AN ENGLISH GARDEN MURDER Julia Bird, Book 1

Lucy Scott's eclectic portrayal of the eccentric villagers of picturesque Berrywick is an enchanting introduction to this first in the Julia Bird mystery series. Things aren't coming up roses for Julia. Recently retired, the London transplant adapts to her new life in the charming Cotswold village. Her efforts to fit in by replacing her garden shed with a chicken coop and by adopting Jake, a dropout from guide dog school, lead to the discovery of two corpses. Then Julia decides to bolster the efforts of a burned-out police detective, with delightful surprises. Scott's narration embodies Julia's transformation from discouraged divorcée to confident sleuth and brings out the quirky quaintness of the villagers. Gardeners, Anglophiles, and wanna-be sleuths will enjoy this romp through the English countryside. M.F. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2022]