The Murders in Great Diddling

by Katarina Bivald

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Murders in Great Diddling is a wonderfully humorous cozy series starter by Katarina Bivald. Due out 13th Aug 2023 from Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 432 pages and will be 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.

Writer and observer-of-life Berit has moved to the village of Great Diddling, having bought a cottage in Cornwall sight unseen. It's not on the more fashionable coast, as everyone points out, and her pushy agent is half convinced she's gone off her rocker. She's got an intractable case of writer's block, and the voices in her head have gone worryingly silent. Add a village of eccentric secondary characters, a mousy unwished-for assistant (her agent's daughter). Add an exceptionally rare book collection, the loathesome nephew and heir of the local feudal family landowners, some high-powered explosives, and stir well. 

The author's dry comedic timing is a wonder to behold, and the book is delightfully *full* of diverting bookish tie-ins and sly unforced bibliophile in-jokes which will bring smiles to lovers of books. 

The author/publisher has also included suggested discussion topics and questions for book clubs and personal analysis. It's not entirely clear from the publishing info provided, if this book was translated into English (the author is Swedish), but if so, the translation work is perfectly seamless and invisible. There are currently 3 works in the series (books 2 and 2.5 are currently only available in Swedish).

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 13 hours 30 minutes and is masterfully read by Helen Lloyd. She has a perfect voice for the read, slightly gravelly and practical, and easily switches between numerous regional accents, from cut-crystal RP to a pretty credible Polish working class, as well as MC Berit who is of mixed Swedish/English descent. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read, and the narrator is an absolute delight. 

Four and a half stars for the print version, a strong 5 stars for the delightful audiobook. Highly recommended for public library acquisition, home use, and bookclub/buddy discussions.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.