An English Garden Murder

Julia Bird Mysteries, Book 1

By: Katie Gayle

Narrated by: Lucy Scott

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Julia Bird’s picturesque Cotswolds cottage has everything she could want. Rustic charm, cozy fireplaces, and, it turns out, a dead body in the garden....

Recently divorced and reluctantly retired, Julia Bird has fled London to enjoy idyllic rural life in the Cotswolds. Determined to have the perfect English garden, her first job is to tear down the old shed, where she unearths much more than she’d bargained for: a body, apparently buried for decades. But who could it be, and who killed them? The police draw a blank, and even the gossip-fest that is the local book club can’t remember anyone going missing in the village.

Unable to get on with her garden until the mystery is resolved, Julia decides to conduct her own clandestine investigations. So, together with her wayward chocolate Labrador puppy, Jake, Julia begins a whirlwind tour of the local residents. And everyone, it seems, has something to hide in this village. As she gets closer to the truth, Julia uncovers something even more shocking: another body, this time of someone she actually knows.

Determined to unmask the killer and find out what connects the two dead bodies, Julia–newly nicknamed the Grim Reaper–ups the stakes and hones in on the most likely suspect. But if she hasn’t deduced correctly, then there is someone else in the village who has killed twice already. Will they be prepared to make it third time lucky to keep their secret safe?

This cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin, and Betty Rowlands.

©2022 Katie Gayle (P)2022 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

5 stars

An English Garden Murder is an entertaining cozy mystery. It reminds me of the Agatha Raisin series. Julie just moved to the Cotswolds and she's trying to find her way in her new environment. But that's where the similarities end. The story goes in a different direction, other than Julie investigating. The story is interesting with engaging characters. I look forward to the next book.

Above average cozy series

I have just finished the three books available. I especially like the authors ability to start a series without the formula so many writers use and abuse and that is having the lead character or someone close being the lead suspect in a murder. This book is clever and continues to be in each of the next two. I love the relationship between Julie and the lead detective. Finally, the stories are family friendly and good clean fun.

Very good plot and character development

I think this Narrator is excellent.
A winning combination- Good plot and excellent Narrator.
I am looking forward to the next book in this series .

Murder, The Cotswolds, and Labradors! Oh My!

If you're looking for a cozy (cosy)murder mystery set in the English countryside with a wonderfully likable protagonist, Julia Bird, and a slew of quirky characters, (and a mischievous chocolate Lab puppy named Jake) then look no further!
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, mysterious, and really did keep me guessing right up to the end!

Bodies and More Bodies

Great story, wonderfully told . Authentic narration. Didn't see the original culprit. My first read of this author, will most definitely get book two.

Worth your time!

A great read. Very twisty plot. Fun and relaxing. Worth your time and energy !

A Very Satisfying Cozy!

I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment. The writing was sharp and the narrator was spot on!

Cozy mystery

I very much enjoyed this cozy mystery - it has a clever story and endearing characters

Silly characters shrieking

Every character is a stereotype. Almost two hours in and very little evidence of plot. Worst of all is the assault on the ears--shrill, shrieking, yammering women. I was pulling out my ear buds thinking, Just make it stop!

I like this cozy

I just really like this cozy. The characters are all interesting and compelling, especially the heroine, and the narrator captures her wry sense of humor well. The mystery is good, though a big part of this first book is an introduction to the village and its residents. My only complaint is that the doctor sounds like Sean Connery trying to do a Russian accent. Otherwise, this is a well narrated, fun and sometimes humorous mystery. It's very charming.

A Lovely Most Enjoyable Little Murder Story

I was looking for a book to counteract a particularly gruesome crime thriller which had rather sickened me and this was just perfect. A great story and left me reluctant to leave the little Cotswold village and the characters there. That's why I immediately purchased the next one in the series.

Loved this cozy book

A really cozy, enjoyable listen. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The story and characters were engaging right from the beginning. If you enjoy cozy crime you'll definitely enjoy this. Excellent narration. and I'm quite fussy with regard to that - 10 out of 10. Have already bought book 2.

Loved it nice comfy mystery

Loved this story. A very good comfy Murder mystery. Can’t wait for the next one.

Names are a bit muddled!

Sean O'Connor is an Irish name! Sean Connery was Scottish! I think Katie Gayle needs to research the name's origins before using them in her stories. 🤔 The doctor/ boy friend, Sean O'Connor is supposed to be Scottish I think not Irish? I am enjoying the book however, relaxing as a bedtime read/listen.

Great characters, story and plot. Really enjoyed it

Really enjoyed this book, likeable and interesting characters, story had me hooked and the narration was superb
Highly recommend

Cosy crime

An entertaining cosy crime, idyllic setting and quirky characters. However I wish the author had done her research regarding guide dogs! A guide dog puppy raiser would only be responsible for one puppy at a time. It is up to the guide dog trainer to decide if a dog passes and this is decided only after intense training. A puppy who doesn’t reach the required standard would not just be passed on to a stranger rather it would be offered to people vetted by guide dogs. As a guide dog owner these errors did annoy me as they give the public the wrong impression.

Lovely cozy murder mystery

I really enjoyed this murder mystery. The characters are well drawn and the narrator just right. I look forward to reading the next in the series with the same characters to see how they develop.

Village life

Enjoyable nice story with a get away from it all feeling . Had a gentle sense of humour running through it. Twists and turns in the mystery of who the village murderer was which kept you guessing.

Enjoyable new mystery

An enjoyable new series with an appealing lead character. Surnames are not a reliable way to determine someone's origins. Life is far more complicated than simply saying O' Connor is an 'Irish' name. Really? My family's origins lie in Scotland via southern Ireland and we have an English sounding surname.

Some of the actions the lead character takes do seem irrational and a bit silly but its far better to just enjoy the quirks and foibles of a new series. I have already bought the next instalment to be released soon. Recommended listening.

Just Fun!

Loved the narration - well timed and without the quirks that some can have. Story is good and you get invested in the recurrent characters. More pls !