1. The Cotswold Mysteries by Rebecca Tope
This long-running series stars Thea Osborne, a house-sitter who moves between quaint Cotswold villages with her loyal spaniel, Hepzie. Each new home brings not only a cozy setting—think stone cottages and village greens—but a fresh murder to solve. With gentle suspense and local flavour, this is a quintessentially English escape.
2. An English Village Mystery by Louise Marley
Murder at Raven’s Edge kicks off this engaging series with Milla returning to her childhood home. As she investigates her mother’s long-ago death, a fresh crime occurs, and secrets emerge from the hedgerows. It's filled with nostalgia, village dynamics, and a satisfying sense of justice being served.
3. The Kate Palmer Mysteries by Dee MacDonald
Set in the Cornish village of Tinworthy, this series follows Kate, a nurse who has a knack for stumbling into murder scenes—often right after a slice of cake. The coastal setting, friendly locals, and Kate’s warm heart make this series both relaxing and engaging. Perfect for fans of seaside serenity with a twist.
4. The Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle
In An English Garden Murder, newly retired Julia Bird trades London bustle for a quiet Cotswolds life, only to dig up more than she bargained for when a buried body is found in her garden. Armed with determination, a nosy streak, and an unruly Labrador pup, Julia dives headfirst into village secrets..
5. The Madeleine Brooks Mysteries by Tannis Laidlaw
Death at Cherry Tree Manor introduces Madeleine, a former probation officer turned estate agent, investigating the disappearance of her great-aunt in a sleepy village. With stately homes, family secrets, and a strong, older heroine, this series offers a graceful blend of intrigue and elegance.
6. A Homefront Sleuths Mysteries by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley
While technically set in a retirement village, this bestselling series captures everything we love about village mysteries: quirky characters, clever sleuthing, and a warm sense of camaraderie. The foursome of amateur detectives—armed with wit, experience, and plenty of time on their hands—bring charm and brilliance to every page.
And of course, there’s the Holly Holmes English Baking Mysteries…
My series sits happily among these titles, with Holly baking her way through village events, ready to catch a killer in between batches of fairy cakes. This series was Inspired by Audley End’s quiet elegance and a longing for simple comforts, her world is full of friendships, flour, and a spot of clever sleuthing.
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If you’re craving a visit to a village where the flowers bloom and mystery lingers in the air, these series will be your next favourite escape.
Have you read any of these? If not, pop the kettle on, cut yourself a slice of Victoria sponge cake, and get reading!
