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Village Mysteries #1-4
The Village Mysteries, Books 1-4
Welcome to Frog End, a beautiful English village with some dark secrets...
BOOK 1: Old Soldiers Never Die
Meet the Colonel. He moves to a quiet country cottage in Dorset, which he visited with his late wife. He decides that the upcoming fete will be the start of his mission to fit into village life. But when Lady Swynford is found dead, it becomes clear that Frog End has a darker side. And as Inspector Squibb investigates the case, the Colonel finds himself more involved than he could possibly have imagined.
BOOK 2: Three Silent Things
The Colonel discovers the ageing acting legend Lois Delaney dead in her bath. Her eyes are wide with surprise, her mouth a little open. It appears to be suicide, yet she was looking forward to a grand comeback on the London stage. Why would she kill herself? Haunted by the look frozen on Lois’s face, the Colonel won’t rest till he uncovers the truth.
BOOK 3: Old Bones
A friend of the Colonel’s wife writes him that ‘something horrible has happened.’ Cornelia Heathcote, whose wealthy husband is away on business, has discovered a body buried under the floor of her barn. First the Colonel must work out who the bones belong to. But that’s just the beginning of his problems. For this victim had many enemies in the wealthy village. Which of them wanted him dead?
BOOK 4: The Seventh Link
The Colonel’s old friend Geoffrey Cheetham invites him to the village of Buckby for the weekend, to coincide with an RAF reunion event. After depositing an outraged Thursday at Cat Heaven cattery, the Colonel drives up to stay at the Cheethams’ rambling B&B. The guests include a Lancaster bomber crew, reunited for the first time. But everything is not as harmonious as it seems. Then someone is found drowned in the lake . . .
BOOK 1: Old Soldiers Never Die
Meet the Colonel. He moves to a quiet country cottage in Dorset, which he visited with his late wife. He decides that the upcoming fete will be the start of his mission to fit into village life. But when Lady Swynford is found dead, it becomes clear that Frog End has a darker side. And as Inspector Squibb investigates the case, the Colonel finds himself more involved than he could possibly have imagined.
BOOK 2: Three Silent Things
The Colonel discovers the ageing acting legend Lois Delaney dead in her bath. Her eyes are wide with surprise, her mouth a little open. It appears to be suicide, yet she was looking forward to a grand comeback on the London stage. Why would she kill herself? Haunted by the look frozen on Lois’s face, the Colonel won’t rest till he uncovers the truth.
BOOK 3: Old Bones
A friend of the Colonel’s wife writes him that ‘something horrible has happened.’ Cornelia Heathcote, whose wealthy husband is away on business, has discovered a body buried under the floor of her barn. First the Colonel must work out who the bones belong to. But that’s just the beginning of his problems. For this victim had many enemies in the wealthy village. Which of them wanted him dead?
BOOK 4: The Seventh Link
The Colonel’s old friend Geoffrey Cheetham invites him to the village of Buckby for the weekend, to coincide with an RAF reunion event. After depositing an outraged Thursday at Cat Heaven cattery, the Colonel drives up to stay at the Cheethams’ rambling B&B. The guests include a Lancaster bomber crew, reunited for the first time. But everything is not as harmonious as it seems. Then someone is found drowned in the lake . . .
678 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
1193 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mayhew
31 books118 followersMargaret Mayhew was born in London and her earliest childhood memories were of the London Blitz. She began writing in her mid-thirties and had her first novel published in 1976. She is married to American aviation author, Philip Kaplan, and lives in Gloucestershire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 17, 2022
I enjoyed the first 3 books in this boxed set but the 4th one "Seventh Link" had too much about WWII and bomber planes in it for me. Also, all the stories had an awful lot of descriptions of plants for the garden with their Latin names. I'm not a gardener so I wanted to move on to the mystery part which seemed to take forever to get to. I liked all the characters especially the Coronel and his quirky neighbor Naomi. There is a lot of repetition in each book to wade through linking them all together before you get to the actual mystery.
June 6, 2022
Intriging
Great read with engaging characters. Through all the twists and turns there is a sense of comfort, integrity and fun.
Great read with engaging characters. Through all the twists and turns there is a sense of comfort, integrity and fun.
April 28, 2022
An excellent set of four stories about "the Colonel" - we never learn his last name, only his first, Hugh. He has retired and moved to a village, where he solves some murders. The problem with a boxed set, where the reader (me) is likely to read all four in a row (I did), is that there are a couple of continuity issues. One is that in the first book it says he enjoys reading detective stories, and in the fourth book he has never read an Agatha Christie. I find that a bit hard to believe. Secondly, his neighbour's son and daughter-in-law live in Sydney in one book, and in the next, it's Brisbane. But the stories were wonderful (although I didn't like the caricature of the Major, or the same of the murder victim in the final story). Highly recommended.
March 1, 2023
I have reviewed the first three in this box set separately. The fourth and last of the books, The Seventh Link, is, I think, the best of the four. It is now clear that all stories deal with crimes that, in one way or another, pass under the radar. While this is somewhat contrived in the earlier stories, it comes into its own in the The Seventh Link. The Poirot reference at the end is a worthy tribute and invokes a tradition of communal, even tribal, retribution.
There is a strong sense of WWII - of the demands, imperatives, sacrifices, bond and dangers. There is also an understanding of human nature, of motivation and complexity. The last story lifts this volume above the formulaic page turner.
There is a strong sense of WWII - of the demands, imperatives, sacrifices, bond and dangers. There is also an understanding of human nature, of motivation and complexity. The last story lifts this volume above the formulaic page turner.
July 31, 2023
Murder Mysteries Book Bundle
Good murder mystery stories. They are solved by the police but are they? Hugh, the Colonel, finds the bodies and works with the police but do they come to the right conclusion? What does the Colonel think about the case? What does he do about it?
On the other side, here is a retired widower (the Colonel) who buys a run down cottage in a very small hamlet and restores it to live in. He is always thinking about his wife and how it would please her. Pleasing her pleases him. He restores the gardens with the help of Naomi, the next door neighbor.
These characters come alive (or dead) while you are reading so it very well places you in the middle of the investigation.
Good murder mystery stories. They are solved by the police but are they? Hugh, the Colonel, finds the bodies and works with the police but do they come to the right conclusion? What does the Colonel think about the case? What does he do about it?
On the other side, here is a retired widower (the Colonel) who buys a run down cottage in a very small hamlet and restores it to live in. He is always thinking about his wife and how it would please her. Pleasing her pleases him. He restores the gardens with the help of Naomi, the next door neighbor.
These characters come alive (or dead) while you are reading so it very well places you in the middle of the investigation.
April 26, 2025
These are oddly disappointing mysteries. Mayhew often writes very well, and her characters are likeable if a little bit stock. However, each of the books falters at the close. The first book is the strongest, with the murderer identified (though with very little supporting evidence); the murderer confesses and justice is done. The other books are progressively much less decisive, and by the fourth we're left in the dark about whether a murder has been done at all; it's an unsatisfactory story either way. It may be Mayhew's intention to leave us hanging, I suppose, but I didn't like it.
I can't imagine reading any more of her books.
I can't imagine reading any more of her books.
February 11, 2023
The plots of this four book series are very good.
The reason I gave a "4" rating is the sentence structure and grammar. It's become increasingly apparent to me that there are no longer editors who review and correct in the publishing industry. Perhaps many of these Kindle e-books are self-published and there is no second set of eyes. My issue is that it disrupts the flow of my reading when I have to go over a sentence two or three times to figure out what the author is saying.
The reason I gave a "4" rating is the sentence structure and grammar. It's become increasingly apparent to me that there are no longer editors who review and correct in the publishing industry. Perhaps many of these Kindle e-books are self-published and there is no second set of eyes. My issue is that it disrupts the flow of my reading when I have to go over a sentence two or three times to figure out what the author is saying.
July 8, 2023
slow, plodding, but somehow very entertaining
I think it is the intrigues of all the people and their relationships that are so well written about that really held my interest, they were fascinating.
I thought the first book was the best as the crime was solved in a very solid way. Whilst the fourth book was a bit of a let down, in sharpness of the storyline and characterisations of people .
I think it is the intrigues of all the people and their relationships that are so well written about that really held my interest, they were fascinating.
I thought the first book was the best as the crime was solved in a very solid way. Whilst the fourth book was a bit of a let down, in sharpness of the storyline and characterisations of people .
May 5, 2022
Great fun
The retired officer retires to the perfect village, but below the surface, the magna runs hot.
Each book could be read as a stand alone, but if you start at the beginning, it's so much more fun.
The mysteries are difficult, interesting and perhaps a little sad, because we are all imperfect people.
The retired officer retires to the perfect village, but below the surface, the magna runs hot.
Each book could be read as a stand alone, but if you start at the beginning, it's so much more fun.
The mysteries are difficult, interesting and perhaps a little sad, because we are all imperfect people.
June 23, 2022
A fun series starring a retired Colonel as the main amateur sleuth aided and abetted by a village of nosy neighbors. He is recently widowed and depressed until he meets a tattered old cat, an eccentric next-door neighbor and a murder. Through the series, the Colonel becomes more lively and interested in village life, gardening and living again.
August 15, 2022
Intelligent Sleth
A enjoyable visit to a small English village and a former military officer, widower and all around nice guy. He is adjusting to new beginnings and his apparent gift for discovering hidden truths, mystery.and murder! Well written, entertaining and very pleasant!
A enjoyable visit to a small English village and a former military officer, widower and all around nice guy. He is adjusting to new beginnings and his apparent gift for discovering hidden truths, mystery.and murder! Well written, entertaining and very pleasant!
June 24, 2023
Easy pleasant fun
I felt as if I was visiting a country village in England. The characters are well developed, inviting me into their homes and gardens for a cuppa tea or a brandy. A bit more horticultural stuff than interested me. I would recommend it to seniors. I doubt young folk would find it fast paced enough to interest them
I felt as if I was visiting a country village in England. The characters are well developed, inviting me into their homes and gardens for a cuppa tea or a brandy. A bit more horticultural stuff than interested me. I would recommend it to seniors. I doubt young folk would find it fast paced enough to interest them
June 28, 2023
The Village Mysteries
These books were an easy read. I enjoyed the various characters who were developed nicely. The Colonel was very likable and his devotion to his late wife was touching. Thursday was a great companion for him and reminded me of my companion, Sly! I will look for more books by this author.
These books were an easy read. I enjoyed the various characters who were developed nicely. The Colonel was very likable and his devotion to his late wife was touching. Thursday was a great companion for him and reminded me of my companion, Sly! I will look for more books by this author.
July 26, 2023
absolutely delightful
The colonel, a man of integrity, retired, widowed, and uncertain where to go next, buys a dilapidated cottage in a village where everyone knows what everyone is doing. He comes to know his neighbors, a quirky group overall. Murders seem to knock on his doors, and he loves putting the puzzles together. I thoroughly enjoyed these stories.
The colonel, a man of integrity, retired, widowed, and uncertain where to go next, buys a dilapidated cottage in a village where everyone knows what everyone is doing. He comes to know his neighbors, a quirky group overall. Murders seem to knock on his doors, and he loves putting the puzzles together. I thoroughly enjoyed these stories.
January 14, 2024
This is written like an old style detective novel, lots of inner dialogue, not much action. Despite that (or maybe because of it) these were thoroughly entertaining stories. I love the MC; the colonel is very likeable, modest, and a great neighbor. The other people in the story are well done and all add well to their part.
May 21, 2022
Very enjoyable
Looking forward to more in this genre. The Colonel is comfortable and turns a great mystery. Once begun , hard to put down. A very British storyline. Highly recommend.
Looking forward to more in this genre. The Colonel is comfortable and turns a great mystery. Once begun , hard to put down. A very British storyline. Highly recommend.
May 30, 2022
great stories with such humour !
The stories were full of humour, intrigue and dialogue!
Loved the colonel his thoughts on life,
his daughter in law and his cat
Every character in the village was down be where th a flourish !
The stories were full of humour, intrigue and dialogue!
Loved the colonel his thoughts on life,
his daughter in law and his cat
Every character in the village was down be where th a flourish !
Read
June 12, 2022This series was a delight to read. Some of the endings didn't turn out the way I expected them to, but in most, justice was served. I went thru the series in a couple of days. Just kept me rooting for the lead character and I hope to see much more of him. Definitely recommend this series.
October 16, 2022
British Cozy Mystery
This is the type of book that you can relax with and know that you don't have the uncalled for language or overly grisly details that so many books have. It makes a good read on a lunch break or on a plane to while away your time.
This is the type of book that you can relax with and know that you don't have the uncalled for language or overly grisly details that so many books have. It makes a good read on a lunch break or on a plane to while away your time.
January 14, 2023
Nostalgic read
Really enjoyed this set of stories. Nostalgic and of a time that makes you long for cozy cottages, afternoon drinks and British country life with villages, fetes, and intrigue. Perfect read for a wet afternoon.
Really enjoyed this set of stories. Nostalgic and of a time that makes you long for cozy cottages, afternoon drinks and British country life with villages, fetes, and intrigue. Perfect read for a wet afternoon.
March 8, 2023
Good cosy murders
Easy reading with a good storyline to each, a nd a continual background when the Colonel finds peace after the loss of his wife. From a newcomer, he becomes a strong member of the village he chooses to reside in.
Easy reading with a good storyline to each, a nd a continual background when the Colonel finds peace after the loss of his wife. From a newcomer, he becomes a strong member of the village he chooses to reside in.
June 15, 2023
The village mysteries
Loved the stories and the characters were very interesting and different to each other. The stories and characters were very believable. Would love to read more about them.
Loved the stories and the characters were very interesting and different to each other. The stories and characters were very believable. Would love to read more about them.
June 23, 2023
Margaret Mayhew is a terrific writer. She knows nothing about dogs. Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Poodles far from being dimwits are one of the smartest dog breeds. Her series is worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
Great collection of murder mysteries of
Absolutely loved this collection of murder mysteries. I loved the village life, it took me back to my childhood. Great characters especially the Colonel and the cat Thursday. I enjoyed reading these stories and trying to solve the crimes.
Absolutely loved this collection of murder mysteries. I loved the village life, it took me back to my childhood. Great characters especially the Colonel and the cat Thursday. I enjoyed reading these stories and trying to solve the crimes.
August 1, 2023
Not quite sure about this one
While I enjoyed the main characters in this series, there was far too much description and “scene setting” for my taste. It took so long to get to the actual mystery in Book 1. Book 2 was quicker, but it seemed to end rather abruptly. The drawn out descriptions were back in Books 3 and 4, unfortunately.
While I enjoyed the main characters in this series, there was far too much description and “scene setting” for my taste. It took so long to get to the actual mystery in Book 1. Book 2 was quicker, but it seemed to end rather abruptly. The drawn out descriptions were back in Books 3 and 4, unfortunately.
September 28, 2023
Fabulous series. Believable characters that I felt very involved with. Story lines that were easy to follow (ie not so convoluted I couldn’t work out what was going on). Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
March 7, 2024
Worth the 5 stars
Four thoroughly entertaining murder mysteries that revolve around an English village, the settings and characters are typical of what you would expect to find in one,easy to read,simple solutions I enjoyed reading them.
Four thoroughly entertaining murder mysteries that revolve around an English village, the settings and characters are typical of what you would expect to find in one,easy to read,simple solutions I enjoyed reading them.
April 30, 2022
Different
The treatment of the killers is completely different from any other murder mysteries that I have read. Interesting ethical dilemmas.
The treatment of the killers is completely different from any other murder mysteries that I have read. Interesting ethical dilemmas.
May 3, 2022
Interesting
Not a lot of substance a book one could sail through without a lot of focus, loved the independent cat
Not a lot of substance a book one could sail through without a lot of focus, loved the independent cat
June 22, 2022
Review of The Village Mysteries
All four stories were excellent reads. The plots were very well done with enough twists to keep you guessing to the end.
All four stories were excellent reads. The plots were very well done with enough twists to keep you guessing to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews