Murder in an English Village

By: Jessica Ellicott

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

As friends, the boisterous and brash American Beryl couldn't be less alike than the prim and proper British Edwina. But as sleuths in an England recovering from the Great War, they're the perfect match.

The year is 1920: Flying in the face of convention, legendary American adventuress Beryl Helliwell never fails to surprise and shock. The last thing her adoring public would expect is that she craves some peace and quiet. The humdrum hamlet of Walmsley Parva in the English countryside seems just the ticket. And, honestly, until America comes to its senses and repeals Prohibition, Beryl has no intention of returning stateside and subjecting herself to bathtub gin.

For over three decades, Edwina Davenport has lived comfortably in Walmsley Parva, but the post-World War I bust has left her in dire financial straits and forced her to advertise for a lodger. When her long-lost school chum Beryl arrives on her doorstep - actually crashes into it in her red motorcar - Edwina welcomes her old friend as her new roommate.

But her idyllic hometown has a hidden sinister side, and when the two friends are drawn in, they decide to set up shop as private inquiry agents, helping Edwina to make ends meet and satisfying Beryl's thirst for adventure. Now this odd couple will need to put their heads together to catch a killer - before this sleepy English village becomes their final resting place.

©2017 Jessie Crockett (P)2017 Recorded Books

More satisfying than expected

I thought this would be another light and entertaining but somewhat flimsy cozy British mystery. There are so many of those out there, and most are good for a listen. But this one is longer, better plotted, and more emotionally satisfying than most, since it also deals with post-WWI Britain's recovery from the war and the renewal of friendship. I also didn't guess "who done it" because the writer avoided the pitfalls of many shorter cozy mysteries that often allow a reader to easily figure it out. Hoping this becomes a series.

Marvelous & memorable - 2 main characters

Hope the adventures of these 2 will continue as series, excellent book in this genre. Well done.

Surprised

Did not see that ending coming at all. Totally enjoyed this book and narrator did well.

I Want More....

I read a lot of nonfiction and there are times I just want to listen to a good old fashioned sleuthing novel. These two main characters and the town they are living is full of great personalities and Barbara Rosenblatt as always delivers a great reading with much nuance and breadth to her verbal interpretations. I really hope this author will give us more of Beryl, Edwina, Crumpet and the Shiny Red Car.

The narration was excellent.

The story kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were very believable. It was like learning a bit of British history.