A Case of Mice and Murder

The Trials of Gabriel Ward, Book 1

De: Sally Smith

Narrado por: Matthew Lloyd Davies

Bloomsbury presents A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith, read by Matthew Lloyd Davies.

"Delicious, gaslit murder. I loved it." —Maureen Johnson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Truly Devious series

The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London’s legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Nita Prose.

When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case—the disputed authorship of bestselling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse—that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.

But even he cannot fail to notice the judge’s dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest. In the shaded courtyards and ancient buildings of the Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London’s legal world, murder has spent centuries confined firmly to the casebooks. Until now . . .

The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn’t answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple’s heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he’d ever imagined . . .

©2024 Sally Smith (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Perfect for lovers of English detectives

Perfect for lovers of English detectives, legal dramas and historical novels. The story follows a murder and legal drama, as well as a variety of interesting characters who move around The Temple, the place reserved for legal matters in England. It's a very good story. It starts a bit slowly, but it draws you in, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. I would read more by this same detective. The acting and voice of the narrator are impeccable.

Excellent start to a new mystery series.

Intriguing, interesting and well written mystery, with the perfect narrator too. Totally worth a credit, I loved it!

Adorable, fascinating

What a surprise! I loved the characters, their Englishness, the weaving of two mysteries, and the humor that cloaks the tragedies of several female characters in the Edwardian setting. I eagerly await Sally Smith’s next episode with Gabriel Ward KC.

Such a Delightfully Rich World

Great layered mystery. Wonderful historic setting. Diverse and distinctive characters. I was guessing about the crime to the last. A beloved new amateur sleuth for me to follow.

Masterful plotting, historic and full of expertise

Everything about this book is excellent. The characters are compelling and true to era. The pace is quick and the storyline replete with surprises

excellent

Best book I've listened to this year. it's intelligent and engrossing with a a wonderful first-time sleuth in Sir Gabriel. at first I thought he was going to be the bumbling detective, but that's not the case at all. He's complex, compassionate, and so endearing.

The story unfolds very well. The story keeps you engaged from page one and keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully a long series.

The narration is also very good.

Good detective story with interesting trial subplot

The setting in The Inner Temple in London, and the main character, a kindly and somewhat OCD barrister, make for a fun and interesting combination. I learned a bit about the history of law in London too. The legal tidbits and history are really what sets this apart.

Unique, Clever, and truly interesting

It has been a long time since I have listened to anything that seems fresh and really does feel like the work of one of the greats. Gabriel Ward in a delightful creation. The narration is perfect. The mystery is well crafted.

Nice! A Cozy That's Not Inane!

I'm always looking for a mystery with charm, likable characters, and interesting things to learn. I'm happy to have found this one, and to see the author has another about to release. Smith saves us from the "Cupcake Knitting Club" drivel that debases the genre. Lots of Red Herrings, and subtle clues.
Fair play and pleasant company.
Narrator was better than most.
Grading on a curve, definitely 5 stars.

Charming and hilarious murder mystery set in the historic London Inner Temple law courts.

This is a wonderful book with compelling characters and plot, almost spoiled by a bad reader. He attacks words loudly, then lets is voice die down to a whisper, so you can’t set a comfortable volume.