an overbearing patriarch and much begrudged ex-army officer is found dead in his home, there is no shortage of suspects. DCI Matt Lambert investigates, but struggles with a lack of evidence. He’ll once again have to rely on his former boss, ex-detective Fabia Havard, to help him solve the case. But will their fractious relationship get in the way of proceedings?
MURDER BY THE RIVER USK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Almost ten years after he went missing, a student’s body is found. Forensics show that he was murdered, and a cold case is reopened. But when detectives Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert begin to investigate his background, many people he knew are found to be keeping a secret of sorts. Faced with subterfuge and deceit, rooting out the true killer will take all their detective skills.
If you enjoy exciting mysteries with a tenacious female lead that will keep you on your clue-spotting toes, you'll adore these books!
Exclusive to Kindle and FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
These three books, as well as the fourth and fifth in the series, MURDER IN A WELSH TOWN and MURDER OF A GENTLEMAN, are also available as single titles on Kindle and in paperback.
The Welsh Murder Detectives Havard and Lambert box set - Books 1-3
The first three standalone titles in a great series set in beautiful South Wales with retired detective Fabia Havard and her former protégé Matt
MURDER IN THE VALLEYS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Having left the police following a corruption investigation, ex-superintendent Fabia Havard is struggling with civilian life. When a girl is murdered in her town, she can’t help trying to find the killer. Will her former colleague Matt Lambert stop her, or realize the value of his former boss to the floundering inquiry?
MURDER AT THE OLD ABBEY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When an overbearing patriarch and much begrudged ex-army officer is found dead in his home, there is no shortage of suspects. DCI Matt Lambert investigates, but struggles with a lack of evidence. He’ll once again have to rely on his former boss, ex-detective Fabia Havard, to help him solve the case. But will their fractious relationship get in the way of proceedings?
MURDER BY THE RIVER USK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Almost ten years after he went missing, a student’s body is found. Forensics show that he was murdered, and a cold case is reopened. But when detectives Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert begin to investigate his background, many people he knew are found to be keeping a secret of sorts. Faced with subterfuge and deceit, rooting out the true killer will take all their detective skills.
If you enjoy exciting mysteries with a tenacious female lead that will keep you on your clue-spotting toes, you'll adore these books!
Exclusive to Kindle and FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
These three books, as well as the fourth and fifth in the series, MURDER IN A WELSH TOWN and MURDER OF A GENTLEMAN, are also available as single titles on Kindle and in paperback.
- GenresMystery
852 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
750 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Pippa McCathie
18 books65 followersSouth Wales has played a big part in Pippa's life, two of her three sons were born in Swansea and she visits close friends near Newport as often as she can. Brought up in Mauritius, she's spent a lot of her life travelling, to Guernsey, London, South Africa, South Wales, Iran and back to Guernsey. She began writing in school exercise books to entertain her friends, which resulted in dubious exam results but much laughter. She's had many poems and short stories published and, once her boys had been packed off to school, started on the novels. For the last 17 years she's taught a creative writing class, and in her spare time she's worked as a volunteer with a national charity, helped run Guernsey's local Eisteddfod, and looked after a gorgeous husband and a cowardly cat. All these activities have helped her avoid time wasting activities such as housework and gardening. Murder in the Valleys, published by The Book Folks, is the first in a series featuring Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert, who are currently Pippa's best friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 22, 2022
Fabia Havard is a retired DS in a town in Southern Wales. She was forced to take extended sick leave because of a fraud case in which she'd had no involvement outside the investigation. Book 1 starts two years later when her former subordinate, Tom Lambert and she are back in contact because of a murder case. Tom had been out of town during the scandal and, in spite of having doubts about her involvement, had not been in touch with her. Then they begin their on again off again friendship and working relationship when Fabia stumbles across the dead body of a young woman and wants to be part of the murder inquiry since she knows people connected to the victim. Against his better judgment Tom accepts her help and they solve the case while at the same time Tom is working to clear her name.
Each of the three books in this boxed set revolve around murders and the deepening relationship between Fabia and Tom while negotiating Fabia's unofficial involvement with the police in solving the mysteries. All the characters are well-realized and the plots hold together beautifully with some nail-biting moments. I enjoyed reading the books in order, loved the setting in Wales, and look forward to reading the next one!
Each of the three books in this boxed set revolve around murders and the deepening relationship between Fabia and Tom while negotiating Fabia's unofficial involvement with the police in solving the mysteries. All the characters are well-realized and the plots hold together beautifully with some nail-biting moments. I enjoyed reading the books in order, loved the setting in Wales, and look forward to reading the next one!
July 20, 2022
Book 3 of the Welsh Murder Mysteries
Superb! Well written, proper grammar. Pleasant language. Kept me in suspense until close to the end. I was nearly sure it was someone else. It was hard to put this story down. Flavia could be a little kinder to Matt. She creates friction. She did an interview that Matt asked her not to do. It ended up good.
Superb! Well written, proper grammar. Pleasant language. Kept me in suspense until close to the end. I was nearly sure it was someone else. It was hard to put this story down. Flavia could be a little kinder to Matt. She creates friction. She did an interview that Matt asked her not to do. It ended up good.
June 16, 2023
This review covers all three books.
The first was very enjoyable with an interesting plot, some well-drawn characters and a number of very attractive locations, many of which I am familiar with.
The next two were disappointing. The gist of both stories was OK but the narrative moved too slowly and was recounted from far too many points of view.
In summary, plenty of potential with establishing the points of view and speeding up the pace to the narrative will serve future novels well.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
The first was very enjoyable with an interesting plot, some well-drawn characters and a number of very attractive locations, many of which I am familiar with.
The next two were disappointing. The gist of both stories was OK but the narrative moved too slowly and was recounted from far too many points of view.
In summary, plenty of potential with establishing the points of view and speeding up the pace to the narrative will serve future novels well.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
August 27, 2023
At first I found the books a bit slow but, as you get into it all off a sudden the pace picked up. After ther first one I went and read another book so to break up the flow so to speak but then I came back to start the second. I suppose the second was easier to read because you know some of the characters and I slipped into it quite easily. The third I just had to read straight afterwards. They are quite well written. The first ended at a point where I didn’t expec5 it to go. I sort of guessed the villain in the second and the third well I dint see that coming. Yes well written good books, ok I can’t give the plot away but Fabia I want to meet you woman lol. Very good worth the read
May 29, 2022
Detecting Friends
In these three mysteries we become acquainted with Detective Havard , a retired Superintendent with the local police force, and Detective Lambert, an active member of the force. They have an ongoing relationship with one another that heats up as Havard cannot resist poking her nose in police business. I've waffled in giving stats between three and four stars. The three tales are interesting to read but get a bit formulaic. So 3.5 stars is what I'd like to assign. I'm not sure if I want to read any more so I opted for 3 stars.
In these three mysteries we become acquainted with Detective Havard , a retired Superintendent with the local police force, and Detective Lambert, an active member of the force. They have an ongoing relationship with one another that heats up as Havard cannot resist poking her nose in police business. I've waffled in giving stats between three and four stars. The three tales are interesting to read but get a bit formulaic. So 3.5 stars is what I'd like to assign. I'm not sure if I want to read any more so I opted for 3 stars.
March 12, 2023
A well witten murder/mystery series with romance included. I enjoyed the story lines in this series which can be stand alone but the romance story develops through them all.The stories revolve around Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert - Fabia having been forced to leave the police under duress on false accusiation of being involved in fraud; Matt was initailly her sergeant but is now an inspector. The cases all involve a murder(s) all set in south Wales Icertainly enjoyed the storylines and would recommend.
January 11, 2024
delightful stories
The South Wales area is part of the charm. The leading hero is a dedicated chief inspector leading a team, mostly with his trusty sergeant and a few other. Most notably, the female lead is a retired experienced detective herself. Their interactions allow an ebb and flow to the plot line underscored by their deepening personal relationship. Two different personalities with great detective instincts.
The South Wales area is part of the charm. The leading hero is a dedicated chief inspector leading a team, mostly with his trusty sergeant and a few other. Most notably, the female lead is a retired experienced detective herself. Their interactions allow an ebb and flow to the plot line underscored by their deepening personal relationship. Two different personalities with great detective instincts.
September 24, 2025
A great mystery series
I really like this series. Fabia Harvard, ex police superintendent forced to resign under a cloud now an artist in South Wales, discovers the body of a teenage girl and is drawn back to ex colleague Matt Lambert as they investigate. Well written police procedurals with great characters, strong stories and mysteries. I love this area of Wales and the author captures it really well. Highly recommended.
I really like this series. Fabia Harvard, ex police superintendent forced to resign under a cloud now an artist in South Wales, discovers the body of a teenage girl and is drawn back to ex colleague Matt Lambert as they investigate. Well written police procedurals with great characters, strong stories and mysteries. I love this area of Wales and the author captures it really well. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2022
Fabia Havard has been ousted from her police career, the victim of politics and corruption. The Powers That Be even manage to make it look as if she were the one at fault, as a higher up puts a stop to her fraud investigation of his pals. She hasn't seen her one-time colleague and friend, Matt Lambert, for two years--until a murder in her town has the two of them working together again. The renewed friendship and maybe more develops through the three books, although each book is a complete murder mystery. As expected, the course of true love doesn't necessarily run smoothly.
As for the murder cases, the cast of characters are all well developed and convincing, the plots are nicely convoluted and full of surprises, and there's enough action and suspense to let the reader glide over a few little glitches in the narrative. I considered four stars, marking down for some annoying discrepancies in background and timeline, but decided the books are emotionally engaging enough to rate a five.
As for the murder cases, the cast of characters are all well developed and convincing, the plots are nicely convoluted and full of surprises, and there's enough action and suspense to let the reader glide over a few little glitches in the narrative. I considered four stars, marking down for some annoying discrepancies in background and timeline, but decided the books are emotionally engaging enough to rate a five.
June 11, 2023
Three mysteries to enjoy
An introduction to Harvard and Lambert as a couple and as murder detectives. The pace is slowish and somewhat repetitive, but there is time to ponder who did it while the cunderum of who done it unfolds. The stories are good reads and a pleasure to enjoy on a warm summer afternoon
An introduction to Harvard and Lambert as a couple and as murder detectives. The pace is slowish and somewhat repetitive, but there is time to ponder who did it while the cunderum of who done it unfolds. The stories are good reads and a pleasure to enjoy on a warm summer afternoon
October 7, 2023
The Welsh Murder Mysteries: Detectives Harvard and Lambert box set (Books 1-3)
I can thoroughly recommend you reading these books. Besides being serious about crime they are very thought provoking and comical too. I enjoyed the hours sitting reading them andI am sure you would too.
I can thoroughly recommend you reading these books. Besides being serious about crime they are very thought provoking and comical too. I enjoyed the hours sitting reading them andI am sure you would too.
July 12, 2022
This Welsh Mystery trilogy
Enjoyed all the descriptions of the welsh places and characters . the stories are easy to follow and all have sueprises around the bend. the characters are believable and get to be like old friends.
.
Enjoyed all the descriptions of the welsh places and characters . the stories are easy to follow and all have sueprises around the bend. the characters are believable and get to be like old friends.
.
December 29, 2022
One of best books I have read and couldn't put down until I finished it would pick up and read whenever I got a moment. Characters made the stories so much more interesting. Want more of Fabra and Matt
March 22, 2024
The Welsh Murder Mystery
It's one of those stories who did it thing. I guess two of the people in two of the books. Its ,love murder, hate , love reading books like this. If there another book in this series going to read it
It's one of those stories who did it thing. I guess two of the people in two of the books. Its ,love murder, hate , love reading books like this. If there another book in this series going to read it
May 8, 2024
Great characters and multiple stories entertwined
Great set of stories with characters that quickly become friends who solve mysteries with surprise endings. Harvard was unjustly forced to retire from police but can't stop investigating murders.
Great set of stories with characters that quickly become friends who solve mysteries with surprise endings. Harvard was unjustly forced to retire from police but can't stop investigating murders.
June 20, 2024
The Welsh Murder Mysteries
Excellent series of stories, very down to earth highlighting Wales. A very dogged approach to a good police procedural. I hope there is more to come from this writer
Excellent series of stories, very down to earth highlighting Wales. A very dogged approach to a good police procedural. I hope there is more to come from this writer
October 4, 2024
Great read! loved it!
Great characters and stories! I didn’t know much about Wales and it was interesting reading the different spellings for words. I really enjoyed these first three books and look forward to more.
Great characters and stories! I didn’t know much about Wales and it was interesting reading the different spellings for words. I really enjoyed these first three books and look forward to more.
May 31, 2022
great read
I’ve definitely enjoyed books 1-3. Wonderfully human characters, good, solid mysteries and all in an interesting and colorful setting. Worth the read!!
I’ve definitely enjoyed books 1-3. Wonderfully human characters, good, solid mysteries and all in an interesting and colorful setting. Worth the read!!
June 4, 2022
This was a re read but I am so glad I did. Convoluted, sharp, great characters.
I hope others enjoy it as much as I did!
I hope others enjoy it as much as I did!
June 4, 2022
review
Loved all the books. They were exciting and you wanted them to continue not end. Hope there are more in the queue.
Loved all the books. They were exciting and you wanted them to continue not end. Hope there are more in the queue.
August 17, 2022
Believable
Relatable characters. Interesting geographical detail and a good supporting cast. Keeps you speculating till the end. Definitely worth following the author.
Relatable characters. Interesting geographical detail and a good supporting cast. Keeps you speculating till the end. Definitely worth following the author.
August 22, 2022
I'll definitely read more by this author. Well done, Pippa McCathie!
September 8, 2022
A fun book to read
In the end I think I very much enjoyed a series of good mysteries. As well as learning a lot about the country of Wales.
In the end I think I very much enjoyed a series of good mysteries. As well as learning a lot about the country of Wales.
December 17, 2022
Being Welsh born but away from Wales for about 30 years when I was reading it took me back to some things said that only the Welsh do. I very much enjoyed the Trilogy. Thanks very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
Twist in the tail
I would recommend this book to all murder mystery fans. I was unable to put it down. Such a surprising ending.
I would recommend this book to all murder mystery fans. I was unable to put it down. Such a surprising ending.
March 17, 2023
Fun and engaging murder series. Light reading.
May 15, 2023
3.5 really. Fun but not masterpieces :)
May 22, 2023
the Welsh murder mysteries
I found it hard to put these books down .. fantastic read really got involved with the characters and story lines, I would recommend
I found it hard to put these books down .. fantastic read really got involved with the characters and story lines, I would recommend
May 27, 2023
Great Fast Paced Mystery
Well written series with interesting characters. Combines love story with good mystery that kept me intrigued with a desire to continue reading.
Well written series with interesting characters. Combines love story with good mystery that kept me intrigued with a desire to continue reading.
July 1, 2023
Three great mysteries
This trilogy of murder mysteries was captivating. I liked the characters Fabia and Matt and Dilys, all working together to solve the murders. I also liked how the relationship between Matt and Fabia is developing through the stories. The types of murders were all different but there are some recurring themes—domestic abuse and class differences. In the third book, more of the landscape and setting was described so it seems the author may actually know a bit of South Wales.
This trilogy of murder mysteries was captivating. I liked the characters Fabia and Matt and Dilys, all working together to solve the murders. I also liked how the relationship between Matt and Fabia is developing through the stories. The types of murders were all different but there are some recurring themes—domestic abuse and class differences. In the third book, more of the landscape and setting was described so it seems the author may actually know a bit of South Wales.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews