Murder at the Vicarage

Sophie Sayers #2

by Debbie Young

When the strange new vicar arrives in Wendlebury Barrow, his ban on Halloween not only upsets the whole village, it also threatens to scupper Sophie Sayers' fledgling romance with charismatic bookseller Hector Munro. What is the dark secret that the vicar is keeping about Hector, and whose is that body buried at the bottom of the vicarage bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night? Sophie is determined to find out...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, British Literature, Cozy, Crime

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2022

About the author

Hello dear readers!

I hope you will enjoy my warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humour and heart, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.

NOVELS

My latest book is "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", the third in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series. The series begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop", followed by "Death at the Village Chess Club". In this series, moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems in her new business enterprise. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour.

My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",

My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.

All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of Sophie Sayers' adventures and Italian translations of Gemma Lamb's.

SHORT FICTION

My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Three more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies, "Fate", "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders". Look out for another one in the "Courage" anthology, coming in 2026!

My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,

Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".

PLAYS

I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025. The original playscript will be published later this year for use by amateur drama groups all over the world, and I'm also working on a novelisation.

AWARDS

The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

FREE EBOOK

Rec

Reviews

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not exactly convinced this is a cosy mystery. It definitely is a cosy read. It's set in an English village, it has characters that fit the cosy style of story, and there is a crime. However, there is no mystery to speak of. There is no investigation by the protagonist. It's a story of a few days in the life of a village.

The structure of the book is exactly like the first book in this series. It starts off with the reveal of the crime and that reveal is actually a good hook. But instead of being a story about the protagonist trying to solve the crime (as you would expect a cosy mystery to be) the story jumps back in time a few weeks and we just have village life leading up to the moment we read in the first chapter. I'd say closet to 90% of the book is the story of village life. And then we make our way to that moment from the first chapter but, once again, there's no investigation of a mystery. And the protagonist really does nothing of importance linked to the crime.

With some many books on offer to read, and with so many books on my shelves to read, I can't see myself continuing on with this series. Not at the moment anyway. Which is a shame, since there are some interesting support characters. I still can't engage with the protagonist, Sophie, or main support character, Hector.

Some of the way the book is written doesn't gel with me.
1. The author tries to force suspicion onto characters with no foundation, and it feels awkward. For example, Hector admitted in the first book that he used to visit Sophie's great aunt a lot. In this book he mentions it again, and Sophie muses, "I wondered what else he knew about my house. I thought I'd better change the subject." Why? There's not hint of threatening behaviour from Hector.

2. Sophie behaving in a cringe-worthy way with Hector. For example, she is startled about something not shocking in the least:
"I fell into his outstretched arms, too distressed to enjoy his embrace as much as I should have done".

3. Continuity problems in the book. In book one, we learned Sophie's great aunt lent money to Hector when he first started his business to buy stock. Apparently, in book two, Sophie is told this again as if it's new detail. Continuity is important.

Lastly, the blurb promises things the book doesn't deliver. Or, more to the point, it makes certain occurrences seem more than they are in the story.
Two examples:

"And what dark secret is he hiding about her boss, the beguiling bookseller, Hector Munro?" - answer, there's no dark secret and not hint of one in the book.

"Whose body is that outside the village bookshop?" - this makes you think it's linked to a murder. It's not.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

We continue the story of Sophie Sayer in this second series of books, which are set in the village of Wendlebury Barrow.

Now, I have never lived in an English village but this sounds pretty much like how I imagine them to be: full of people who are community minded, where traditions are important, a place where people can leave the door unlocked and obviously where everybody knows everybody else's business!

I enjoyed this book, it was an uncomplicated, easy read. The villagers are charming, there is a bit of drama which made me wonder where the story was heading and the romance between Sophie and Hector is slowly developing.

A recommended read from me.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one . A nice cosy crime read .

[Fanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. It would be a 4 star book had not Sophie been such a "Classic" illiterate. Never heard of The Picture of Dorian Grey? Doesn't know basic Shakespeare? Come on!

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back with Sophie and a spooky, Halloween-y twist. We have a Halloween party, fireworks, burning guys and a few unfortunate near death experiences.

Mr Neep, the new Vicar, moves into the village and immediately begins ruffling feathers. He has a vendetta against Halloween and is burdened with glorious purpose to stop all frivolities. Which of course, does not go down well with folk of the village who are always ripe and up for a good time.

I loved reading Sophie and Hector relationship grow and seeing them grow closer. Such an adorable couple and I just love the whole community. After reading the first one, I went more or less straight to this one and have grown to love the series even more. They’re effortless to read and an easy enjoy. Onto the next!

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first Sophie Sayers mystery, I knew what to expect from Trick or Murder, and I wasn't disappointed. Debbie Young has developed an interesting and realistic set of characters for her Wendlebury Barrow stories, recognisable to anyone who lives in the country. They are fun, easy reads with a mixture of humour and suspense; but no grit. A great example of the cosy mystery genre.

[Suzie Grogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another light hearted, warm and witty novel from Debbie Young. Perfect escapism!

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

PICARESQUE PERFECTION

The new vicar in Sophie's village preaches fire and brimstone. He can't write well or pray well, and he doesn't even like a drink. That presents no problem to the villagers, who slip alcohol into his teetotal punch when he invites them to a party. But Sophie's convinced he has something to hide...

Writer Debbie Young plays it for laughs as well as thrills, with picaresque characters (the lovable alcoholic, the man-eater and the wine-swigging mums) livening up the story. Save this book for the beach, for bedtime or whenever you just want cheering up.

[T.E. Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of Debbie Young's Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series, and as the name suggests the mystery in this book is, as the title suggests, is it a Trick or Murder?

This is no psychological thriller or Nordic Noir, but a cosy mystery and its suitably warm and comforting (even if it is set in the cold, and crisp Autumn days in the run-up to Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night. It's not so much a whodunnit as a whendunnit, beginning as it does with a flash-forward to a scene near the end of the book that hints at the murder to come, so we are left for the rest of the story watching events, reading characters, and trying to wonder who will be murdered and by whom.

It all starts when the new vicar arrives in town, the delicously evil Reverend Neap. Not since J.K. Rowling's Professor Umbridge have we had a character of such pure evil. Actually, I think just like in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when I remember thinking, okay yeah, I've got it now, she's evil, so I did at times think that in this book as Debbie Young spooned more Neap evil into the story. He was a character that for this reason I both wanted to have him murder and to last for the rest of the series of the books, being just this side of the law in the way he changes the village life of Wendlebury Barrow.

The counter side of this novel is the burgeoning relationship of Sophie Sayers and Hector Munro. Whilst we all know what will happen, and want it to happen, I cannot be alone can I in wanting it to be a bit more of a slow build. I see Sophie as young and hesitant, damaged by a previous relationship, and Hector as shy and bumbling, and I wanted to enjoy some more will-they, won't they to their relationship. Meanwhile, Sophie's character is possibly just a little too precise and structured. I wanted her to be more impetuous than comes across in the writing that is told through her eyes.

Lastly, Carol, in the village... She is Susan from the The Archers, isn't she? Don't you think?

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ms Young’s first cosy, Best Murder in Show and have been looking forward to reading the further adventures of Sophie and Hector.

Sophie Sayers is settling into Wendlebury Barrow village life, but as we all know the picture postcard village doesn’t exist and this one harbours as many ambitions, resentments and secrets as any other.

Her suspicions about an obnoxious new vicar crystalises when odd things start to happen which slow down her growing passion for Hector, her boss and owner of the bookshop where she works. Vicar Neep apparently hates Halloween but openly encourages the Fifth of November, even throws his own party for the village – and that’s when things go horribly wrong.

The characters are lovely, from the kindly if slightly sinister Joshua, the feckless but funny Billy and Carol, the kindly singleton desperate for a man who muddles her vocabulary. I found it took over half the book to get to the actual murder, and sometimes I wondered where it was going with the lengthy details of village activities. However that didn’t spoil the journey through village life and community, which sounds idyllic if a little dull for a twenty-five year old but Sophie loves it – and there is Hector. In fact I hope this proves to be a long-term relationship, if not, there are few options in the village for Sophie.

Just when I was getting too complacent, there was a great twist at the end. This was a lovely, relaxing read for the dark winter evenings. I’m looking forward to the next book, ‘Murder in the Manger’

[Lora Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this second book in a series. Like I said in my review of the first book, I wouldn't call these murder mysteries. These are books about village life. So just go into these knowing it's not a typical murder mystery; there's not much sleuthing going on. Although in this one there was a little mystery throughout but like the first book, the murder doesn't occur til the book is almost over and there is no whodunnit sleuthing happening. I'm curious to find out if the rest of the books in the series are set up this way.

Although I really like the characters and the Cotswolds village setting a lot, I do find it puzzling that Sophie, who wants to be a writer or at least she did in the first book and and who has been to Uni, doesn't know who Dorian Gray (nor Oscar Wilde?) is.

And I thought it was ridiculous and idiotic of Sophie and the other village people who thought little Tommy was hauling a dead body down the street when they knew he was told to make an effigy for Guy Fawkes Night... Uh duhhhh. Sophie had just told him to ask her neighbor, Joshua, for help making the Guy then later she thinks Tommy is hauling Joseph's dead body because the Guy is wearing his clothes?? And EVERYONE knew the vicar told people to make Guys for his bonfire at the vicarage so yeah it just made everyone seem dumb. But that little scene didn't take away my enjoyment of listening to this book.

[Diana Fleischhauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ein echt spannender Cosy-Krimi

Guy-Fawkes-Tradition statt Halloween-Feier

Gerade als Sophie Sayers beginnt, sich in dem Cotswold-Dorf Wendlebury Barrow zu Hause zu fühlen, kommt ein grimmiger neuer Pfarrer, der sie und alle anderen, die er trifft, schnell vor den Kopf stößt.

Das Verbot der Halloween-Feierlichkeiten der Dorfbewohner scheint der letzte Strohhalm zu sein, vor allem, als er stattdessen die alte englische Guy-Fawkes-Tradition mit einem Lagerfeuer voller unheimlicher Abbilder wiederbelebt.

Und welches dunkle Geheimnis verbirgt er über ihren Chef, den betörenden Buchhändler Hector Munro? Wem gehört die Leiche vor der Dorfbuchhandlung? Ganz zu schweigen von der, die unter dem Lagerfeuer des Pfarrers begraben ist.

Das Cover ist sehr malerisch und lädt ein zum Verweilen. Der Schreibstil ist schön flüssig und die Kapitelüberschriften machen Lust weiter zu lesen. Besonders gefällt mir, dass das Buch eine Vorgeschichte hat. Die Story vermittelt viel Wärme und Humor, was ich toll finde. Außerdem wird man hier nicht gleich mit einer Leiche konfrontiert, sondern erst ab der Hälfte des Buches. Meiner Meinung ist das eine toller Fortsetzung der Cosy-Crime-Reihe. Ich kann das Buch nur jedem empfehlen der Cosy-Krimis mag und immer etwas mehr über die Charaktere und Traditionen erfahren möchte.

[Wendy Percival · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the sample pages of Trick or Murder? and it made me laugh so I bought a copy. It’s the second in Debbie Young’s Sophie Sayers cosy Village Mysteries series. Although I haven’t read the first book it didn’t stop me enjoying Trick or Murder? as it’s a stand-alone story.

Our protagonist Sophie is a relative newcomer who has come to live in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow after inheriting her great aunt’s cottage.

There is something delightfully traditional about the book (and the series as a whole, I’m sure), with its village setting, full of interesting, often quirky, characters, some of whom are regulars (there is reference to the previous story so the reader has an inkling of what happened before) and others who have a part in the current story. In this case, the new vicar causes a stir when he arrives to take up his post and strange things begin to happen as Hallowe’en draws closer...

An enjoyable and entertaining read, especially if you like your mysteries gentle in nature and with a touch of humour.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

I'm not sure why I'm rounding my rating up to four stars on this book, but I don't really feel it deserves to be rounded down to just three stars either. Although I liked Sophie, the MC, more in this book than in the first of the series, she still struck me as a little ditzy - not something I like to see in MCs in cozies.

Most of the other recurring residents of the village seemed more 'together,' although Billy's cryptic remarks got a bit old. I guessed at the major "twist" in the story long before it was revealed in the book, so maybe that was part of the reason for my ambivalent feelings.

I did learn more about Guy Fawkes Day, something I'd heard about before but never really paid attention to, as it's not celebrated here in the US. Combine that with my desperate need for Y books to fill several challenge spots, and that may be why I rounded up instead of down. Because of the constant need for Y books, I will read the next book in this series eventually, probably the next time I get a deal on a KU subscription :)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series, Trick or Murder?, begins shortly after the first book ends. A new vicar has arrived in town and quickly rubs everyone the wrong way by banning Halloween and insisting that they all participate in Guy Fawkes Night instead -- something that hasn't been done in town in generations.

I kept waiting for a murder.

And waiting.

And ...

Soon the book was done and I was able to go to bed.

I did still enjoy the village and its inhabitants -- the ones who have been there for a while moreso than newcomer Sophie, but she may still grow on me in books 3-7.


Two-book teaser and ramble at http://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.c...

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie Sayers and her posse of friends in the Cotswolds are annoyed by the new vicar and his judgmental attitude toward Halloween. We meet several of the village children in this installment of Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries, and they were a delightful addition to the mix. An obscure British celebration of Guy Fox (Faulks? I listened to the audio book) mystified me a bit, but not enough to drive me to research it for myself. A surprising and funny ending rounded out the book.

Lots of fun in this book. It kept me company as I did yard work and pulled weeds in the sweltering Alabama summer.

[Elizabeth Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cosy crime at its finest - bloodshed at its absolute minimum! This is the way to spend a cold afternoon by the fire. Intriguing questions raised at every turn and a nice twist at the end which I wasn't expecting (partly because I was enjoying the journey). The creepy element is just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but not uncomfortably so. And the bookshop is a bookshop every village should have (although few now do!)Trick or Murder?

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in this delightful cozy mystery series set in a quaint English village.

A new vicar appears and ruffles many feathers, including Hector and Sophie. What is going on and why is he behaving like this?

Will Hector and Sophie finally kiss?

I really enjoyed the book, I guessed part of the solution half way through but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I'm looking forward to the next book now!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My local librarian picked this out for me and what a great choice they made!
Sophie and Hector are great characters and become your friends immediately but the arrival of a new vicar to upset the village life is where the story unfolds! Banning Hallowe’en but wanting to celebrate Guy Fawkes night seems a little odd for a tee-total vicar in a new community... but is he all cracked up to be!

Need to go back and find book 1 now!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars. Cute, uncomplicated mystery set in a small village in the English countryside. Perfect time of year to stay inside and enjoy a Halloween themed story. I did think that Sophie, as a University graduate and aspiring writer, was a bit too clueless about literary references, though. That’s why I didn’t give it a four star rating.

[Nicola Kelsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully thought-out cosy mystery from Debbie Young. Great fun to read with plenty of surprises and enjoyable twists. There is much to reccommend this second book in the series of 'Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries' with a brilliant cast of interesting and enigmatic characters. Enthralling page-turner, and a jolly good read. Definitely a winner!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, but a bit odd.

Definitely a funny story, but not as good as the previous one. I found the obsession with Halloween in an English village a bit odd, and realised very early that an important character wasn’t who he claimed to be.
However, I do like a new character who appeared near the end, and will look for more in the series.

[Moxo B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read for when you just need to relax. There’s really no mental or emotional engagement and sometimes that’s all you want. I read it under the alternative title of “Murder at the Vicarage”. It’s the second book in the Sophie Sayers murder mystery series. I must admit though, I’m getting a bit tired of how weak a character Sophie is.

[Dana Meakin-Bain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though the plot structure is identical to the first book, Debbie Young has managed to create a fun, new story that is a perfect October read. Once again, it is far from a brain teaser, but I enjoyed jumping back into the countryside village and learning more about the characters/community Debbie has created.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As brilliant as book 1, Murder in Show, characters are so realistic, love getting to know Sophie and all the villagers better.
Found it hard to put it down and do mundane daily chores, kept you guessing who and why, and whatever is happening now.
Makes me want to live in a quaint village like Wendlesbury Barrow, and immerse myself in the local bookshop and life

[Richelle Starke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is enjoyable enough, I guess. I mean, I keep reading the books. Sophie is likeable but almost unbearably dumb. You should 100% judge this book by its cover ... and embarrassingly dorky title.

[Cheryl Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I like how the main characters are progressing. Learning more about how Sophie and Hector is wonderful. I look forward to getting to know them and the folks in Wendlebury better.

[Sall · Rating 3 out of 5]

This dragged on with no element of mystery let alone murder. A book that has murder in the title should at least have one murder before the final quarter of the book. There were little redeeming factors, in fact I can't think of any.