Cherringham: A Cosy Crime Series Compilation

Cherringham #1-3

by Matthew Costello, Neil Richards

Jack's a retired ex-cop from New York, seeking the simple life in Cherringham. Sarah's a Web designer who's moved back to the village find herself. But their lives are anything but quiet as the two team up to solve Cherringham's criminal mysteries. This compilation contains episodes 1-3: MURDER ON THAMES, MYSTERY AT THE MANOR and MURDER BY MOONLIGHT. Here Jack and Sarah investigate a suicide in the River Thames - or was it murder? They investigate an "accidental" fire with deadly consequences, and they nab the culprit behind the Rotary Club choir poisoning. Cherringham is a serial novel à la Charles Dickens, with a new mystery thriller released each month. Set in the sleepy English village of Cherringham, the detective series brings together an unlikely sleuthing English web designer Sarah and American ex-cop Jack. Thrilling and deadly - but with a spot of tea - it's like Rosamunde Pilcher meets Inspector Barnaby. Each of the self-contained episodes is a quick read for the morning commute, while waiting for the doctor, or when curling up with a hot cuppa.For fans of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series, Lilian Jackson Braun's The Cat Who series, Caroline Graham's Midsomer Murders, and the American TV series Murder She Wrote, starring Angela Lansbury.Co-authors Neil Richards (based in the UK) and Matthew Costello (based in the US), have been writing together since the mid 90's, creating content and working on projects for the BBC, Disney Channel, Sony, ABC, Eidos, and Nintendo to name but a few. Their transatlantic collaboration has underpinned scores of TV drama scripts, computer games, radio shows, and - most recently - the successful crime fiction series Cherringham. Now into its second season of 12 novellas, Cherringham is popular around the world and has been adapted as a series of audiobooks in English and German.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime, Cozy Mystery, Detective, Mystery Thriller

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2014

Reviews

[Ingie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review written June 14, 2017

3 1/2 Stars - Nicely told, great narrated, filled with easy to like characters and all in all a very good new serial-book experience

This Cherrringham serial compilation contains episodes 1 - 3: Murder on Thames, Mystery at the Manor and Murder by Moonlight. I listened to this omnibus (audiobook) edition of the first three stories from the Cherringham series. — 7:48 hours narrated by Neil Dudgeon.

Each episode are novella length books with solved crime cases but with the same two "private investigators". — Jack is a retired ex-cop from New York, seeking the simple life in Cherringham. Sarah is a Web designer who's moved back to the village find herself. ... But their lives are anything but quiet as the two team up to solve Cherringham's criminal mysteries.

**********************************************

#1 Murder on Thames - 2:46 hours - ★★★☆☆ - 061111

Quickly done with a quite simple to guess murder case to solve for these two new acquaintances Jack and Sarah. Nice, cozy and very well narrated by Neil Dudgeon. Looking forward for the second serial part.

#2 Mystery at the Manor - 2:30 hours - ★★★☆☆ - 061112

In this second part we already knew the main characters and it was more straight on the crime case. Like a weekly TV show - easy to get, easy to understand and very easy to swallow without any exhausting biting or chewing, that is to say; very digestible. I enjoyed once again.

#3 Murder by Moonlight - 2:30 hours - ★★★☆☆ - 061114

Most creepy of these three novella length stories. I truly like Jack and Sarah by know. — Looking forward to more.

**********************************************

I LIKE - Light-hearted sleuth / investigators storylines filled with genuinely nice everyday country people

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this when browsing the rather large Audible collection a couple of months ago.

It's a light, and highly entertaining cosy mystery and the narrator is one of the best I've heard (and I've been fortunate to have listened to some extremely good narrators!).

The stories, while short, have enough in them to keep you interested. I already have the second in the compilation in my Audible library and I look forward to listening to the next instalment. :)

I have no hesitation in recommending this series to fans of the cosy mystery genre and for those people looking for a quick and easy read while travelling. :)

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The previous sets of 3 mysteries had one I found stronger and more compelling than the others. Thus the 3.5 stars for each set. This time there are 3 solid stories well executed. Definitely 4 stars in the cozy genre.

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It keeps getting better and better, highly enjoyable!

[Sarah Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are short cozy mysteries read by the one of the main actors from Midsommer Murders on the BBC of PBS in the states. The actor does an acceptable American accent for the main character of Jack the ex NYPD Detective. He and graphic artist and mum, Sarah team up as a detective duo despite their being a difference in their age and life experience. They are good friends with maybe a tiny bit of sexual tension which both ignore because they don’t want to mess up a good thing. While there are murders and it can be a tad formulaic, they’re very enjoyable and well thought out. I don’t find myself picking at little inconsistencies like I have with some series (MC Beaton, I’m looking at you).
I’d recommend them. You don’t have to start at the beginning but to learn about Jack and Sarah it’s a good idea.

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual team of detectives, Sarah, an english web designer and Jack, a retired NYC detective.
Maybe Cherringham isn't that peaceful after all!

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant! It is becoming one of my favorite cozy mysteries! I love the characters, especially Jack and Sarah.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Cherringham stories are short cozy-type mysteries. I listened to them grouped as audiobooks into collections of three stories. The first three really set up the main characters and a few supporting characters, as well as the Cotswolds setting of the town of Cherringham. As in many of this style of mysteries (Miss Marple, Murder She Wrote, etc.) you might begin to wonder how so many murders can take place over such a short time period in one little town, and in that sense they are not realistic. However, views of daily life and activities and types of people do not stretch belief and make for an enjoyable series.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the omnibus edition of the first three stories from the Cherringham Cosy Crime series. The series is available in digital eBook format and each story is about half the length of a typical cozy mystery book. This makes each story a quick, light read, but as you read through the series you start to get a good feel for the setting of the village of Cherringham where all the mysteries are set.

Each story is self-contained and new characters and parts of the village are introduced in each one as a background to the mystery to be solved. You gradually get to know the layout of the village and can picture the settings and how the characters move around as you become more familiar with the streets and buildings. The series has been compared to Midsomer Murders or Murder She Wrote and I could easily see these stories as episodes in a TV series. The plots develop quickly and move on at a good pace, and the mysteries are interesting but not too complex.

The two main characters, Jack and Sarah, meet in the first story because Jack, an American ex-policeman, lives on a boat on the river where Sarah's friend's body has been discovered. They come from very different backgrounds and there is also quite a big age gap between them. Their unlikely friendship grows through the course of the stories and it will be interesting to find out more about them and see how their relationship develops as the series progresses.

I'd like to thank Bastei Entertainment and Netgalley for providing this book for review.

[Anissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just the thing I needed after a disappointing read. A palate cleanser for my brain. These three novella-length stories weren't deep but they were cozy. I'd read more (I've already bought the 4-6 compilation) and they reminded me of Midsomer Murders just with a retired NYPD detective and a small business owner amateur sleuth.

Murder on the Thames - Sarah's friend, Sami is found dead in the weir and the police decide she drowned by suicide but it doesn't track so she & Jack follow the clues. The solution is very easy to determine but it still serves as a nice introduction to Cherringham and its people. Jan and Jen, the elderly twins who love mysteries & crime fiction and run the old toll bridge were particularly great.

Mystery at the Manor - A fire at a manor house kills the owner and his caregiver thinks something foul is afoot due to the circumstances of his death. With his three awful heirs, it's no wonder. But what follows resolves in a poignant story of long lost love and a measure of redemption.

Murder by Moonlight - The strongest of the three mysteries. I didn't initially figure out the who was the murderer. This wins best of this bunch simply on the basis of the harrowing description at the outset of a woman going into anaphylaxis on a walk home from choir practice. She finds her epi-pen is empty and her spare gone all while her tongue swells and she succumbs feet from her door dying in complete silence on a moonlit lane. That was difficult to read and it wasn't just my shrimp allergy freaking me out.

[Kathie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing change from the drivel that's foisted upon an unsuspecting reading public under the guise of the "cozy mystery" genre! I LOVED Cherringham episodes 1-3. It's obvious that an American and a Brit cowrote these stories because they actually get the details right on both sides of the pond. I listened to this on Audible and Neil Dudgeon (of Midsomer Murders fame) is the narrator. And he makes the stories even more absorbing and readable, and addictive! I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this series which I will now gobble up with relish.

[Sarah Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly fun and quick mysteries designed like a radio series in a sense. Getting to know the characters has been fun and now they are starting to show what they know and what they can do. Quite enjoyable

[Mburrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

These first 3 abridged stories in the series were quite fun. It is a shame that you cannot get the unabridged books in audio. The reader reminds me of the reader of the Louise Penny Inspector Gamach series. The murders are much more wholesome, if that is a thing,in the Cherringham series.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third episode was a little spooky but mostly these three stories were more of the same. I am going to take a break from the series and read some other books but will likely come back for more in the future.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Pamela Lobaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little compilation, with an American expat now living in Cherringham England, where he teams up with a young mother, in solving crimes. Easy, pleasant read. One little thing that the writer has Jack the (American) doing, ending a sentence with YES is a bit of a distraction. "I'll meet you at the pub, yes?" that's not American vernacular. Nevertheless, a nice read.

[Sharman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. The characters are interesting and like able, and each story is unique. I was afraid that they might become predictable and follow a particular pattern, but so far the authors are keeping the plots fresh. And Neil Dudgeon narrates perfectly. Looking forward to listening to the rest of the series.

[Km · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ... well narrated on Audible; consistent quality of writing between stories (though all quite similar in composition! This isn't a knock on these cozy mysteries ... one gets exactly what they happily expect)

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the way the characters are developing and I really like the short “episode” format. There does seem to be more language and other unsavory elements as the series progresses. I hope that stops as I want to continue.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

These three episodes were more of the same for the series. I do like the short novella style as it keeps think interesting and moving quickly.

[Danielle Gosson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved listening to these at work, great little stories, easy to follow.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is a little more edgy than other cozy mysteries I have read. Most references to things like drugs, alcohol, sex, etc are more inferences and not descriptive or detailed but they are more prevalent in this series than some others in this genre so good to be aware. There is also mild language. Definitely a PG rating. All that being said these three short “episodes” or stories are captivating and I really like both Jack and Sarah’s characters. I will continue with a few more episodes with the next book of three and if they don’t get too rough I may continue others in the future.

[Lizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid three stars:..adding a 4th because they chose “Barnaby” as the narrator!!! Easy audiobook to like: Nothing earth shaking and a bit formulaic, but it’s a formula I like.

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER ON THE THAMES

So, I’ve been looking at this set of stories for weeks now and finally decided to buy them, and the audible. I liked the story. It was short and to the point in finding the murderer, which was a surprise. I liked Sarah and Jack, too.

It was about a friend of Sarah’s who was murdered and Jack was a retired cop from New York, living in England. When Sarah stopped at his boat to ask him some questions it piqued Jack’s interest and they were off to solve the murder.

MYSTERY AT THE MANOR

This time Jack and Sarah solve the death of 90-something year old Victor, in a fire in his dilapidated home, and the secret room in his attic. A room no one knew about in his completely empty attic. AND the constant arguing by his hateful children over who would inherit the land, which was worth a fortune.

I enjoyed this novella as much as the first one.


MURDER BY MOONLIGHT

Last novella and I loved all of them. Loved Jack and Sarah, especially.

This was about a young lady named Kirsty, who was deathly allergic to peanuts AND guess how she died? That’s right; she did when she went into anaphylactic shock because someone had given her a cookie with peanuts and messed with her EpiPen. So, Jack and Sarah had another murder to solve.

No romance and no swearing. Definitely rated G. I would recommend this set of novellas. As soon as I catch up with my TBR list I will reading the rest of these books.

As to the narration: Neil Dudgeon didn’t do a very good job on the women’s voices but I could overlook that since he did such a spectacular job on all the men and his awesome emotions while reading. I do have to compliment the narrator on Jack’s voice. Everyone in the book spoke with an English accent but Jack was an American and his voice was absolutely wonderful. I couldn’t wait for Jack to say something; I didn’t care what it was.

And finally, I loved it because it wasn't written in the first person.

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BODY IN THE LAKE

Okay, there was a murder in this one. Sarah and Jack had to figure out who killed the Mayor of a small town in France, who was trying to pull out of the “twinning” deal being put together between his town and Cherringham. Another surprise as to why he was really killed and the exciting way he was caught.

SNOWBLIND

Another good little mystery, about an old man who left a nursing home one night during a blizzard and got lost in the woods and froze to death. Of course there was more to it than that and Jack and Sarah had to find out what was going on at Broadmead Grange Nursing Home that one of their residents ended up dead and the home itself was without power when Jack and Sarah took another of the residents home.

PLAYING DEAD

Loved these 3 novellas, too. This time Sarah and Jack had to figure out who wanted to shut down the theater even before it open for the first performance. One “accident” after another, almost killing two people. And even though no one died it was still a sad ending after they got the would be killer and found out his story. I was glad that Jack and Alan, the cop, were going to try to help the bad guy, who wasn’t really so bad.

There was no romance or swearing in this compilation. Totally rated G.

As to the narration: Neil Dudgeon was, as usual, awesome. I mean, there wasn’t an emotion this man didn’t express in his reading. That best was how he laughed EVERY SINGLE TIME it was called for. And there were a lot of times either Sarah or Jack laughed. Spectacular narration.

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LAST PUZZLE

It’s been a few weeks since I read/listened to one of the Cherringham books that I forgot how much I’ve enjoyed them.

This one was about Quentin Andrews, an 89 year old man, and a crossword puzzle enthusiast who did a puzzle his “heirs” had to solve in order to inherit his 10 million pound fortune. As it turned out Jack and Sarah discovered that maybe Quentin’s death wasn’t the usual heart attack, afterall.

FINAL CUT

Another favorite novella in the Cherringham stories, and I do like that there’s 3 stories per book. I liked this one because it was about a film crew coming to Cherringham to make an historical movie and the attempts on a young actress’s life and Jack and Sarah’s attempts to try to figure out who was doing it before she got really hurt or killed.

THE VANISHING TOURIST

This was a sad story all the way around. A sister who came to Cherringham in search of her brother who disappeared from a tour group and asking Jack and Sarah to help her find out what happened to him.

A sad story of a young woman whose husband died in Afghanistan and her father who lived near by to protect her and her daughter.

There was not one thing happy about this story but it was a good one.

Definitely a G-rated group of stories.

As to the narration: Still love Neil Dudgeon’s narration. I don’t care if his not so hot at women’s voices because his voice for all the men and his emotions when he reads is crazy-good. Every time the book calls for him to laugh he actually does.

[Pete Witkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a compilation of three books that came out as a serial. I will probably move on to the next compilation in this series. I'm all into the cozy mystery now and this series didn't disappoint. It is well written by two authors, one Brit and one American. The main characters, Jack and Sarah, are likable and work well in the story. The stories themselves are not all that complex and hard-boiled. It is more about the two sleuths determining that a crime has occurred and they pursue it until the culprit is cornered or gives themselves away. I like the setting in a small town. I like that Jack is an ex-pat and has a painful past. You know that he and Sarah will get romantic at some point but I do like that they don't even think about it in this book.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not very demanding listening, really a cozy in the real sense of the word. The events are almost everyday occurrences, the sort of scenarios the listening audience might find themselves in. The detective duo are interesting enough: a retired NYP detective and a housewife who is also a single mum. Each episode is 2-3 hours, so achievable with a longish return journey. There is not to think about in each scenario, but not a lot of mystery either.

I think the character development of the detectives is quite well done, and Neil Dudgeon does a good job of the narration.

[Maryellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. Disclaimer: these books are my ultimate guilty pleasure and have been a lovely, transportive balm for me during a few tough years and many long car rides. I have kept up with them even when Audible stopped grouping them in sets of three for 1 credit and began taunting Cherringham addicts with A SINGLE two-hour story for 1 credit. Thankfully, they also offer the options to pay a nominal amount instead.

To me, its escapism at its best from the darling village to the narrator’s (Neil Dudgeon) excellent narration with a honeyed English accent. Keep them coming!

[Kathy Totten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better

By the 16th story, the town and all the characters seem like folks I've known for years...a comfortable place to " be English"; even if just pretending. Jack and Sarah are friends. Yes, friends. Sharing their personalities is a wonderful escape from the dreadful fiction found on popular TV here in the US. Bravo writers!!!