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Prunella Pearce Mystery #1
Murders at the Winterbottom Women's Institute
It's a quiet English village—except for one crazed murderer—in this delightful romp by the author of the Constable Mavis Upton series.
Librarian Prunella Pearce has left heartbreak behind to start a new life in the village of Winterbottom, where there's little social life to be had aside from the meetings of The Winterbottom Women's Institute at the parish hall.
But a bit of excitement ensues when the group is about to elect a new president—and the nominees for the position begin dropping like flies. One is found facedown in a lemon drizzle cake, stabbed with a crochet needle. Another nearly dies spectacularly in the revolving doors of a Harrogate hotel. When Pru and her friend Bree agree to do some undercover snooping to help the police, little do they know that one of the Winterbottom women is hiding a scandalous secret . . .
Librarian Prunella Pearce has left heartbreak behind to start a new life in the village of Winterbottom, where there's little social life to be had aside from the meetings of The Winterbottom Women's Institute at the parish hall.
But a bit of excitement ensues when the group is about to elect a new president—and the nominees for the position begin dropping like flies. One is found facedown in a lemon drizzle cake, stabbed with a crochet needle. Another nearly dies spectacularly in the revolving doors of a Harrogate hotel. When Pru and her friend Bree agree to do some undercover snooping to help the police, little do they know that one of the Winterbottom women is hiding a scandalous secret . . .
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2022
208 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Gina Kirkham
12 books41 followersGina was born in the late 1950s to a mum who frequently abandoned her in a pram outside Woolworths and a dad who after two pints of beer could play a mean Boogie Woogie on the piano in the front room of their 3-bed semi on the Wirral. Being the less adventurous of three children, she remains there to this day - apart from a long weekend in Bognor Regis in 1982.
Her teenage years were filled with angst, a CSE in Arithmetic, raging pimples and Barry White. Marriage and motherhood ensued, followed by divorce in her early thirties and a desperate need for a career and some form of financial support for herself and her young daughter. Trundling a three-wheeled trike along a leafy path one wintry day, memories of her favourite author Enid Blyton, ginger beer and solving mysteries along with her lifelong passion to be a police officer, excitedly gave way to an epiphany. And thus began an enjoyable and fulfilling career with Merseyside Police.
On reaching an age most women lie about, she quickly adapted to retirement by utilising her policing skills to chase after two granddaughters, two dogs and one previously used, but still in excellent condition, husband. Having said goodbye to what had been a huge part of her life, she suddenly had another epiphany. This time it was to put pen to paper to write a book based on her experiences as a police officer. Lying in bed one night staring at the ceiling, Gina's alter-ego Mavis Upton was born, ready to star in a humorous and sometimes poignant look at the life, loves and career of an everyday girl who followed a dream and embarked upon a search for the missing piece of her childhood.
Her teenage years were filled with angst, a CSE in Arithmetic, raging pimples and Barry White. Marriage and motherhood ensued, followed by divorce in her early thirties and a desperate need for a career and some form of financial support for herself and her young daughter. Trundling a three-wheeled trike along a leafy path one wintry day, memories of her favourite author Enid Blyton, ginger beer and solving mysteries along with her lifelong passion to be a police officer, excitedly gave way to an epiphany. And thus began an enjoyable and fulfilling career with Merseyside Police.
On reaching an age most women lie about, she quickly adapted to retirement by utilising her policing skills to chase after two granddaughters, two dogs and one previously used, but still in excellent condition, husband. Having said goodbye to what had been a huge part of her life, she suddenly had another epiphany. This time it was to put pen to paper to write a book based on her experiences as a police officer. Lying in bed one night staring at the ceiling, Gina's alter-ego Mavis Upton was born, ready to star in a humorous and sometimes poignant look at the life, loves and career of an everyday girl who followed a dream and embarked upon a search for the missing piece of her childhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
August 15, 2022
Unfortunately not the book for me which I realise is at odds with all of the other reviews. I started off thinking that it was rather twee and the characters were one dimensional - in fact more like caricatures. However, I persevered as I don’t like to give up on a book. An easy read but definitely not to my taste, although I admits the twist at the end was clever.
June 24, 2022
I was a huge fan of Gina's Mavis Upton series, and was looking forward to reading this. Different characters and location won't take away from the authors unique and hilarious writing style.
This was proved to be the case and I instantly fell in love with the quirky bunch of the local WI.
Pru, the leader, and main character was a nightmare, unexpectedly getting into scrapes. Poor old Rita and her hearing issues led to some hilarious one liners.
The deaths are funny and kind of brutal. Even the cop team are inept except it seems for Lucy and eye candy Andy (who's written so well I'd quite like to meet him and spend a night with him!!)
The undercurrent to all over this is one of the women who has a dark past she is trying to escape and hide from.
A real triumph and I hope there will be a lot more to come from this crazy bunch, well the ones that make it through the book at least
This was proved to be the case and I instantly fell in love with the quirky bunch of the local WI.
Pru, the leader, and main character was a nightmare, unexpectedly getting into scrapes. Poor old Rita and her hearing issues led to some hilarious one liners.
The deaths are funny and kind of brutal. Even the cop team are inept except it seems for Lucy and eye candy Andy (who's written so well I'd quite like to meet him and spend a night with him!!)
The undercurrent to all over this is one of the women who has a dark past she is trying to escape and hide from.
A real triumph and I hope there will be a lot more to come from this crazy bunch, well the ones that make it through the book at least
September 24, 2024
When Prunella Pearce caught her boyfriend of twelve years in bed with her best friend, she moved to a small village to begin anew. As a librarian, she's found a semi-peaceful life and a new friend in Bree, a film researcher with a young son. Her life, while not complete, is at least fairly peaceful. That is, until she attends a meeting at the Women's Institute with Bree. It appears Bree, along with several other women, has been nominated to be the new president.
But there's a problem -- one of the women has been found stabbed in the neck with a crochet needle. Now there's a murderer on the loose, and they seem to be targeting members of the group. With the town wondering who's next, it's up to the police force to figure it all out...and with a little unauthorized help from the two women, they just might do that...
Oh, dear. I really wanted to like this book. But it's not really cozy, and I don't know what to label it. First off, the characters aren't really given any depth. Where is Bree's son while she's out getting plastered every chance she gets? Is she leaving him alone? Does he even exist?
I did not like the fact that senior women are depicted as "defective." There is something wrong with every one of them. As a matter of fact, they are all concerned with aging, and those that aren't dress themselves up like tarts to take on the town. It appears Bree and Pru are the only ones not concerned about much... except drinking and sex. I don't even know when they work, since they're never at their jobs.
There are a lot of conversations regarding sex, innuendos aplenty, mild sex scenes that don't have anything of much, and more conversations about sex. This is what every woman has on her mind at one time or another, it appears. Plus, Pru's relationship with Detective Andy Barnes jumps at a rapid pace itself. One wonders if they even know anything about each other.
Then there is also the animal cruelty. Not much; and not blatant, but unnecessary just the same. It could have been handled differently. I love animals and am not happy about that.
Then at the last, we know who the murderer is right off. We watch that person plan and kill, why they do it is rather sad, but I rarely read mysteries where the killer is known immediately. It takes away the enjoyment of discovering who they are yourself, and there's really nothing to discover. Except the fact that the women can't figure it out, even when the clues are there. The ending had a different twist to it, and that was something, but again, as we knew the killer all along, it didn't really matter to me. I wouldn't have finished this book except for the fact that I wanted to give the author a chance, and I will by reading the next in the series.
But there's a problem -- one of the women has been found stabbed in the neck with a crochet needle. Now there's a murderer on the loose, and they seem to be targeting members of the group. With the town wondering who's next, it's up to the police force to figure it all out...and with a little unauthorized help from the two women, they just might do that...
Oh, dear. I really wanted to like this book. But it's not really cozy, and I don't know what to label it. First off, the characters aren't really given any depth. Where is Bree's son while she's out getting plastered every chance she gets? Is she leaving him alone? Does he even exist?
I did not like the fact that senior women are depicted as "defective." There is something wrong with every one of them. As a matter of fact, they are all concerned with aging, and those that aren't dress themselves up like tarts to take on the town. It appears Bree and Pru are the only ones not concerned about much... except drinking and sex. I don't even know when they work, since they're never at their jobs.
There are a lot of conversations regarding sex, innuendos aplenty, mild sex scenes that don't have anything of much, and more conversations about sex. This is what every woman has on her mind at one time or another, it appears. Plus, Pru's relationship with Detective Andy Barnes jumps at a rapid pace itself. One wonders if they even know anything about each other.
Then there is also the animal cruelty. Not much; and not blatant, but unnecessary just the same. It could have been handled differently. I love animals and am not happy about that.
Then at the last, we know who the murderer is right off. We watch that person plan and kill, why they do it is rather sad, but I rarely read mysteries where the killer is known immediately. It takes away the enjoyment of discovering who they are yourself, and there's really nothing to discover. Except the fact that the women can't figure it out, even when the clues are there. The ending had a different twist to it, and that was something, but again, as we knew the killer all along, it didn't really matter to me. I wouldn't have finished this book except for the fact that I wanted to give the author a chance, and I will by reading the next in the series.
April 18, 2022
I don’t ever remember reading a cosy mystery before and for this to be my first outing, well I couldn’t ask for a better welcome. I have been eager to read this book for so long, so when Gina asked if I wanted to read this well I jumped at the chance. I adore Gina and her Mavis Upton series so to have a chance to meet Pru properly I would have eaten a hat!
Yes, there are murders, hence the title, but the book is very light-hearted and the comradery with the woman in the WI was so heartfelt and hilarious. I loved them. They made me smile and Pru is a hoot. So many mishaps and even the deaths are done in a comical way but it doesn’t distract from the fact women have died.
I found it an incredibly easy book to read but a difficult one to put down. It was fascinating to watch everything so unravel, the women being picked off one by one and the inventive ways they were picked off. Not sure I could look at lemon drizzle lemon cake the same!!
I know authors are always nervous when they introduce new characters to the fold and I know that as a reader you to get nervous, I mean what if we don’t like them!! I have to say Gina doesn’t disappoint because I feel like Pru has always been in my life! She fits in straightaway, her personality shines and I found her endearing although constantly finding trouble!!!
Gina’s books are a ray of sunshine. They bring a smile to your face and you know are going to have a fun adventure and there will be laughs along the way. When you open up a book with Gina Kirkham on it, you just know that you have a style of writing that will make you happy. It is a style you will instantly recognise and its a formula that works perfectly. Gina was born to write this story of Pru, her personality shines through the pages and as I said before its a hoot!!
Yes, there are murders, hence the title, but the book is very light-hearted and the comradery with the woman in the WI was so heartfelt and hilarious. I loved them. They made me smile and Pru is a hoot. So many mishaps and even the deaths are done in a comical way but it doesn’t distract from the fact women have died.
I found it an incredibly easy book to read but a difficult one to put down. It was fascinating to watch everything so unravel, the women being picked off one by one and the inventive ways they were picked off. Not sure I could look at lemon drizzle lemon cake the same!!
I know authors are always nervous when they introduce new characters to the fold and I know that as a reader you to get nervous, I mean what if we don’t like them!! I have to say Gina doesn’t disappoint because I feel like Pru has always been in my life! She fits in straightaway, her personality shines and I found her endearing although constantly finding trouble!!!
Gina’s books are a ray of sunshine. They bring a smile to your face and you know are going to have a fun adventure and there will be laughs along the way. When you open up a book with Gina Kirkham on it, you just know that you have a style of writing that will make you happy. It is a style you will instantly recognise and its a formula that works perfectly. Gina was born to write this story of Pru, her personality shines through the pages and as I said before its a hoot!!
November 5, 2024
OMG… one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. So funny and slightly irreverent… I laughed so hard. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
The Winterbottom WI is nominating candidates for its next president. In the background is Phyllis, the quiet and meek member that everyone takes for granted until she’s decided she’s had enough. Then things really begin to happen!
The Winterbottom WI is nominating candidates for its next president. In the background is Phyllis, the quiet and meek member that everyone takes for granted until she’s decided she’s had enough. Then things really begin to happen!
June 24, 2022
A cosy murder mystery with lots of fun thrown in. Winterbottom has a murderer in its midst killing off potential presidents of the local Women’s Institute.
A quiet unassuming and wholly ignored member of the Winterbottom WI writes a list of the members nominated to be the next president and starts killing them off one by one.
Full of innuendoes some not so subtle, a really entertaining read and a book I throughly enjoyed.
A quiet unassuming and wholly ignored member of the Winterbottom WI writes a list of the members nominated to be the next president and starts killing them off one by one.
Full of innuendoes some not so subtle, a really entertaining read and a book I throughly enjoyed.
May 25, 2022
This is such a fun Murder mystery. I definitely wanted to move to Winterbottom on more than one occasion 😂 the set of characters are really fun and I love Prunella the main character. Really good writing, hope there’s more to this!
May 6, 2025
This was an unusual murder mystery because I learnt the identity of the murderer very early on, the story reveals their motives and the police attempts to find and catch them. I enjoyed the characters in the book though they were all very one dimensional. This was written in a conversation and funny style, but I did find the frequent innuendos and slapstick a bit tiresome at times.
August 23, 2023
2023 bk 246. The Women's Institute is the last group that librarian, Prunella wants to join when she takes over the village library. She moved to forget a soured relationship and lost friendship and is not sure she really wants a new friend, until Bree (Bryony) spots a fellow gin lover and sloshes her way into friendship with the librarian. When women in the WI start dying in suspicious circumstances, Bree's earlier friendship with police officer Lucy unites the three in a subtle (well not really) investigation into why someone is killing the women of the WI. One membership and multiple WI trips later, er, and a relationship with a coworker officer of Lucy's and Prunella also becomes a target. Well written, fascinating look at a murderer's background and most enjoyable - looking forward to number 2 in the series.
July 22, 2023
I enjoyed this cozy mystery featuring friends Pru (Winterbottom's single and ready to mingle librarian), Bree Richards (divorcee, single mum, film researcher), and Lucy Harris (police detective on the case and an old school chum to Bree, and eventually new friend to Pru) as well as Lucy's coworker, the Delectable Detective Andy Barnes.
Nice twist at the end . . .
Nice twist at the end . . .
October 20, 2022
brilliant
Not the traditional style of crime novel in that you know who the murderer is but as their back story is revealed the clues left at the crime scenes make sense. I would definitely recommend this book.
Not the traditional style of crime novel in that you know who the murderer is but as their back story is revealed the clues left at the crime scenes make sense. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. Good mystery and some funny bits! I actually snorted a few times!
January 19, 2024
This is one of those books where you jump between different people's perspectives. Sadly, not only is one of those the murderer, but we also know who they are. So mystery solved by chapter two, so I'm not yet sure why there are any more chapters. Presumably the interest is in how they are caught, as we know who done it, but honestly, I didn't care much. I'm writing this only a third of the way through, not sure I'll ever reach 100%...
May 21, 2022
After reading Gina Kirkham's Mavis Upton series I was so pleased to get an ARC of her latest book and I wasn't disappointed. I love psychological thrillers but I was ready for a book with some humour.
It's time to elect a new president of the W.I. but someone with a grudge has been left off the list. Perhaps two deaths might be a coincidence but when all the hopeful prospective candidates begin to meet an untimely death Prunella Pearce, a newcomer to the village and her new friend Bree decide to do some investigations of their own.
There is a great deal of tongue in cheek humour in this book, not for everyone I know but I loved it. There were some unforgettable characters and a budding romance between Pru and the leading detective.
There was also an unexpected and satisfying ending. Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for the ARC, the views expressed are my own.
It's time to elect a new president of the W.I. but someone with a grudge has been left off the list. Perhaps two deaths might be a coincidence but when all the hopeful prospective candidates begin to meet an untimely death Prunella Pearce, a newcomer to the village and her new friend Bree decide to do some investigations of their own.
There is a great deal of tongue in cheek humour in this book, not for everyone I know but I loved it. There were some unforgettable characters and a budding romance between Pru and the leading detective.
There was also an unexpected and satisfying ending. Thank you to the author and Bloodhound Books for the ARC, the views expressed are my own.
June 21, 2022
Y’all.
I love me a good cozy mystery, and this one takes the cake. While it has a lot of the traditional characteristics of a cozy, it has also breaks a few of the traditional rules, with an outcome that is truly delightful. The body count is high, which has the police more stumped than usual, and allows our heroine Pru to do some serious detective work! The antics of the characters are hysterical, and you’ll fall in love with all of the wild and crazy members of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute. Just don’t get too attached, because you never know who might be the next victim….
I love me a good cozy mystery, and this one takes the cake. While it has a lot of the traditional characteristics of a cozy, it has also breaks a few of the traditional rules, with an outcome that is truly delightful. The body count is high, which has the police more stumped than usual, and allows our heroine Pru to do some serious detective work! The antics of the characters are hysterical, and you’ll fall in love with all of the wild and crazy members of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute. Just don’t get too attached, because you never know who might be the next victim….
August 21, 2022
A book club book for me so unfortunately I had to finish it. What a load of old tosh. Have given it 2 stars because I can see it’s an entertaining read with a good pace if the writing style appeals. But the plot is so far fetched, the WI ladies come across as caricatures and the never ending sleazy sexual references become tiresome very early on (yawn). Six murders in one small community! If I was a WI Winterbottom member I wouldn’t want to leave the house and would insist on police protection until the crime was resolved.
June 24, 2022
This was such a good read! It had it all....comedy, murder, friendship, mishaps, fun, literary facts! I loved it!
I really liked the characters and although I'm not very similar to them, I could relate to aspects of their lives.
The humour in this book matched the characters and I enjoyed laughing along with them.
I liked the style of writing and found it easy to dip in an out of despite the many characters and the changes in time.
Fantastic read.
I really liked the characters and although I'm not very similar to them, I could relate to aspects of their lives.
The humour in this book matched the characters and I enjoyed laughing along with them.
I liked the style of writing and found it easy to dip in an out of despite the many characters and the changes in time.
Fantastic read.
May 23, 2022
I totally loved this book. It's the first I've read by thia author and I will definitely read much more.
I found it so funny, lots of tongue in cheek humour and laugh out loud moments. I'm not sure I will look at a lemon drizzle cake the same way again!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
I found it so funny, lots of tongue in cheek humour and laugh out loud moments. I'm not sure I will look at a lemon drizzle cake the same way again!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
May 23, 2022
I haven’t read any other books this author has written but I’m going to be on the lookout for other stories from now on!!!
This is a fab murder mystery novel involving a WI group in Winterbottom.
I’d you love reading M C Beaton, Agatha Raisin novels then this is the book for you, it’s a nice change from reading heavier books by the likes of Patterson.
Thanks for letting me review this x
This is a fab murder mystery novel involving a WI group in Winterbottom.
I’d you love reading M C Beaton, Agatha Raisin novels then this is the book for you, it’s a nice change from reading heavier books by the likes of Patterson.
Thanks for letting me review this x
November 20, 2023
An incredible story
A mystery book with murders in it, is rarely described as quirky and funny, but this one definitely is. The Winterbottom Women's Institute becomes a seething mass of jealousy and revenge. The characters were very interesting and felt authentically real. I enjoyed every page of this story.
A mystery book with murders in it, is rarely described as quirky and funny, but this one definitely is. The Winterbottom Women's Institute becomes a seething mass of jealousy and revenge. The characters were very interesting and felt authentically real. I enjoyed every page of this story.
February 8, 2024
Main characters are crass and obnoxious. The entire book is about them smirking, sniggering, getting drunk, and making jokes about sex. The identity of the murderer is revealed at the beginning of the book, which only intensifies the readers’ disgust at the ineptitude of not only the police, but the moronic main characters as well.
September 22, 2022
Ageist
I tried to like this but every women over 60 is an object of ridicule especially the hearing impaired. Could not finish.
I tried to like this but every women over 60 is an object of ridicule especially the hearing impaired. Could not finish.
November 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this first book in this series! The balance between the unsettling, calculating viewpoint of the killer and the everyday humour of the WI ladies works extremely well. The contrast between something genuinely chilling and something so warm and familiar gives the story its authenticity. It feels like real village life existing right up against something much darker, and that tension and is cleverly done.
I especially like the dynamic between Prunella, Lucy, and Bree. Their friendship feels genuine, affectionate, and full of those wry glances and cheeky innuendos that feel very true to middle-aged British women who know each other well. It has an easy authenticity. Betty’s death was unexpectedly sad, and the way Clarissa reacted afterwards actually made me laugh because it captured something real about how older people can sometimes be incredibly matter-of-fact about death. Oddly, it made the moment feel more human rather than less.
There are a few things that didn’t work quite as well for me. There are a lot of characters, and a few of them blur together a bit, which sometimes made it harder to keep track of everyone. And I have to mention the repeated use of the word “delicious.” It comes up very often, and in contexts far beyond food. Listening to the audiobook made it especially noticeable—by the end, I found myself rolling my eyes each time it appeared.
The ending is slightly frustrating. Lucy uncovers the killer’s identity and tells Andy, but the killer slips through their fingers and escapes anyway! Although she does ultimately meet a satisfying end, the lack of procedural follow-through is noticeable. Realistically, Andy would almost certainly be under scrutiny for letting a known murderer escape. I expect Murdoch will be breathing down his neck in the next book…
Overall I really enjoyed this. The humour is warm and cheeky, the characters feel recognisable, and the blend of cosy community life with something darker hidden underneath is handled with confidence. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to spend more time with these characters, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
I especially like the dynamic between Prunella, Lucy, and Bree. Their friendship feels genuine, affectionate, and full of those wry glances and cheeky innuendos that feel very true to middle-aged British women who know each other well. It has an easy authenticity. Betty’s death was unexpectedly sad, and the way Clarissa reacted afterwards actually made me laugh because it captured something real about how older people can sometimes be incredibly matter-of-fact about death. Oddly, it made the moment feel more human rather than less.
There are a few things that didn’t work quite as well for me. There are a lot of characters, and a few of them blur together a bit, which sometimes made it harder to keep track of everyone. And I have to mention the repeated use of the word “delicious.” It comes up very often, and in contexts far beyond food. Listening to the audiobook made it especially noticeable—by the end, I found myself rolling my eyes each time it appeared.
The ending is slightly frustrating. Lucy uncovers the killer’s identity and tells Andy, but the killer slips through their fingers and escapes anyway! Although she does ultimately meet a satisfying end, the lack of procedural follow-through is noticeable. Realistically, Andy would almost certainly be under scrutiny for letting a known murderer escape. I expect Murdoch will be breathing down his neck in the next book…
Overall I really enjoyed this. The humour is warm and cheeky, the characters feel recognisable, and the blend of cosy community life with something darker hidden underneath is handled with confidence. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to spend more time with these characters, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
This is such a fun read.
Yes there are murders galore, but there is so much humour and a cast of wonderful characters.
Pru is looking to make some friends and settle into village life. Her friend Bree drags her along to the village WI where gossiping over cake is rife. A new WI President has to be elected and there are plenty of potential candidates.
After the meeting one of the nominees is found dead. The murder shocks the village. There doesn’t seem to be any motive and with no suspects the police are baffled.
When more WI members are murdered and the police are no closer to catching the killer, Pru starts her own enquiring. Using her library skills she starts researching the past and follows some leads of her own.
Pru is a fabulous character. She is both confident and witty and nervous. There are some genuinely laughing out loud moments, especially as her relationship with the delectable detective Andy develops.
What’s interesting about the structure is that the reader knows how the murders happen and who the villain is from the outset. There’s real tension in seeing how and when they will get caught. Dilys/Phyllis is hiding in plain sight and no one even remembers her name, let alone suspects her of such spiteful crimes.
I really enjoyed this fast- paced mystery. It’s easy to read and the dialogue is fun with lots of jokes and silliness. The heroes are plucky, the villains are dastardly and there’s some great twists along the way. This will definitely make you laugh and the ending is enormously satisfying.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour.
Yes there are murders galore, but there is so much humour and a cast of wonderful characters.
Pru is looking to make some friends and settle into village life. Her friend Bree drags her along to the village WI where gossiping over cake is rife. A new WI President has to be elected and there are plenty of potential candidates.
After the meeting one of the nominees is found dead. The murder shocks the village. There doesn’t seem to be any motive and with no suspects the police are baffled.
When more WI members are murdered and the police are no closer to catching the killer, Pru starts her own enquiring. Using her library skills she starts researching the past and follows some leads of her own.
Pru is a fabulous character. She is both confident and witty and nervous. There are some genuinely laughing out loud moments, especially as her relationship with the delectable detective Andy develops.
What’s interesting about the structure is that the reader knows how the murders happen and who the villain is from the outset. There’s real tension in seeing how and when they will get caught. Dilys/Phyllis is hiding in plain sight and no one even remembers her name, let alone suspects her of such spiteful crimes.
I really enjoyed this fast- paced mystery. It’s easy to read and the dialogue is fun with lots of jokes and silliness. The heroes are plucky, the villains are dastardly and there’s some great twists along the way. This will definitely make you laugh and the ending is enormously satisfying.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour.
May 28, 2022
Murders At The Winterbottom Women's Institute by Gina Kirkham
Librarian Prunella Pearce has left heartbreak behind to start a new life in the village of Winterbottom, where there's little social life to be had aside from the meetings of The Winterbottom Women's Institute at the parish hall.
But a bit of excitement ensues when the group is about to elect a new president—and the nominees for the position begin dropping like flies. When Pru and her friend Bree agree to do some undercover snooping to help the police, little do they know that one of the Winterbottom women is hiding a scandalous secret.
Murders At The Winterbottom Women's Institute is the first of Gina Kirkham's books I have read. It is a well written, easygoing read.
The characters are likeable, and there is a close competitive companionship between the members that institutes like the WI bring.
The way the murders are committed compliments the composition of the story.
Although the members of the WI are dropping like flies, there is a fun, cheerful element running throughout.
I want to thank publishers Bloodhound Books, author Gina Kirkham and Hannah Deuce for a copy to read and review.
Librarian Prunella Pearce has left heartbreak behind to start a new life in the village of Winterbottom, where there's little social life to be had aside from the meetings of The Winterbottom Women's Institute at the parish hall.
But a bit of excitement ensues when the group is about to elect a new president—and the nominees for the position begin dropping like flies. When Pru and her friend Bree agree to do some undercover snooping to help the police, little do they know that one of the Winterbottom women is hiding a scandalous secret.
Murders At The Winterbottom Women's Institute is the first of Gina Kirkham's books I have read. It is a well written, easygoing read.
The characters are likeable, and there is a close competitive companionship between the members that institutes like the WI bring.
The way the murders are committed compliments the composition of the story.
Although the members of the WI are dropping like flies, there is a fun, cheerful element running throughout.
I want to thank publishers Bloodhound Books, author Gina Kirkham and Hannah Deuce for a copy to read and review.
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July 4, 2022
It was the title that drew me to this book and the tagline too!
As mentioned in the title, there are quite a few murders at the women’s institute and those are the nominees for the post of the new president of the WI. And though the book has murders, it is not all gore or dark to read!
What I liked best was knowing who the murderer was right at the beginning yet getting to know the reason behind the murders through the back stories made it an interesting read.
The members of the WI are an odd bunch and each character is so different and likable and sometimes even a bit crazy! The characters are fun and though there are quite a few of them, you won’t get confused.
Humor mixed with sarcasm sprinkled throughout made it a light read and I enjoyed reading this book. The reason for the murders will make you laugh!!
Loved the ending as everything was tied up neatly with no loose ends.
Do pick up this book if you love cozy mysteries. A 4/5 star for this light-hearted read that will leave you wondering who is the next person on the murder list!
As mentioned in the title, there are quite a few murders at the women’s institute and those are the nominees for the post of the new president of the WI. And though the book has murders, it is not all gore or dark to read!
What I liked best was knowing who the murderer was right at the beginning yet getting to know the reason behind the murders through the back stories made it an interesting read.
The members of the WI are an odd bunch and each character is so different and likable and sometimes even a bit crazy! The characters are fun and though there are quite a few of them, you won’t get confused.
Humor mixed with sarcasm sprinkled throughout made it a light read and I enjoyed reading this book. The reason for the murders will make you laugh!!
Loved the ending as everything was tied up neatly with no loose ends.
Do pick up this book if you love cozy mysteries. A 4/5 star for this light-hearted read that will leave you wondering who is the next person on the murder list!
July 26, 2022
Certainly different – but no less entertaining!
Pru Pierce is the new librarian in the village of Winterbottom; the job is ideal but her social life is sadly lacking. The only entertainment around seems to be the Women’s Institute and, while she resists as long as she can, her friend Bree persuades her that it can be fun. The main item at the moment is electing a new president but it would seem that putting your name down puts you on someone’s murder list. Can Pru and Bree find out who is responsible?
This is such a fun read! From the beginning, we know who is committing the murders and I have to say the methods employed are varied – and so very different from the usual! There is a lot of entertainment in this one and I suspect I’ll now have to read this author’s Constable Mavis Upton series – I enjoyed her writing so very much. Great characterisations and an eye-popping number of ways to murder others all added up to much laughter. If you like a cosy mystery, then I recommend this one. 4*.
Pru Pierce is the new librarian in the village of Winterbottom; the job is ideal but her social life is sadly lacking. The only entertainment around seems to be the Women’s Institute and, while she resists as long as she can, her friend Bree persuades her that it can be fun. The main item at the moment is electing a new president but it would seem that putting your name down puts you on someone’s murder list. Can Pru and Bree find out who is responsible?
This is such a fun read! From the beginning, we know who is committing the murders and I have to say the methods employed are varied – and so very different from the usual! There is a lot of entertainment in this one and I suspect I’ll now have to read this author’s Constable Mavis Upton series – I enjoyed her writing so very much. Great characterisations and an eye-popping number of ways to murder others all added up to much laughter. If you like a cosy mystery, then I recommend this one. 4*.
September 21, 2022
I really thought I would love this book - I'm in the WI & I love a good crime story, and so I suggested it to my book group (WI book group!) as I felt it had great potential. Unfortunately, it just wasn't really a style of writing that I enjoy. It's loaded with innuendo - and there's nothing wrong with that in itself, it's just it felt like I'd slipped into some late 1970's comedy show, and some of it felt a bit off considering it's 2022. And I'm afraid I also got cross about the WI side of things because the plot is based around the WI's election of a new president, but in this story there are a bunch of nominations but then that's it...no vote...and this isn't how it works in the WI! You vote the same evening you nominate, and I know that doesn't work for how the story needs to play out but that's how it is, so I just got more and more frustrated as I read that time was whizzing by and yet still no vote!
Anyway. I did keep on until the end, as I wanted to see how things would pan out, and it is an easy read. But the stereotyping of the WI members made me knock a star off.
Anyway. I did keep on until the end, as I wanted to see how things would pan out, and it is an easy read. But the stereotyping of the WI members made me knock a star off.
May 25, 2022
This mystery novel is coming out May 25, 2022. This is a story of murder, and betrayal. The woman of Winterbottom Women's Institute is nominating woman that are member of president are characters. Mable Allinson, Felicity Broadbent, Avery McIntosh, Phillipa (Pip) Jackson, Betty Prince, Rita Charlesworth, Bryony (Bree) Richards, Detective Sergeant Andy Barnes, Detective Inspector Murdoch Holmes, Ellie Shack lady, and Phyllis/ Dilys Moniker. This is delightful book to read you have to read to see how all the murders where they were done, how they were done, & will the killer ever get caught? You have to read these twisted storylines, and a surprise ending. I enjoyed this book. I can wait to read more by this author Gina Kirkham. Gina Kirkham is also the author of books titles: 1st Handcuffs, Truncheon and Polyester Thong, 2nd Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and 3rd Blues, Twos and Baby Shoes. And all three in a box set.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
Cosy crime mysteries such as M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series are one of my favourites especially when you just want something easy and light-hearted to read and Gina Kirkham’s tale of the ladies at the Winterbottom WI didn’t disappoint. The characters are quirky and the modes of inflicting death are weird and wonderful. There are elements of humour, friendship and even romance and I liked the fact that we knew right from the start who the murderer is but the why comes more gradually. I loved the cover of this book, it depicted exactly that it’s a cosy mystery and it was what attracted me to it in the first place. I found myself questioning at times why the police were finding it so hard to identify the killer as there were some obvious questions that weren’t asked but then had to remind myself that this type of book is not about the realism it’s about escapism and entertainment and it certainly delivered on both those scores.
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