The Art of Murder: the BRAND NEW charming cozy mystery full of twists and turns from Fiona Walker for 2024 (The Village Detectives, 1) Paperback – 20 May 2024

Loved the characters and setting. Juno, Phoebe and Mil are a terrific trio who leapt to life off the page and were soon like old friends. Inkbury felt so real I couldn't wait to pick it up and go back there. The plot kept me guessing, and it was a genuinely fun read, especially towards the end with a twist which took me completely by surprise.Fiona Walker's big country romcoms are always a cut above, and she's done it again with this witty, immersive cosy crime. A great new series. Can't wait for the next one!

“Turning off her torch, she glanced anxiously around in case there were other people here and her side entrance was actually a dogging spot for Hogwarts fetishists, although that seemed unlikely in sub-zero temperatures at five-thirty in the morning.”Welcome to the quintessentially charming village of Inkbury, best known for a fleeting cameo in a Richard Curtis film—until a murder disrupts its peace. Enter Juno Mulligan, a former comedian whose life has taken a nosedive, now grappling with heartache and the unnerving suspicion that her mom's fiancé might be a serial spouse-killer. Teaming up with her old pal, scandal-ridden journalist-turned-author Phoebe Fredericks, they dive into the murky waters of village intrigue. But when a local art dealer turns up dead in the famed river, suspicions shift, secrets unravel, and the unlikely duo must untangle a mystery that intertwines their past and present. Amidst this picturesque chaos, solving crimes in midlife proves to be murderously entertaining.Walker as always, deftly blends humour and mystery, crafting a story that’s as cozy as a cup of tea with a sharp twist of lemon. Juno’s partnership with her old friend Phoebe Fredericks, a journalist-turned-novelist with a past, adds depth and wit to their amateur sleuthing.When the local art dealer ends up dead, the plot thickens faster than clotted cream, and Juno and Phoebe must unravel the secrets lurking beneath Inkbury’s postcard-perfect surface. "The Art of Murder" is a delightful page-turner that proves even in the sleepiest of villages, living one’s best midlife can be murderously entertaining. Walker’s sharp, engaging prose ensures readers are both captivated and chuckling till the very end.Fans of authors like Agatha Christie, M.C. Beaton, and Richard Osman will find much to love in Walker’s latest offering. The book will appeal to those who enjoy light-hearted mysteries with strong, relatable female protagonists and a touch of romance and wit. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery fanatic or new to the genre, "The Art of Murder" provides an entertaining escape into a world where solving crimes is just part of the daily routine in an otherwise idyllic village.

What a great find! I took a chance on this because I loved another book by the author, and hoped she’d bring the same warmth and wit to crime fiction, and I wasn’t disappointed. The Art of Murder is a delightful blend of old-fashioned sleuthing and modern midlife. This beautifully written ‘cosy’ murder mystery is clever, fun and absorbing.The story switches perspective between the two main characters, both of whom I grew to really like. Phoebe is as introverted and clever as Juno is bouncy and impulsive. It’s refreshing to find middle-aged female characters who are this authentic and well developed from page one. Flawed and relatable, they are a joy to get to know, along with their ‘intern sidekick’ Mil, the rugby-loving pub landlord.The plot twists and turns so much I couldn’t second guess it, although I enjoyed trying, and when my top suspect went from the character that I disliked most to one I loved, it was a great moment. The setting is gorgeous too. Pretty Inkbury might be the archetypal English village, but nothing is quite as it seems.This is a satisfying and addictive whodunnit, with the perfect blend of laughs and clues. I look forward to the next instalment in The Village Detectives series. Highly recommended.

This is a fun book I am about 80% of my way through I took it on holiday with me, a good easy , made me smile in places read

Couldn't keep up with book. A lot going on, lots of characters. A well placed book. Liked the humour a lot.

This book positively oozes warmth, and the burgeoning friendship between Juno and Phoebe is brilliant to read. Fiona's wit is legendary and it's really on show here, and the 90s music references were a great backdrop to this entertaining mystery. Goodness this woman knows how to write. Recommend!

Oh what joy, a new novel by Fiona Walker and the start of a brilliant new series. An amazing cast of characters with two main ones, that as the story progressed quickly became your new friends, with all their interesting back history. A whole new area to become acquainted with too. A host of new village characters making up the setting for this murder mystery. I am hopeless at spotting who dunnit, and despite clues, didn’t guess this time. A complete surprise that suddenly tied up all the loose ends in a satisfying finish. As always the four legged characters weren’t forgotten with the Jack Russels playing their part. A terrific read. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

A new type of read from Fiona walker. Good thriller

This is fun romp with intriguing new characters. I look forward to more stories about the Squad from Fiona Walker.

Loved catching up with old friends from the nineties in their cozy mystery era. For Fiona Walker fans who are also surprised to realise their 20’s weren’t 10 years ago.

A brilliant beginning to a new series. Reading a book written by Fiona Walker is like visiting an old friend. Lots of good memories and wanting to make more. Can’t wait for the next “Village Detectives” book. Delightful, enjoyable read.

Juno and her mother Judy are carbon copies of each other. Overly dramatic, silly and nonstop talkers. Judy acts like an Immature 15-year-old. I’m not even halfway through and trying to decide if I even want to finish this.