Published: December 8, 2021

Bookouture

I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Lisa Cutts was a full-time detective constable for twenty-five years, most of which she spent investigating murders. Lisa writes crime books with her insider knowledge from the heart of the incident room and is busy writing her new series set in Kent. Belinda Penshurst, amateur sleuth, teams up with retired detective inspector Harry Powell to solve murders in the village of Little Challham. Murder in the Village is Lisa’s seventh crime fiction novel and her first cozy crime novel. Never Forget was the winner of the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award 2014.

“What could go wrong?”

Belinda is looking for another way to show her appreciation to the village she loves and bring a day filled with fun to her community. When her wine tasting event goes awry, Belinda knows she and Harry have to get involved and solve this mystery. A murder on her property won’t do, and Belinda is not about to stand by and wait for the police to solve the crime.

I am enjoying this series very much! Just when I thought Belinda and Harry couldn’t endear themselves to me anymore- a murder takes place at the castle.

Harry is just as quick-witted in this book, maintaining his demur charm. A stable and reassuring presence, Harry further ingrains himself with Belinda and her need to play detective.

Belinda is such a passionate character. She truly wants to shine the spotlight on her charming village. Her stubborn charm is a big part of why she is such a fantastic leading lady.

I am enjoying getting to know Belinda and Harry, and I love that they both have pasta that makes them reserved for particular aspects of the future. I also love that they both have feelings for one another, yet both have hesitations that they think they must keep to themselves.

I found the descriptions of the castle, as well as the village, much more intimate in this book. And I now feel like I’m friends with Belinda and Harry, and I can’t wait to see what mischief they get up to next!