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Murder with All the Trappings
A middle-aged saddler. An unexpected corpse. A witty old horse with a nose for murder. Sometimes, the best detectives have hooves. Downton Abbey meets Dick Francis in this cozy historical murder mystery.
Somerset, December 1903. Everyone in Pelgren Vale is impressed when Miss Harriet Cobb is invited to Ashwold Abbey, home of the Earl of Ashwold, to attend Lady Eve’s wedding. But Harriet is not a guest—she’s the saddler.
Unfortunately, it seems to be another silly create a decorative saddle with all the trappings for a horseback wedding. Harriet’s horse, Bertie, considers weddings to be one of the more tiresome human traditions. And, of course, a horse in costume is nothing less than absurd—which is why he is mortified to be chosen to carry the bride down the aisle.
When Bertie and Harriet stumble across a corpse, everyone in the gothic abbey is a suspect, and even the most absurd details must be considered. Why did Lady Eve choose one of the least-romantic poems in history for her wedding theme? Why is the abbey’s sinister priest obsessed with old pagan traditions? And is this new mysterious death related to a murder that happened at the abbey thirty years ago?
Taking the reins of the investigation, Bertie and Harriet must discover which of the abbey's residents is a murderer—and protect their own secrets while they're at it.
If you like cozy mysteries with humor, history, and witty animal sidekicks, you'll love Murder with All the Trappings, a rollicking ride that will keep you guessing—and galloping—to the finish line.
Somerset, December 1903. Everyone in Pelgren Vale is impressed when Miss Harriet Cobb is invited to Ashwold Abbey, home of the Earl of Ashwold, to attend Lady Eve’s wedding. But Harriet is not a guest—she’s the saddler.
Unfortunately, it seems to be another silly create a decorative saddle with all the trappings for a horseback wedding. Harriet’s horse, Bertie, considers weddings to be one of the more tiresome human traditions. And, of course, a horse in costume is nothing less than absurd—which is why he is mortified to be chosen to carry the bride down the aisle.
When Bertie and Harriet stumble across a corpse, everyone in the gothic abbey is a suspect, and even the most absurd details must be considered. Why did Lady Eve choose one of the least-romantic poems in history for her wedding theme? Why is the abbey’s sinister priest obsessed with old pagan traditions? And is this new mysterious death related to a murder that happened at the abbey thirty years ago?
Taking the reins of the investigation, Bertie and Harriet must discover which of the abbey's residents is a murderer—and protect their own secrets while they're at it.
If you like cozy mysteries with humor, history, and witty animal sidekicks, you'll love Murder with All the Trappings, a rollicking ride that will keep you guessing—and galloping—to the finish line.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2026
11 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 2, 2026
Was surprised to see this pop up on my recommendations (I’d check only days prior to find no listing), and I had just finished Journey to the Centre of the Earth the night before, so I was still in the mood for a more historical read.
Enjoyed the companionship between Harriet and Bertie. We finally meet Byerley’s family (an eye opener), and the mystery unfolds in what amounts to a locked room dynamic. Entertaining, and we meet someone who may know more about the mystery that is Bertie than Harriet! A fast paced fun read. However, there was just something lacking for me in the interaction between Harriet and Byerley. He is still unthinking about the potential consequences of his actions on Harriet (and her reputation), and that irks me. Still, a solid 3.75 🌟
Enjoyed the companionship between Harriet and Bertie. We finally meet Byerley’s family (an eye opener), and the mystery unfolds in what amounts to a locked room dynamic. Entertaining, and we meet someone who may know more about the mystery that is Bertie than Harriet! A fast paced fun read. However, there was just something lacking for me in the interaction between Harriet and Byerley. He is still unthinking about the potential consequences of his actions on Harriet (and her reputation), and that irks me. Still, a solid 3.75 🌟
March 2, 2026
After waiting for what seems like forever, I devoured this book in an afternoon! Philippa did not disappoint. Bertie and Harriet are just as delightful companions as ever, and (minor spoiler), we discover that one of Bertie’s previous humans was a Scotland Yard detective. I think this one was even better than the first book, and I have very high hopes for the sequel, which is apparently in the works. Also, I’m very curious now about the pagan religion devoted to Epona, which sounds like my kind of faith. Great book, funny and fun! Also, I think Bertie and Harriet need a dog. The one in this book would be perfect. :) thanks for your hard work on this one, Philippa and crew—it shows.
February 28, 2026
This was AWESOME! I hope Harriet and Bertie will have many more adventures! The cover is wonderful, as well.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews