Mystery in Prior's Ford

Prior's Ford #5

by Evelyn Hood

The fifth warmhearted novel of village life in Evelyn Hood’s much-loved Prior’s Ford series - Cookery writer Laura Tyler arrives in Prior’s Ford determined to become immersed in village life – and the village drama group’s forthcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest offers her the perfect opportunity . But Laura has cause to regret her involvement when murder calls a halt to rehearsals. Constable Neil White investigates, with help from an unexpected source – American visitor Amy Rose, with her passion for crosswords and mystery-solving, can’t resist a spot of amateur sleuthing . . .

Genres: Fiction, Scotland, Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Pen name is Louise James, Eve Houston.

Reviews

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the small Scottish village of Prior's Ford, everyone patronizes the local pub, the Neurotic Cuckoo, and are there for each other in their times of need. Clarissa Ramsay frets about the villagers' opinions of her dating a man twenty years her junior. Ginny Whitelaw loves her job as a gardener at Linn Hall, the local big estate, but secretly harbors romantic feelings for Lewis Ralston-Kerr, who, with his parents, is trying to draw tourists to the hall. Meanwhile, the owners of Tarbethill Farm--Ewan McNair and his mother, Jess--are reluctantly considering changes in how they farm and use their land in order to be more profitable and have more of a personal life. Despite the bucolic setting, there is a murderer among the townspeople, which is where new resident, policeman Neil White comes in. In this fifth book of the Prior's Ford series (and first to be published in the States), Hood writes a cozy, gentle read focusing on the characters and their daily lives. A great read-alike for Rebecca Shaw and Ann Purser.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth Prior’s Ford novel. It was lovely to join all the villagers again in their everyday lives and catch up with events from previous novels in this series. Is this novel, murder comes to Prior’s Ford. Famous cookery writer, Laura Tyler, arrives in Prior’s Ford throwing herself into village life However a murder throws the village into disarray and it means that Constable Neil White and his estranged wife Sergeant Gloria Frost (who me met briefly in a previous book) must work together.
Although this is a book in a series, it could be read as a standalone novel as Evelyn Hood does briefly explain what has happened in previous books throughout the story which is helpful even if you have read the previous books as it just refreshes the memory.
An enjoyable, light and easy read set in a charming fictional village in Dumfries and Galloway. This book is a must for all Rebecca Shaw and even M C Beaton fans. I will look forward to reading the 6th book in the series.

[Spuddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This type of book is really "not my thing." However, this particular series seems to be "my thing" indeed, for I have found that I enjoy it very much. I am not even sure how you'd classify it, I refer to it as a "village saga." It takes place in Prior's Ford, a fictional Scottish village, set in modern times, and digs and delves into the lives of several of the villagers. I guess it could even be referred to a soap opera in book form, although I find it less silly and romance-laden than the daytime soaps I've seen--admittedly a couple of decades since I last watched one.

It's not really 'cozy' as bad things definitely happen, as they do in real life. Not everyone's nice, and even the nice people have their faults and foibles. Some things change, some things stay the same. It's just people getting on with their lives in a very lovely setting--which is also a big part of the appeal, I think.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like village life novels, think Doc Martin, and all the unique characters plus a little bit of murder mystery then this is a great short novel. The murder doesn’t even happen until half way through but the quirky characters and such of the village draw you in to their story anyway. I didn’t know this was part of a series, and book 5 none the less, so I will be looking up the earlier books. But even without knowing back stories it was still enjoyable.

[Adele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Events in the village take a darker turn with a murder. This gives the new characters of Neil and Gloria a chance to find their feet as they try to uncover who has thrown the Drama group into turmoil. Plus, with the progression of the sub-stories of the core villagers followed in earlier books there’s plenty to enjoy in Prior’s Ford.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It will be hard when this series is over. I really like some of the people in this little village.

[Priya Tanwar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beautiful setup and nicely described.

[Pat Brackenbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the twists and turner's and got to know the characters in this book quite well.

[Jacks Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typically cute and quirky but given that the book's write up was about a murder, it was halfway through before it even happened and finished up and dealt with before you could say "book over"

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really picked this up thinking it was a four or five star book in prospect. After all, a small village in Scotland, full of quaint, lovable or dislikable characters, with murder in prospect! Apparently, unbeknown to me, there's a whole series of village stories about this place, written under the name Eve Houston, so there are lots and lots of characters, some of whom only come into the story peripherally but I had to keep thinking "wait a minute, who is Bob Kavanaugh?" and looking at the character list in front to see if he's significant. Many of the more significant characters tended to be lost in the scrum. The mystery, while interesting, is a very small part of the book, and takes a back seat to the romantic entanglements, not entirely resolved at the end, of at least three couples. Some of the mystery is solved by a not-too-convincing American visitor. Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed the book as a whole and would read more of this series. But for a new visitor, three stars seems the most appropriate rating.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Village life in a wee Scottish village, Prior's Ford, is about to get shook up. A famous cookery book author and her husband have purchased the 'Thatcher Cottage,' and the local drama club is about to begin rehearsals for their latest play "The Importance of Being Earnest." Meanwhile big changes are happening at Linn Hall and Tarbethill Farm. Romances are flourishing with many and life becomes even more complicated when two Constables, married yet estranged, move into the new housing.

The village is rocked when the Director of the drama club is found murdered. What is happening to their comfortable village. Is it a local or someone passing through. American raised, Amy Rose hurries to her friend, Clarissa's side to aid the police, whether they want it or not.

This series is character driven and Ms. Hood can draw characters. I count this series among my favorites.

[Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost finished #6 in this series when the library borrowing period expired. I tried to check it out again but found I'm#2 on waiting list. So I'm going backwards: just finished#5 (this one). Loved it; love the characters. Helped explain some less than clear parts in #6. However, I'd have preferred to start at the beginning!

[Trish Feeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is an absolutely lovely read. I wish I could find the entire series but am making do with the ones I’ve been able to track down. I highly recommend you make yourself a cuppa and crack open this series. You won’t be disappointed.

[June Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are too many charectors in this book to be enjoyable, got confused

[Kabrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was all right but I'm getting a bit tired of the American know-it-all.