Julia Bird is walking her dog when she finds the body of her vet Eve at the bottom of the cliffs. Did Eve fall by accident, suicidal intent or was she murdered?
Murder on a Country Walk is the 6th book in the Julia Bird series of cosy murder mysteries. There are mentions of events from earlier books and Julia’s relationship with Sean has developed over the series, but there are no spoilers about the crimes.
Eve was a popular vet and her death is upsetting for the whole village. Julia is convinced that it was not accidental and is determined to persuade the police to investigate so starts looking for clues and motives. Eve was passionate about her work and protecting nature, whilst also competitive at the game padel (I’d never heard of this but is sounds fab!) There is plenty of mystery as the suspects begin to emerge. I was kept guessing and thought the conclusion wrapped up the plot nicely.
I really like Julia’s character. She always acts with the best intentions even if she is a bit nosy. She has a really good relationship with the police which is quite refreshing, but she does tend to push the limits. Her relationship with Sean is still simmering and the pair are negotiating towards using the ‘love’ word (nospoilers if they manage this by the end of the book!) Both are in their sixties so it is good to see that age group represented in this way.
Murder on a Country Walk is an enjoyable murder mystery with a likeable and relatable lead character.
Book Description:
Julia Bird loves a walk in the countryside. There’s nothing quite like the fresh air and green rolling hills of the Cotswolds to clear your head. Unless you come across a dead body, that is…
When the local Berrywick vet, Dr Eve Davies, is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, the police believe it’s nothing more than a tragic accident, but Julia isn’t so sure. Just a few days earlier when she took her dog, Jake, to the vets, Dr Eve said she believed something awful was about to happen. It turns out she was right…
But who would want the beloved village vet dead? Was it her mother Kay, a down-and-out gambler who stands to inherit her unwedded daughter’s home? Was it her assistant Olga, who was close to getting fired? Or was it her cut-throat tennis partner Will, with whom Dr Eve had an argument shortly before she took a tumble? And who is the stranger skulking around Berrywick peering into people’s windows?
When a second body appears in the exact spot where Dr Eve was found, Julia knows it can’t be a coincidence. Both victims were pushed off the cliff, but why? Should Julia let sleeping dogs lie, or will she be like a dog with a bone to find the murderer?
A totally gripping and charming cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries.
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.
Julia Bird is walking her dog when she finds the body of her vet Eve at the bottom of the cliffs. Did Eve fall by accident, suicidal intent or was she murdered?
