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Jane Bettany

Welcome to Merrywell. Population: small. Secrets: aplenty.

‘Murder in Merrywell is an entertaining and engaging cozy mystery set against a beautiful backdrop.’ – Clare Chase

Ex-journalist Violet Brewster is keen to make a good first impression in her new community, having just moved to the small village of Merrywell. When Violet hears about the mystery of Helen Slingsby, who disappeared from the village forty years earlier, she decides to help uncover what happened. But despite Violet’s best efforts, she can find no trace of the missing woman.

As Violet talks to the other residents, it becomes apparent that something sinister is lurking beneath the village’s idyllic exterior.

When a villager is found dead in their home, Violet becomes convinced that the murder is connected to Helen. Did Helen ever really leave Merrywell? Who in the village is hiding something? And can Violet finally solve this forty-year-old mystery before someone else gets hurt?

An utterly gripping and page-turning English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Clare Chase, Frances Evesham and Betty Rowlands.
Readers LOVE Murder in Merrywell!
'A perfect cozy mystery with an engaging cast of characters and a beautifully-drawn setting.' Roz Watkins

‘If you love cozy crime/mystery books then you will not be disappointed… A book to put to the top of your ‘must read now’ pile!’ C.L. Peache

‘Violet Brewster is everything you could want in an amateur sleuth; empathetic, determined, and ruthless in her quest for truth… A must read!’ Charlotte Baker

‘Interesting characters, and the story is funny, thrilling and touching. A very good combination.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Murder in Merrywell has moments that will make you laugh out loud! I recommend to all readers.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hannah Parker

HQ Digital

A Violet Brewster Mystery

Murder in Merrywell

'Wow, what a read! Great plot and characters. Everything you want in a mystery. This series gets better with every book' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When a body is found at the Merrywell Book Festival, amateur sleuth Violet Brewster must leave no page unturned to solve the mystery…

The small and idyllic village of Merrywell is getting ready to host its first ever book festival, and Violet Brewster is delighted when she is asked to interview the star author.

Leonie Stanwick, now a bestselling romance author, is the featured guest of the festival. She was born in Merrywell, but abruptly left when she was 18 years old and never came back.

But the festival takes a dark turn when Leonie is found murdered; her return to the village had clearly shaken someone up. When a shocking secret about Leonie’s past is revealed, Violet’s suspicions must turn to her own neighbours. Who in the village was intent on making sure Leonie could never leave the village again?

An utterly gripping and unputdownable English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Clare Chase, Frances Evesham and Betty Rowlands.
Readers LOVE Murder at the Book Festival!
‘An enjoyable cozy, with plenty of twists and turns, and a fun glimpse into village life.’ Clare Chase

‘Jane Bettany delivers a cozy with a dash of sass – thoroughly enjoyable and utterly irresistible.’ Peter Boland

‘A murder mystery with a blossoming romance. . . what more could one ask for? Delicious!’ Katie Gayle

‘Murder at the Book Festival is a delightful cozy mystery… I can't wait to follow Violet and her friends in their next adventure!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery in a well imagined and delightful setting, a credible and deftly drawn cast and a solid mystery at its very heart.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A thoroughly good read. Cosy crime at its best.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Murder at the Book Festival

'A fast read, and I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and the series to mystery lovers.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maple Grange is the perfect place to retire for the residents of Merrywell. But when a murder investigation unfolds on its grounds, Violet Brewster must dust off her sleuthing skills once again!

Violet Brewster has just finished a project at local retirement village Maple Grange, when she learns that one of the residents, Phyllis Gibson, has passed away suddenly.

Violet is surprised that Phyllis left her a beautiful jewellery box in her will. When she goes to collect it, Maureen Bond, Phyllis’s best friend, tells Violet that Phyllis had become paranoid during her last days, and was convinced that someone was trying to kill her.

When Maureen is pushed off her balcony, it becomes clear that something ominous is happening at Maple Grange. Violet is certain that the clues lie within the jewellery box. As the dangerous occurrences continue, can Violet unlock its contents and uncover the killer, before someone else gets hurt?

Don't miss the third book in the Violet Brewster Mystery series, perfect for fans of Clare Chase and Fiona Leitch!
Praise for Jane Bettany:
‘An enjoyable cozy, with plenty of twists and turns, and a fun glimpse into village life.’ Clare Chase

‘Jane Bettany delivers a cozy with a dash of sass – thoroughly enjoyable and utterly irresistible.’ Peter Boland

‘A murder mystery with a blossoming romance… what more could one ask for? Delicious!’ Katie Gayle

‘Murder at the Book Festival is a delightful cozy mystery… I can't wait to follow Violet and her friends in their next adventure!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery in a well imagined and delightful setting, a credible and deftly drawn cast and a solid mystery at its very heart.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Murder at Maple Grange