Stranger in the Village

by Kate Wells

Published 30 January 2024
Where there’s a body in Malvern End, there are secrets to be uncovered…

Jude Gray has worked hard to bring a steady equilibrium to life on Malvern Farm and things are going well.

The only fly in the ointment is the foul addition of a new face in the village: staunch townie and chauvinistic sleaze, Des Smith. Jude has nothing but sympathy for his caring, patient wife, Loretta, who has become a regular visitor to the farm for a cup of tea and a chat.

But things take a turn for the worse when a hit and run outside The Lamb brings death once again to the village. Is it an accident or is something more sinister afoot?

Perhaps the answer lies in the stranger with red trainers who’s been seen wandering through the village and through Jude’s fields at night. Following the clues, Jude desperately hopes she will find the right answers, because the murderer being someone she knows is unfathomable…

-

'A hugely enjoyable and clever murder mystery.' C L Miller, author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder

'...like a lovely visit to the countryside, a tense murder mystery, and a visit with people I’d want to be friends with all rolled into one.’ Kristen Perrin, author of How to Solve Your Own Murder

'This book had a bit of everything! ... Action packed, intrigue, mystery, murder, revenge, a fantastic who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns!' netgalley reviewer


A Body by the Henhouse

by Kate Wells

Published 12 June 2024

The time for celebrations is over…

Jude Gray’s farm is going from strength to strength, and even though her grumpy neighbour has concerns about the new campsite in the lower field, she is undeterred.

When a hen party arrives for a weekend away, she does her best to cater for their celebrations. But with a sheep needing urgent care – an accidental mishap or something more nefarious? – she finds herself consulting the group, which coincidentally contains four vets.

When one of the hens goes missing, it becomes clear there are more sinister forces at play, and someone is targeting her farm. With the help of close friend Detective Inspector Binnie Khatri, Jude once again dons her amateur sleuthing hat.

They uncover a web of deceit, affairs and rivalries, but will they find the perpetrator before events turn murderous?

A brand-new instalment in the thrilling Malvern Farm Mystery series, perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Merryn Allingham and Faith Martin

Praise for Kate Wells:

'A complex and intriguing murder mystery set in beautiful British countryside where the farm animals are as demanding as the local residents. Kept me guessing all the way to the end.' T A Williams

'An original setting and clever plot. Had me hooked from page one.' E.V. Hunter

'A tantalising corkscrew of a plot ... featuring a plucky quartet of very different women working together to uncover the truth about a series of dreadful crimes...' Debbie Young

'I loved this rollercoaster of a book! It was stylish, pacy and gripping, with engaging characters. I rooted for Jude the sleuth from the first page. It's a hugely supenseful story, compelling, well-crafted and cleverly calculated.' Judy Leigh

'A cryptically clever cosy mystery that will transport you to the beautiful Malvern Hills. I couldn’t put it down!' Jessica Bull

'A fabulous cosy murder mystery with plenty of likeable (or are they?) characters, baby lambs, drinks at the local & beautiful countryside. Plus plenty of twists & turns to keep you guessing. Highly recommended!' Cate Green

'A hugely enjoyable and clever murder mystery.' C L Miller

'...like a lovely visit to the countryside, a tense murder mystery, and a visit with people I’d want to be friends with all rolled into one.’ Kristen Perrin