Best Murder in Show by Debbie Young

My Chronicle Book Box Review:

This is the debut novel of Debbie Young and is a cosy crime novel full of warmth and humour. It also has the best first line I have read in quite some time:

"From where I was sitting, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard seemed remarkably clean and fragrant considering they’d just had their heads cut off."

This book was a little different to what I was expecting and all the better for it! There is no active investigating or sleuthing per say but some innate curiosity and a little paranoia that the village may be one like those in Midsomer or visited by Miss Marple, draws us neatly through events leading to the mystery being solved.

It is written from the point of view of Sophie Sayers who has inherited her Aunt May’s cottage in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow. While Sophie spent some of her childhood summers with her Aunt she has not lived in the village before. After an itinerant few years teaching English in Europe Sophie determines to set down some roots and throws herself into village life. As a result of her enthusiasm and existing connection to the village, she is welcomed wholeheartedly by its many eccentric residents and is perfectly placed to observe events and uncover the truth behind a death at the Village Show.

Debbie Young paints a picture of a wonderfully eccentric village and charming cast of characters. Carol, the owner of the alphabetical village shop, is a fabulous character and Debbie Young’s use of word play is a real treat. I was completely charmed by Sophie, Joshua and Hector and having zipped through this book, I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.

This is a great debut novel and if you like cosy mysteries then read this one as in my opinion, it is a great example and delightful variation on the theme.

Hi, I'm Louise the founder of My Chronicle Book Box and I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog post.

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