DESCRIPTION:
Julia loves donning her gardening gloves for the first blooms of spring. But when out working in the local wildflower meadow, she does not expect to find a dead body…!
Spring has come to Berrywick, and Julia Bird is determined to enjoy the fine weather. But not all life is in flower when she stumbles across the body of building expert Basil Crow next to a bright yellow digger. And Julia believes this is no accident.
Julia’s suspicions are confirmed when forensics report a brutal blow to the head. Julia soon learns from pie shop owner, and Basil’s first wife Delilah, that he was not widely liked and left behind three failed marriages. Could one of his ex-wives have wanted revenge? Julia’s friend Tabitha was in a neighbourly dispute with him after he blocked her car in her driveway. But is this motive enough to kill?
Then local choir singer Esmeralda is found dead in the woods. The police think the murders are unconnected. Unlike Basil, Esmeralda was a well-loved soul. Who would want her dead? Digging for clues, Julia realises that both victims had a link to the proposed redevelopment of the meadow Basil was found in. But would someone really kill to save it? Can Julia find the murderer before someone else is pushing up the daisies?
A page-turning and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries!
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Title: A Country Meadow Murder Author: Katie Gayle
Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #9
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Date of Publication: March 24, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
MY THOUGHTS:
Julia Byrd has a choice between two activities - dreaded paperwork or a gardening project. Gardening wins out. Julia, as well as her friend Hester, take advantage of the fact that a beautiful meadow will be destroyed as there is a construction project that is about to break ground. They can dig and collect as many flowers as they desire. While exploring the meadow, Julia not only finds an abundance of flowers but also discovers a dead body. She recognizes the body as belonging to Basil Crow, and she is certain that his death was no accident.
Julia is no stranger to solving murders, so she sets out to uncover what really happened. As she begins asking questions, it quickly becomes clear that Basil wasn’t exactly beloved. With multiple ex-wives and more than a few people who may have wanted him dead, the suspect list grows longer by the minute. Julia isn’t alone in her investigation, though - Detective Inspector Hayley Gibson is also on the case. And just when things couldn’t get more complicated, Julia stumbles across yet another body.
Julia has had plenty of opportunities to solve murders, so she decides that she will discover what happened to him. As Julia begins her inquiries, she learns that Basil just may have had more than one person to want him dead. In fact, she also learns that he has more than one ex-wife, so she has to consider them as suspects as well. Julia isn’t doing this alone. In fact, detective inspector Hayley Gibson is also digging for clues. This is especially important because Julia soon discovers yet another body.
A Country Meadow Murder was a quick one-sitting read, and makes a perfect accompaniment to an engaging series. Not only is Julia a delight, but her lovable chocolate Labrador Jake is right there, helping her in any way a sweet pup could. This installment delivers just the right mix of charm, intrigue, and cozy mystery goodness, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg, with husbands, children, dogs and cats. Unlike their sleuth Epiphany Bloom, neither of them have ever stolen a cat from the vet.
https://www.facebook.com/KatieGayleWriter
https://twitter.com/KatieGayleBooks
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