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Julia Bird Mysteries #2
Murder in the Library
Julia Bird’s picturesque Cotswolds life is everything she’d dreamed of. Until, that is, she discovers a dead body in the library�
Julia Bird had imagined the quiet of rural life would be soothing after years in the city, but she finds she can’t just sit still. Determined to throw herself into village activities, she joins the library just in time to attend a talk by celebrated local author Vincent Andrews.
Charming, devilishly handsome and talented, Vincent teases the crowd with a reading from his forthcoming novel. Set in a village bearing strange similarities to Berrywick, with characters the audience start to recognise, Vincent hints of dark secrets to be revealed, to gasps of outrage from the room. The meeting ends in uproar, and, just hours later, Vincent’s dead body is discovered behind the bookshelves�
As one of the last people to see him alive, Julia feels morally bound to help the police investigate. With her trusty Labrador, Jake, at her side, she decides to do her own sleuthing and quickly discovers that Vincent’s personal life is messy, his finances are in disarray and his book sales are declining. But most of all, remembering her neighbours� faces at the book reading, Julia wonders if one of them could have lost the plot enough to kill�
As Julia interrogates the suspects, she walks straight into another scene of murder and mayhem, and realises Vincent’s manuscript is now missing. There’s someone out there who’s deadly serious about keeping their secrets unpublished. Will Julia be able to stop them, before anyone else gets hurt?
Julia Bird had imagined the quiet of rural life would be soothing after years in the city, but she finds she can’t just sit still. Determined to throw herself into village activities, she joins the library just in time to attend a talk by celebrated local author Vincent Andrews.
Charming, devilishly handsome and talented, Vincent teases the crowd with a reading from his forthcoming novel. Set in a village bearing strange similarities to Berrywick, with characters the audience start to recognise, Vincent hints of dark secrets to be revealed, to gasps of outrage from the room. The meeting ends in uproar, and, just hours later, Vincent’s dead body is discovered behind the bookshelves�
As one of the last people to see him alive, Julia feels morally bound to help the police investigate. With her trusty Labrador, Jake, at her side, she decides to do her own sleuthing and quickly discovers that Vincent’s personal life is messy, his finances are in disarray and his book sales are declining. But most of all, remembering her neighbours� faces at the book reading, Julia wonders if one of them could have lost the plot enough to kill�
As Julia interrogates the suspects, she walks straight into another scene of murder and mayhem, and realises Vincent’s manuscript is now missing. There’s someone out there who’s deadly serious about keeping their secrets unpublished. Will Julia be able to stop them, before anyone else gets hurt?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
September 2, 2022
Berrywick in the Cotswolds is one of those quaint English villages, well featured in cosies, where murders occur in numbers totally disproportionate to the number of residents. Julia Bird lives there on her own now since her husband fell in love with another man.
Julia is happy alone. She has a wonderfully crazy dog called Jake, a part time job in the local thrift shop, chickens and a vegetable garden, all of which keep her very busy. She also has a friend called Sean who has great promise as the future man in her life.
When a visiting author is found murdered in the local library Julia sets her mind to helping the police find the killer. The mystery has many twists and turns and it is not easy to guess who it is going to be. Better still there is a curve ball thrown at the end which certainly took me by surprise. A good story well told.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Julia is happy alone. She has a wonderfully crazy dog called Jake, a part time job in the local thrift shop, chickens and a vegetable garden, all of which keep her very busy. She also has a friend called Sean who has great promise as the future man in her life.
When a visiting author is found murdered in the local library Julia sets her mind to helping the police find the killer. The mystery has many twists and turns and it is not easy to guess who it is going to be. Better still there is a curve ball thrown at the end which certainly took me by surprise. A good story well told.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 25, 2022
What a delightful, fast paced, cozy murder mystery! I loved every murderous minute of the second installment of the Julia Bird Mysteries. Julia is back again and knee deep in murder. This clever, entertaining story made me laugh while keeping me completely entertained and engaged. Julia once again finds herself surrounded by murder and mayhem, and I enjoyed every twist and turn. I definitely recommend this to all cozy mystery enthusiasts. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 11, 2022
The library staff were quite excited about the upcoming author visit by well known local author Vincent Andrews, and Julia Bird was helping her friend and librarian Tabitha to prepare. The evening went well, but it was when Julia and Tabitha were packing up after the event that Julia discovered the body of the author lying on the carpet behind the bookshelves. Calling the police was the beginning of an investigation which saw Detective Inspector Hayley Gibson frustrated beyond belief. When a second body appeared and a manuscript disappeared, Julia, labrador Jake and Sean were well into their search for the killer. But would they be able to find the killer before someone else lost their life?
Murder in the Library is the 2nd in the Julia Bird series by Katie Gayle and I enjoyed it very much. Light, entertaining and lots of fun - especially with the mischievous Jake as a prominent character - I'm already looking forward to #3 in the series. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Murder in the Library is the 2nd in the Julia Bird series by Katie Gayle and I enjoyed it very much. Light, entertaining and lots of fun - especially with the mischievous Jake as a prominent character - I'm already looking forward to #3 in the series. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2022
The second in 's series featuring retired social worker, turned amateur sleuth Julia Bird, is another entertaining cosy mystery in the mould of favourites such as 's Midsomer Murders and 's Agatha Raisin series. is the pseudonym of South African duo and .
Things have settled down in the Cotswolds village of Berrywick, since the excitement of events depicted in . Our heroine, retired social worker Julia Bird, has settled into the rhythms of village life, with her boisterous black Labrador Jake by her side. She volunteers one day a week at the local charity store, catches up on local gossip at "The Buttered Scone" cafe and is enjoying a new romance with local doctor Sean O'Connor. Supporting her best friend Tabitha, the local librarian, Julia attends a much-anticipated talk by locally-born bestselling author V.F. Andrews. Vincent Andrews exudes charm as he talks about the upcoming release of his new historical fiction title, but there are clear signs within the audience that not everyone is as keen on Vincent as it may first appear. While helping Tabitha clean up after the party the following morning, Julia discovers his body - clearly the victim of murder - half-hidden between the shelves of books.
is another enjoyable romp around a quintessential English village, with a colourful cast of characters, both new and recurring. Julia and her friends are likeable and identifiable, notwithstanding that the ease with which she has inveigled herself into a second murder investigation beggars belief a little.
I'd recommend , and its predecessor , to any reader who loves cosy mysteries, especially those that employ English village settings.
My thanks to the authors, ( and ), publisher Bookouture, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Things have settled down in the Cotswolds village of Berrywick, since the excitement of events depicted in . Our heroine, retired social worker Julia Bird, has settled into the rhythms of village life, with her boisterous black Labrador Jake by her side. She volunteers one day a week at the local charity store, catches up on local gossip at "The Buttered Scone" cafe and is enjoying a new romance with local doctor Sean O'Connor. Supporting her best friend Tabitha, the local librarian, Julia attends a much-anticipated talk by locally-born bestselling author V.F. Andrews. Vincent Andrews exudes charm as he talks about the upcoming release of his new historical fiction title, but there are clear signs within the audience that not everyone is as keen on Vincent as it may first appear. While helping Tabitha clean up after the party the following morning, Julia discovers his body - clearly the victim of murder - half-hidden between the shelves of books.
"This was not the first, nor even the second, but in fact the fourth body that Julia had come across in Berrywick. 'You do have the most peculiar luck, Julia,' said [DI Hayley Gibson]" (Loc 346)The case has a personal element for Julia, as Vincent's widow Sarah happens to be Sean O'Connor's cousin, and quickly becomes the focus of police investigations into her late husband's death. Working all her contacts in the village, and making the most of her rapport with DI Gibson, Julia and her friends uncover skeletons from Vincent's past, professional enmities and marital disharmony. When a second person is murdered and the manuscript for Vincent's next book goes missing, the stakes are raised considerably...
is another enjoyable romp around a quintessential English village, with a colourful cast of characters, both new and recurring. Julia and her friends are likeable and identifiable, notwithstanding that the ease with which she has inveigled herself into a second murder investigation beggars belief a little.
I'd recommend , and its predecessor , to any reader who loves cosy mysteries, especially those that employ English village settings.
My thanks to the authors, ( and ), publisher Bookouture, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title.
March 19, 2024
This past weekend was our town’s annual yard and garage sale. As you can imagine the city was packed with traffic and people looking for the best bargains. Lucky for me my Little Free Library Shed attracted a crowd of visitors providing an abundance of donations which included this one.
At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it because it was the second one in the series. But by the fifth page, the characters in the story gave away every little clue of what happened in the first book. Thus, I felt fairly comfortable I could continue on with this story knowing what had most likely occurred with the main protagonist, Julia Bird in that debut book.
At least, it appeared, through this gossipy format, that hints would continue to be dropped as I read on. And, I wasn’t wrong.
The question was, would I like this story as I got further in to it?
Well, my first clue that I knew I was in deep trouble was when I had to start a list of characters, to keep track of who was who! Oy!
Thus, I have a feeling, this is going to give anyone reading this review a strong hint of how things were going for me as I meandered along through the pages of this “seemingly� cozy little village.
Now, let me just say this…in all fairness, this book headlined a library. Which typically is my favorite kind of book setting.
And…it featured a dog. Another favorite for me. Because anyone looking at my personal page, will know, I obviously love dogs.
So, I was trying really hard to keep an open mind about this story.
Especially when they had the scene with an author coming to do a Q & A at the library. He was also making himself available to sign his books afterwards. Which, for anyone who has ever attended an event like this, it is always fun for the community.
As an aside, I created multiple programs like this for my local library. And I loved seeing the interaction between the author and participants.
Back to the review.
So�.let us consider the title of this book � murder in the library. As readers we know instinctively that something terrible is going to happen to someone at this library! Will it be the author? (Well, even the book blurb back cover description tells you it is him. Oh well.)
Cue the music! The murder occurs. Why? And who?
So, now, Julia has inserted herself into the investigation. And, as a reader, I am following her around, trying to keep track of all these people in the town wondering� who-dunnit.
Let me just say this, Jake (the dog) is one of my favorite characters in the book. Everyone else was…well, forgettable. But Jake, he was easy to enjoy, and definitely provided the necessary comic relief.
On the positive side, this is a cute, cozy little mystery by a dual author South African writing team named Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. And as I mentioned earlier, this is their second book in the mystery genre.
On the not so positive side, this will probably be, my first and last read in the Julia Bird mystery series. Even though I enjoyed Jake immensely.
Perhaps you might feel differently.
At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it because it was the second one in the series. But by the fifth page, the characters in the story gave away every little clue of what happened in the first book. Thus, I felt fairly comfortable I could continue on with this story knowing what had most likely occurred with the main protagonist, Julia Bird in that debut book.
At least, it appeared, through this gossipy format, that hints would continue to be dropped as I read on. And, I wasn’t wrong.
The question was, would I like this story as I got further in to it?
Well, my first clue that I knew I was in deep trouble was when I had to start a list of characters, to keep track of who was who! Oy!
Thus, I have a feeling, this is going to give anyone reading this review a strong hint of how things were going for me as I meandered along through the pages of this “seemingly� cozy little village.
Now, let me just say this…in all fairness, this book headlined a library. Which typically is my favorite kind of book setting.
And…it featured a dog. Another favorite for me. Because anyone looking at my personal page, will know, I obviously love dogs.
So, I was trying really hard to keep an open mind about this story.
Especially when they had the scene with an author coming to do a Q & A at the library. He was also making himself available to sign his books afterwards. Which, for anyone who has ever attended an event like this, it is always fun for the community.
As an aside, I created multiple programs like this for my local library. And I loved seeing the interaction between the author and participants.
Back to the review.
So�.let us consider the title of this book � murder in the library. As readers we know instinctively that something terrible is going to happen to someone at this library! Will it be the author? (Well, even the book blurb back cover description tells you it is him. Oh well.)
Cue the music! The murder occurs. Why? And who?
So, now, Julia has inserted herself into the investigation. And, as a reader, I am following her around, trying to keep track of all these people in the town wondering� who-dunnit.
Let me just say this, Jake (the dog) is one of my favorite characters in the book. Everyone else was…well, forgettable. But Jake, he was easy to enjoy, and definitely provided the necessary comic relief.
On the positive side, this is a cute, cozy little mystery by a dual author South African writing team named Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. And as I mentioned earlier, this is their second book in the mystery genre.
On the not so positive side, this will probably be, my first and last read in the Julia Bird mystery series. Even though I enjoyed Jake immensely.
Perhaps you might feel differently.
August 19, 2022
I am enjoying this English cozy mystery series so much! A body is found in the library the morning after an author event in Berrywick in the Ccltswolds, the small village and home of Julia Bird. The body of local author, VF Andrews is found by Julia as she is helping her friend and librarian Tabitha clean up after the event. He has been stabbed. Shock goes through the village when Vincent's body is found. Who would have killed the popular and handsome author? Julia is finding that a quiet life in the country after her divorce and career in London ends is not really quiet. She and her new Chocolate Lab, Jake, are active with walks, caring for her chickens, her volunteer day at a charity shop, and time spent with her new friend, Dr. Sean O'Connor. Sean's cousin Sarah is married to Vincent and the prime suspect, so Sean asks Julie to help find the real killer. Detective Inspector Hayley Gibson and friend of a sort and allows some help from Julia but no interference. I enjoyed watching the unraveling of the mystery as different suspects are investigated methodically and thought out. This is a refreshing series where the unexpected things happen with unexpected people in a small village setting where everyone knows each other. This one has twists and turns with some big surprises before it is solved. Great cozy with mystery, suspense, and a touch of a budding romance.
I received a complimentary copy from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
I received a complimentary copy from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
July 28, 2022
Murder in the Library was a fun and easy read. I have read books 3 and 4 of this series. Julia Bird is the main character. She lives in Berrywick. She is a retired social worker who has moved to this town after her divorce from Christopher but remained good friends. She volunteers at Second Chance a charity shop. The supporting characters are very important to this story. She and the rest of the villagers are going to the library to hear and met the author, Andrew Vincent. He is talking about his new book Raven's Call. She is sitting with her friends along with her friend and doctor, Sean O'Connor. After his lecture and Andrew answers questions certain people in the audience say that several of the people in the book are them and not happy about it and walk out. In the audience is also his wife, Sarah and his mother=in=law, Eleanor. . He later signs his books along with his publicist Phoebe Ailes.
The next day Julia goes to help her best friend and librarian Tabitha Fullergood to clean up after the program they come across a body that is Vincent. He was stabbed. They call the police. D.I.. Haley Gibson and her partner, DC Walter Farmer arrive. After questioning them Julia calls Sean to tell him of the death as his wife Sarah is his cousin and her mother is his aunt.
,
This is where the story takes the reader into jealousies, suspense,, stolen manuscripts etc. that make this story exciting. Julia is an important part of this story that brings much intrigue to the unexpected ending.
I have enjoyed this series and plan to read book one. Look forward to the next book to find out what adventure Julia and her friends are involved in.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
The next day Julia goes to help her best friend and librarian Tabitha Fullergood to clean up after the program they come across a body that is Vincent. He was stabbed. They call the police. D.I.. Haley Gibson and her partner, DC Walter Farmer arrive. After questioning them Julia calls Sean to tell him of the death as his wife Sarah is his cousin and her mother is his aunt.
,
This is where the story takes the reader into jealousies, suspense,, stolen manuscripts etc. that make this story exciting. Julia is an important part of this story that brings much intrigue to the unexpected ending.
I have enjoyed this series and plan to read book one. Look forward to the next book to find out what adventure Julia and her friends are involved in.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
January 14, 2024
Murder in the Library is book two in the Julia Bird series by Katie Gayle. Julia Bird was looking forward to the talk at the Berrywick library from a famous author, Vincent Andrews, about his latest book. However, the next day, helping Tabitha, the Berrywick Library Librarian, to tidy up the library after the event the night before, Julia and Tabitha found Vincent Andrews's body behind the bookshelves. Julia Bird decided to investigate to find the Murder. The readers of Murder in the Library will continue to follow Julia to discover what happens.
Murder in the Library is a sweet, cozy mystery that can be enjoyed reading on a rainy day with a cup of tea and your favourite biscuit. Katie Gayle's writing style allowed me to engage with her story and characters from the first page. I love Katie Gayle's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Murder in the Library is well-written and researched by Katie Gayle. I like Katie Gayle's description of the settings of Murder in the Library, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder in the Library will learn about being a ghostwriter for a well-known author. Also, the readers of Murder in the Library will learn about living in the Cotswolds.
I recommend this book.
Murder in the Library is a sweet, cozy mystery that can be enjoyed reading on a rainy day with a cup of tea and your favourite biscuit. Katie Gayle's writing style allowed me to engage with her story and characters from the first page. I love Katie Gayle's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Murder in the Library is well-written and researched by Katie Gayle. I like Katie Gayle's description of the settings of Murder in the Library, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder in the Library will learn about being a ghostwriter for a well-known author. Also, the readers of Murder in the Library will learn about living in the Cotswolds.
I recommend this book.
November 7, 2022
Julia Bird is enjoying her cozy, quiet, countryside life in Berrywick, Costwold with her dog Jake, a bunch of hens, a part time job in a thrift shop and her friendship with Dr. Sean promises to be a lot more. She is also looking forward to the book event at the local library featuring the popular author Vincent Andrews who is local to the Costwolds. The event goes as planned and is a success until Julia discovers Vincent's body the next day while helping her librarian friend clean up the library. Julia being Julia can't help but start off with her own line of investigation.
The second book in the Julia Bird series is as fun to read as the first one. Somehow, I guessed who the killer of Vincent could be early on but the author manages a good plot twist not only with the reason behind this killing but a second murder as well in connection to Vincent's death.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Katie Gayle for the e-Arc of the book.
The second book in the Julia Bird series is as fun to read as the first one. Somehow, I guessed who the killer of Vincent could be early on but the author manages a good plot twist not only with the reason behind this killing but a second murder as well in connection to Vincent's death.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Katie Gayle for the e-Arc of the book.
September 8, 2022
Murder in the Library is the second book in Julia Bird mystery series. I enjoyed meeting Julia and the villagers in the small Cotswold Village she moved to after her marriage broke up. She is happy with her new life and friends. Her friend Tabitha is the local librarian and is hosting a visit from well known author, Vincent (VJ) Anderson. He is married to a local girl and everyone is excited for his visit. All goes well, until Julia and Tabitha find him dead the next day under a table in the library. He has been stabbed in the neck, and of course the wife is the prime suspect. Julia's friend and possible romantic interest, Dr. Sean O'Connor, asks for Julia's help as Vincent's wife is his cousin. Will Julia be able to use the skills she has honed as a social worker to observe, listen, and question suspects to find the real killer.
I enjoyed my second visit to the Cotswold Village with Julia and all her friends. Julia is an extremely bright woman, who is well liked and able to get people to talk to her easily. She works with D.I. Hayley Gibson, who is an extremely busy detective who seems to appreciate Julia's help, but at other times looks at it as interference. I really like Hayley and hope she gets to have more of a personal life, and that her and Julia actually become friends. Dr. Sean is a great romantic interest for Julia, and their relationship is developing at a great good rate and I like seeing them both take one step forward and one step back. The setting of a small village, where most people know each other and their business, is always a great addition to a cozy mystery. There are some quirky and eccentric characters that add to my enjoyment of the story. I absolutely love Julia's dog, Jake, he is such a hoot and one of my favourite characters in the series. He definitely adds the comic relief to the story. The mystery is a good one. There are several suspects, and lots of red herrings, that kept me guessing. There are several twists and some surprises along the way before the culprit is revealed. This is an enjoyable story and series that I recommend.
I enjoyed my second visit to the Cotswold Village with Julia and all her friends. Julia is an extremely bright woman, who is well liked and able to get people to talk to her easily. She works with D.I. Hayley Gibson, who is an extremely busy detective who seems to appreciate Julia's help, but at other times looks at it as interference. I really like Hayley and hope she gets to have more of a personal life, and that her and Julia actually become friends. Dr. Sean is a great romantic interest for Julia, and their relationship is developing at a great good rate and I like seeing them both take one step forward and one step back. The setting of a small village, where most people know each other and their business, is always a great addition to a cozy mystery. There are some quirky and eccentric characters that add to my enjoyment of the story. I absolutely love Julia's dog, Jake, he is such a hoot and one of my favourite characters in the series. He definitely adds the comic relief to the story. The mystery is a good one. There are several suspects, and lots of red herrings, that kept me guessing. There are several twists and some surprises along the way before the culprit is revealed. This is an enjoyable story and series that I recommend.
September 6, 2022
Julia Bird is a retired social worker who finds a source of excitement in her life, even if it is rather morbid. Previously she found a dead body and actually solved the mystery of that murder. Finding yet another body, that of author Vincent Andrews, really makes Julia scratch her head. She immediately wonders if she was meant to solve this apparent murder as well.
As before, Julia can't just look away. In fact, she delves deep into an investigation that belongs to the police, but she simply cannot help herself. So, she begins to question anyone who was present at the scene of the crime - the library where Andrews was having a book signing. She also begins to question anyone close to him, and this includes his wife.
As Julia soon discovers, more than one person had a gripe with Andrews, thus making things more than complicated for Julia as she again plays the role of amateur sleuth. Will she be able to hone in on the killer, and actually be the one to solve this crime?
Even pacing, and a delightful older sleuth go hand-in-hand in this enjoyable book by Katie Gayle. I loved the twists in this book and enjoyed playing the guessing game right along with Julia. This is the second book in the Julia Bird Mystery series, and I hadn't had the chance to read the first book. I was well pleased to see that this book, Murder in the Library did perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review -
As before, Julia can't just look away. In fact, she delves deep into an investigation that belongs to the police, but she simply cannot help herself. So, she begins to question anyone who was present at the scene of the crime - the library where Andrews was having a book signing. She also begins to question anyone close to him, and this includes his wife.
As Julia soon discovers, more than one person had a gripe with Andrews, thus making things more than complicated for Julia as she again plays the role of amateur sleuth. Will she be able to hone in on the killer, and actually be the one to solve this crime?
Even pacing, and a delightful older sleuth go hand-in-hand in this enjoyable book by Katie Gayle. I loved the twists in this book and enjoyed playing the guessing game right along with Julia. This is the second book in the Julia Bird Mystery series, and I hadn't had the chance to read the first book. I was well pleased to see that this book, Murder in the Library did perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please also enjoy my YouTube video review -
September 8, 2022
An enjoyable cozy set in one of those English villages where murder abounds. Julia, a newish resident to the village, is beginning to feel at home with her chickens, dog, a perhaps boyfriend and work at the local charity shop. Of course, the occasional murder disrupts that. This time it is a body in the library who happens to be a local popular writer who gave a writer's talk the night before. Julia will need all her wits to help figure this one out.
A good story with some surprise twists. I like the village and I like Julia. She is down-to-earth and trying to settle into divorce and retirement away from her old home and life. She's really taking hold of her life and make the most of it instead of just being woe is me (and she has some right to do that). I like that she had a moment that she took evidence from the scene that she knew wasn't right but just didn't know what came over herself. She swears she is going to return it without looking at it. But she does. She has reasons. She doesn't think she is better than the local police but sometimes curiosity just takes over.
Of course, I like her mischievous dog too.
I will be sure to read more of this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
A good story with some surprise twists. I like the village and I like Julia. She is down-to-earth and trying to settle into divorce and retirement away from her old home and life. She's really taking hold of her life and make the most of it instead of just being woe is me (and she has some right to do that). I like that she had a moment that she took evidence from the scene that she knew wasn't right but just didn't know what came over herself. She swears she is going to return it without looking at it. But she does. She has reasons. She doesn't think she is better than the local police but sometimes curiosity just takes over.
Of course, I like her mischievous dog too.
I will be sure to read more of this series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
February 24, 2023
A very good book with a little surprise at the end.
February 10, 2025
Hmm, I didn't mesh with this 2nd instalment as much as I did the first book. Maybe because this one was threading trope-filled waters rather than having something new-ish to say.
(The 1st book really won me over by being both very cosy and serious AND unconventional within the subgenre.)
In this one we had a good, old fashioned "murder within the publishing industry" mystery that just felt a bit ... uninspired.
A bit more like painting by numbers than anything else, to be honest.
I tried to stay interested in other parts of the story, while Julia took her sweet time connecting the dots, but never quite connected to this particular book. I hope #3 will be better.
(The 1st book really won me over by being both very cosy and serious AND unconventional within the subgenre.)
In this one we had a good, old fashioned "murder within the publishing industry" mystery that just felt a bit ... uninspired.
A bit more like painting by numbers than anything else, to be honest.
I tried to stay interested in other parts of the story, while Julia took her sweet time connecting the dots, but never quite connected to this particular book. I hope #3 will be better.
April 27, 2023
Okay, I really loved this book--mostly for the characterization, the setting, the sleuthing, and the twists. It would be a five-star read but for one thing.
I figured out the twists and the murders really early. In my opinion, too early. Maybe it just happens to be how my brain thinks and this isn't fair, but usually even when I figure things out quickly, an author makes me doubt myself, and this one didn't.
However, it's still a 4.4 star read (because I'd have to round up at 4.5) and I loved every minute of reading it.
Wait. If I loved reading it, who cares if I figured it out? Not me. That's who. I'm changing my review and leaving this here to show why an enjoyable read is more important than a brain-stumper (unless it happens to be just as enjoyable!)
Well done, Katie Gayle. You guys pulled it off. (I think they're an author duo. If I'm wrong, sorry Ms. Gayle!)
Already listening to the next and loving it.
I figured out the twists and the murders really early. In my opinion, too early. Maybe it just happens to be how my brain thinks and this isn't fair, but usually even when I figure things out quickly, an author makes me doubt myself, and this one didn't.
However, it's still a 4.4 star read (because I'd have to round up at 4.5) and I loved every minute of reading it.
Wait. If I loved reading it, who cares if I figured it out? Not me. That's who. I'm changing my review and leaving this here to show why an enjoyable read is more important than a brain-stumper (unless it happens to be just as enjoyable!)
Well done, Katie Gayle. You guys pulled it off. (I think they're an author duo. If I'm wrong, sorry Ms. Gayle!)
Already listening to the next and loving it.
February 28, 2024
A good read set in the beautiful Cotswolds.
August 31, 2022
Murder in the Library (Julia Bird Mysteries Book 2) by Katie Gayle is a great cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
This is the second book set in the Cotswolds and takes placein a quaint village where there is much more going on than on the posted bulletin.
Julia Bird is yet again involved in a classic murder mystery that is paced well and kept my interest.
Looking forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/7/22.
Merged review:
Murder in the Library (Julia Bird Mysteries Book 2) by Katie Gayle is a great cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
This is the second book set in the Cotswolds and takes placein a quaint village where there is much more going on than on the posted bulletin.
Julia Bird is yet again involved in a classic murder mystery that is paced well and kept my interest.
Looking forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/7/22.
From the Publisher:
Book Description:
Julia Bird’s picturesque Cotswolds life is everything she’d dreamed of. Until, that is, she discovers a dead body in the library�
Julia Birdhad imagined the quiet of rural life would be soothing after years in the city, but she finds she can’t just sit still.Determined to throw herself into village activities, she joins the library just in time to attend a talk by celebrated local authorVincent Andrews.
Charming, devilishly handsome and talented, Vincent teases the crowd with a reading from his forthcoming novel. Set in a village bearing strange similarities to Berrywick, with characters the audience start to recognise, Vincent hints of dark secrets to be revealed, to gasps of outrage from the room. The meeting ends in uproar, and, just hours later, Vincent’s dead body is discovered behind the bookshelves�
As one of the last people to see him alive, Julia feels morally bound to help the police investigate. With her trusty Labrador, Jake, at her side, she decides to do her own sleuthing and quickly discovers that Vincent’s personal life is messy, his finances are in disarray and his book sales are declining. But most of all, remembering her neighbours� faces at the book reading, Julia wonders if one of them could have lost the plot enough to kill�
As Julia interrogates the suspects, she walks straight into another scene of murder and mayhem, and realises Vincent’s manuscript is now missing. There’s someone out there who’s deadly serious about keeping their secrets unpublished. Will Julia be able to stop them, before anyone else gets hurt?
Brilliantly twisty, this completely thrilling cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Helena Marchmont and Clare Chase.
Author Bio:
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.
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Katie Gayle here:
Buy Link:
Amazon:
This is the second book set in the Cotswolds and takes placein a quaint village where there is much more going on than on the posted bulletin.
Julia Bird is yet again involved in a classic murder mystery that is paced well and kept my interest.
Looking forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/7/22.
Merged review:
Murder in the Library (Julia Bird Mysteries Book 2) by Katie Gayle is a great cozy mystery that I enjoyed.
This is the second book set in the Cotswolds and takes placein a quaint village where there is much more going on than on the posted bulletin.
Julia Bird is yet again involved in a classic murder mystery that is paced well and kept my interest.
Looking forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/7/22.
From the Publisher:
Book Description:
Julia Bird’s picturesque Cotswolds life is everything she’d dreamed of. Until, that is, she discovers a dead body in the library�
Julia Birdhad imagined the quiet of rural life would be soothing after years in the city, but she finds she can’t just sit still.Determined to throw herself into village activities, she joins the library just in time to attend a talk by celebrated local authorVincent Andrews.
Charming, devilishly handsome and talented, Vincent teases the crowd with a reading from his forthcoming novel. Set in a village bearing strange similarities to Berrywick, with characters the audience start to recognise, Vincent hints of dark secrets to be revealed, to gasps of outrage from the room. The meeting ends in uproar, and, just hours later, Vincent’s dead body is discovered behind the bookshelves�
As one of the last people to see him alive, Julia feels morally bound to help the police investigate. With her trusty Labrador, Jake, at her side, she decides to do her own sleuthing and quickly discovers that Vincent’s personal life is messy, his finances are in disarray and his book sales are declining. But most of all, remembering her neighbours� faces at the book reading, Julia wonders if one of them could have lost the plot enough to kill�
As Julia interrogates the suspects, she walks straight into another scene of murder and mayhem, and realises Vincent’s manuscript is now missing. There’s someone out there who’s deadly serious about keeping their secrets unpublished. Will Julia be able to stop them, before anyone else gets hurt?
Brilliantly twisty, this completely thrilling cozy mystery is perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Helena Marchmont and Clare Chase.
Author Bio:
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.
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Katie Gayle here:
Buy Link:
Amazon:
September 7, 2022
Murder in the Library is a different mystery. It is set in a village in the Cotswolds of England and has an exotic feel. The main character, Julia, is older and retired but volunteers her time to the library and other worthy causes. She has little experience with murder and has no rules to follow. When a visiting author is killed after an appearance at the library, Julie starts asking questions. Then a second murder occurs, and she is convinced both deaths are not only related but committed by the same person. But is she right?
Julia is an older woman who moved to the village in the Cotswolds to spend her golden years in peace and quiet, without the constant strain of the city. She never expected her retirement to be filled with so much activity, a budding romance, and murder. She is an interesting character that readers of all ages will enjoy spending time with. Other characters are fun; my favorite is Julia’s Labrador, Jake. He is a very rambunctious dog that is protective of his mistress and ensures everyone knows it when necessary. I hope we learn more about the other returning characters as the series progresses. However, I am not crazy about Julia’s “boyfriend,� Sean. He is just a little too concerned about his relatives to be realistic.
The setting of the village of Berrywick, in the Cotswolds, reminds readers of a time when life was simpler but still beautiful. The Cotswolds are a favored place to live and visit in real life, so readers will want to check it out. Evidence and red herrings are good, and there is enough to make readers question their suspect list. However, the murder(s) aren’t all that hard to figure out, and neither is the motive, and this is why I gave Murder in the Library a three-star rating, even though it would be closer to three and a half. I knew who the killer was almost from the beginning, and the motive was made apparent almost as quickly.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I loved the village and the Cotswolds setting. I adored Jake the dog, and Julia wasn’t irritating at all, but she may need to have a bit more grit in the future. I liked the detective, Hayley, and I hope she remains a fixture in this series. I am happy to recommend this book to readers who enjoy an exotic location, good characters, a beautiful setting, and an amateur sleuth that makes you smile.
Julia is an older woman who moved to the village in the Cotswolds to spend her golden years in peace and quiet, without the constant strain of the city. She never expected her retirement to be filled with so much activity, a budding romance, and murder. She is an interesting character that readers of all ages will enjoy spending time with. Other characters are fun; my favorite is Julia’s Labrador, Jake. He is a very rambunctious dog that is protective of his mistress and ensures everyone knows it when necessary. I hope we learn more about the other returning characters as the series progresses. However, I am not crazy about Julia’s “boyfriend,� Sean. He is just a little too concerned about his relatives to be realistic.
The setting of the village of Berrywick, in the Cotswolds, reminds readers of a time when life was simpler but still beautiful. The Cotswolds are a favored place to live and visit in real life, so readers will want to check it out. Evidence and red herrings are good, and there is enough to make readers question their suspect list. However, the murder(s) aren’t all that hard to figure out, and neither is the motive, and this is why I gave Murder in the Library a three-star rating, even though it would be closer to three and a half. I knew who the killer was almost from the beginning, and the motive was made apparent almost as quickly.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I loved the village and the Cotswolds setting. I adored Jake the dog, and Julia wasn’t irritating at all, but she may need to have a bit more grit in the future. I liked the detective, Hayley, and I hope she remains a fixture in this series. I am happy to recommend this book to readers who enjoy an exotic location, good characters, a beautiful setting, and an amateur sleuth that makes you smile.
July 21, 2022
There is a big difference between recently retired Julia Bird’s years as a social worker in London and her new life of leisure in the small Cotswold village of Berrywick. She didn't used to have a dog, or chickens, she didn't bake scones either but just these three changes now give her great pleasure. Her volunteering in the one charity shop and spending time with her friend Tabitha at the picturesque library also fill her days with pleasure. Julia isn't quite as excited as the rest of the attendees about the visit of local boy and successful author Vincent Andrews, or Vince to his friends, but she’s determined to enjoy herself.
The evening is a great success but as Julia and Tabitha tidy the library ready for the next event they spot a shoe which shouldn't be there. To be fair, neither should the body to whom the footwear belongs and, once again, Julia finds her relaxing, stress free, existence interrupted by an investigation into a murder she can’t help but get involved with.
Her personal life at least, is on the up! The burgeoning friendship with local doctor Sean O'Connor is a very pleasant part of her days and having someone other than her chocolate Labrador, Jake, to discuss everything with is very satisfying. Unfortunately when a second death occurs everything Julia thought she knew fades away leaving her confused and determined to get back on the right track.
This is the second Julia Bird Mystery Series and has every chance of becoming a firm favourite with British cosy crime readers. The three main protagonists and their two canine companions have gelled well together, the secondary characters are a vital part of the action, as is the Cotswold countryside. So far everything works well together, the investigation was complicated enough to keep you thinking throughout, and the promise of more to come is enticing.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. There are a few excellent British countryside mystery series around and this is definitely going to join them. Easily recommended.
The evening is a great success but as Julia and Tabitha tidy the library ready for the next event they spot a shoe which shouldn't be there. To be fair, neither should the body to whom the footwear belongs and, once again, Julia finds her relaxing, stress free, existence interrupted by an investigation into a murder she can’t help but get involved with.
Her personal life at least, is on the up! The burgeoning friendship with local doctor Sean O'Connor is a very pleasant part of her days and having someone other than her chocolate Labrador, Jake, to discuss everything with is very satisfying. Unfortunately when a second death occurs everything Julia thought she knew fades away leaving her confused and determined to get back on the right track.
This is the second Julia Bird Mystery Series and has every chance of becoming a firm favourite with British cosy crime readers. The three main protagonists and their two canine companions have gelled well together, the secondary characters are a vital part of the action, as is the Cotswold countryside. So far everything works well together, the investigation was complicated enough to keep you thinking throughout, and the promise of more to come is enticing.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. There are a few excellent British countryside mystery series around and this is definitely going to join them. Easily recommended.
July 22, 2022
Retirement isn't proving at all dull for former social worker Julia Bird. She's just discovered another body. Who killed well=known author Vincent Andrews in the library? Having been the one to discover Andrews' body, Julia's intrigue with the case is probably inevitable although she does try, well, sorta try, to stay out of it.
So, who did it? Was it the wife, who he'd praised aloud during his presentation at the library to a crowd? Let's face it, the spouse is almost always a suspect. But, why would she have killed him? Or, hmm, maybe one of those unhappy locals who felt they'd been wrongly used as characters in the new book? Why did one man walk out on the presentation? Or maybe it was the attractive young publisher's assistant, Phoebe. Maybe an old flame? He did noticeably overlook one woman's attempts to ask a question during the Q/A session. Where's the murder weapon anyway? But, wait. There's a second murder? Why? Is there some unknown connection?
Why...oh, never mind, Enough teasers. Although I couldn't quite get as invested in the mystery as I'd have liked, that is probably on me, not the book. The plot moved along smoothly and it appealed to me that she's an older sleuth and has a much loved dog, Jake. So, I liked Julia, even if she did some rather impulsive things in her curiosity to solve the crime. That's rather typical of most cozy mysteries, of course, and despite not quite connecting with Julia, the mystery was an interesting one and the ending did take me by surprise. Julia's relationship with sorta-almost-boyfriend Sean was adorable, too. It'll be interesting to see it grow.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me spend a bit of time in Cotswolds with Julia and Sean, not to mention Jake. Give that dog a virtual treat!
So, who did it? Was it the wife, who he'd praised aloud during his presentation at the library to a crowd? Let's face it, the spouse is almost always a suspect. But, why would she have killed him? Or, hmm, maybe one of those unhappy locals who felt they'd been wrongly used as characters in the new book? Why did one man walk out on the presentation? Or maybe it was the attractive young publisher's assistant, Phoebe. Maybe an old flame? He did noticeably overlook one woman's attempts to ask a question during the Q/A session. Where's the murder weapon anyway? But, wait. There's a second murder? Why? Is there some unknown connection?
Why...oh, never mind, Enough teasers. Although I couldn't quite get as invested in the mystery as I'd have liked, that is probably on me, not the book. The plot moved along smoothly and it appealed to me that she's an older sleuth and has a much loved dog, Jake. So, I liked Julia, even if she did some rather impulsive things in her curiosity to solve the crime. That's rather typical of most cozy mysteries, of course, and despite not quite connecting with Julia, the mystery was an interesting one and the ending did take me by surprise. Julia's relationship with sorta-almost-boyfriend Sean was adorable, too. It'll be interesting to see it grow.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me spend a bit of time in Cotswolds with Julia and Sean, not to mention Jake. Give that dog a virtual treat!
July 25, 2024
Well well well, looks like Julia is a cadaver magnet 😂
Ever since she arrived to Berrywick, things escalated pretty quickly 😂
In this second book, Julia and Tabatha (the human) stumble on the body of the famous writer that has been invited to sign his just out novel, and who, it happens, is from Berrywick, moreover, his last novel bears lots of similarities with the village and the people inhabiting it, and this my friends, can makes some people pretty angry I tell you.
The plot, as in the first book was clever, the events well described and one doesn't feel bored as there are no repetitions. Julia is just awesome, unlike the other sleuths I pet in my last cozy readings, she does respect her word when she tells the DI she won't be messing with police work, but sometimes, trouble comes and looks for her, what else can she do except investigating?
I really liked this one and will be on the third pretty soon!
Ever since she arrived to Berrywick, things escalated pretty quickly 😂
In this second book, Julia and Tabatha (the human) stumble on the body of the famous writer that has been invited to sign his just out novel, and who, it happens, is from Berrywick, moreover, his last novel bears lots of similarities with the village and the people inhabiting it, and this my friends, can makes some people pretty angry I tell you.
The plot, as in the first book was clever, the events well described and one doesn't feel bored as there are no repetitions. Julia is just awesome, unlike the other sleuths I pet in my last cozy readings, she does respect her word when she tells the DI she won't be messing with police work, but sometimes, trouble comes and looks for her, what else can she do except investigating?
I really liked this one and will be on the third pretty soon!
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September 1, 2022I loved my first introduction of Julia Bird so have been eagerly awaiting reading a copy of the second in the series, Murder in the Library. The writing duo, Katie Gayle, have yet again excelled themselves with this wonderful murder mystery that not only charms the reader but has them guessing throughout!
May 8, 2024
Tycker om Katie Gayles böcker om Julia Bird. Detta är andra boken i serien. En riktig mysdeckare, där huvudpersonen råkar på lik och genast tar sig an uppgiften att hitta mördaren. Spännande, charmig miljö och härliga personporträtt.
June 4, 2024
Another fast paced, action packed cosy mystery! I loved the storyline and how it all ended, the plot made sense, the characters were well written, and who doesn’t love reading about the cheeky dogs too! Such a fun series.
April 18, 2025
A fun mystery with Julia and her trusty dog Jake. When a local author who made good is murdered in the village library and then his assistant soon afterwards, Julia, Sean and DI Hayley work overtime to find the murderer. Lots of twists, great characters and a villiage you'd like to live in.
August 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this cosy mystery series and the second book didn’t let me down. I found the writing style easy and comfortable, drawing me in and wanting more. We return to our village setting and some familiar characters, which are all well written and we see their personalities developing. We learn more about our main character Julia Bird and her growing relationship with the village Doctor. The plot was really good and full of suspense, plenty of twists and turns. A cosy read and looking forward to continuing the series.
January 19, 2025
A good yarn. Very Miss Marple
June 5, 2025
Quaint little murder mystery. Gives Murder She Wrote vibes. Not quite my cup of tea...although there was a lot of tea consumed throughout the book...ahaha.
July 7, 2024
Alltså, om man gillar mysiga feelgood-deckare av pusselkaraktär så är serien om Julia Bird riktigt trivsam. Funkar alldeles utmärkt att läsa samtidigt som man tittar på fotboll.
May 1, 2024
Andra delen om pensionären Julia som lägger näsan i blöt i polisarbete. Mysig men tyckte att första delen var bättre.
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