annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Body in the Cottage is an engaging procedural and the 5th book in the West Wales mysteries by P.F. Ford. Released 5th July 2023 by Joffe, it's 315 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The earlier books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a well written and engaging procedural mystery set in Wales. It's an ensemble cast, and the author does a very good job of rendering the characters distinctly and sympathetically. It's the fifth book in the series, but works perfectly well as a standalone; some moderate spoilers with character development and interrelationships will occur if read out of order.
The plotting is straightforward, and although most readers will likely work out "whodunnit" before the denouement, it's still thoroughly readable and engaging. The language is PG, nothing overly rough or egregious, and no offputtingly graphic violence on-page. There are some unresolved plot elements at the resolution of this installment, but the next book is out soon...
It would make a nice buddy read, and with 5 books available (on KU) and a 6th due out in June 2024, it would also make a good series binge read.
Four stars. Well written and worth a look, especially for fans of Pauline Rowson, Peter Robinson, and Peter James.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.