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Philly Barker Investigates
Join antique dealer and amateur sleuth Philomena Barker as she tackles her first case.
When Chipwell antique dealer Philomena Barker spies a nineteenth-century painting of Whitby peeking out of a box of odds and sods at a York auction centre, she knows there’s something special about it. What she doesn’t know is that the painting holds a deeper secret – one that someone else would prefer to stay hidden.
When her dealership is broken into and an elderly customer violently assaulted in his own home, Philly joins forces with Inspector Robbie Dawkins to solve the mystery before anyone else is hurt.
But does Philly have what it takes to uncover the truth – or will her amateur sleuthing put her in harm’s way?
Love the TV shows The Great British Bake-off, Antiques Roadshow, and Midsomer Murders? Like your crime without the gory bits? Then this brand new charming new cosy culinary crime series set in the fictional Yorkshire village of Chipwell and featuring antique dealer Philly Barker is just what you need!.
When Chipwell antique dealer Philomena Barker spies a nineteenth-century painting of Whitby peeking out of a box of odds and sods at a York auction centre, she knows there’s something special about it. What she doesn’t know is that the painting holds a deeper secret – one that someone else would prefer to stay hidden.
When her dealership is broken into and an elderly customer violently assaulted in his own home, Philly joins forces with Inspector Robbie Dawkins to solve the mystery before anyone else is hurt.
But does Philly have what it takes to uncover the truth – or will her amateur sleuthing put her in harm’s way?
Love the TV shows The Great British Bake-off, Antiques Roadshow, and Midsomer Murders? Like your crime without the gory bits? Then this brand new charming new cosy culinary crime series set in the fictional Yorkshire village of Chipwell and featuring antique dealer Philly Barker is just what you need!.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2022
8 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Tracey
18 books23 followersHi, I'm Jo ...
I live in paradise – on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia with my husband and a cocker spaniel who takes her role as resident flop-dog and guardian of my office very seriously.
An unapologetic daydreamer, eternal optimist, and confirmed morning person, I write cosy crime, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, women’s fiction and what I like to call foodie-lit – which is the perfect excuse to indulge my baking habit in the name of research. My characters cook whatever it is I want to be cooking – or learning to cook.
Likewise with my character’s occupations. They get to do the things I can only dream about. I did warn you about the daydreaming thing.
Even though I love where I live, it’s my travels that inspire my stories. From Melbourne to Queenstown, Bali, Hong Kong, the Sunshine Coast, Yorkshire and The Cotswolds, you never quite know where you’ll end up, but it will be somewhere that takes you away from your every day. I’m always looking for a happy ending, so that’s what I write – happy endings. Is that a spoiler alert? Probably, but sometimes it’s best to know these things before committing. I write the books that I like to read – so if you like your crime cosy (with extra scones), and your love stories spiced with some travel, a little fun, a lot of friendship, the occasional daggy pop song, and some seriously sexy men then you’ve come to the right place.
When I’m not writing or day jobbing, I love baking, reading, long walks along the beach, posting way too many photos of sunrises on Instagram and dreaming of the next destination and the next story.
My life goals (apart from being a world-famous author) are to be an extra on Midsomer Murders (perhaps a dog walker in Badger’s Drift) and to cook my way through Nigella’s books – yes, all of them.
I live in paradise – on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia with my husband and a cocker spaniel who takes her role as resident flop-dog and guardian of my office very seriously.
An unapologetic daydreamer, eternal optimist, and confirmed morning person, I write cosy crime, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, women’s fiction and what I like to call foodie-lit – which is the perfect excuse to indulge my baking habit in the name of research. My characters cook whatever it is I want to be cooking – or learning to cook.
Likewise with my character’s occupations. They get to do the things I can only dream about. I did warn you about the daydreaming thing.
Even though I love where I live, it’s my travels that inspire my stories. From Melbourne to Queenstown, Bali, Hong Kong, the Sunshine Coast, Yorkshire and The Cotswolds, you never quite know where you’ll end up, but it will be somewhere that takes you away from your every day. I’m always looking for a happy ending, so that’s what I write – happy endings. Is that a spoiler alert? Probably, but sometimes it’s best to know these things before committing. I write the books that I like to read – so if you like your crime cosy (with extra scones), and your love stories spiced with some travel, a little fun, a lot of friendship, the occasional daggy pop song, and some seriously sexy men then you’ve come to the right place.
When I’m not writing or day jobbing, I love baking, reading, long walks along the beach, posting way too many photos of sunrises on Instagram and dreaming of the next destination and the next story.
My life goals (apart from being a world-famous author) are to be an extra on Midsomer Murders (perhaps a dog walker in Badger’s Drift) and to cook my way through Nigella’s books – yes, all of them.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 16, 2024
Philly Barker Investigates is the first instalment in a cosy mystery series about a crime-fighting middle-aged antiques dealer. I don’t usually read this genre - it can be very formulaic, and the tendency to treat murder as a puzzle to be solved by a meddling amateur bothers me, but this is written by a good friend of my good friend - who recommended it - so I bought it to check it out and ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
Divorced ex-police officer Philomena Barker runs an antiques stall from a converted barn with her friends in quaint Yorkshire village called Chipwell. When burglars target a series of items sourced from the same estate sale, Philly and her new friend amiable DI Robbie Dawkins join forces to find out who is so desperate to locate the items concealed within them.
Warning - don’t read this when hungry, as all the delicious sounding baking will have you longing for sweet treats: I had never heard of Parkin, but there are recipes for it and other goodies at the end. I loved the wholesome cast of lovable characters featured here - I imagine the barn being something like the one in The Repair Shop on TV, where they’re all lovely, with a cute dog and masterful cat thrown in. There’s an intriguing mystery, a sad backstory, lots of interesting antiques and even a hint of romance. Philly is a great heroine - an Aussie expat who stayed in England for love, and maintains cordial relations with him even when he ditched her for a younger woman. She’s kind and generous but no pushover, and has a keen eye for a bargain when it comes to her chosen trade. I look forward to continuing the series. 4.5 rounded up for charming me out of my aversion to cosies!
Divorced ex-police officer Philomena Barker runs an antiques stall from a converted barn with her friends in quaint Yorkshire village called Chipwell. When burglars target a series of items sourced from the same estate sale, Philly and her new friend amiable DI Robbie Dawkins join forces to find out who is so desperate to locate the items concealed within them.
Warning - don’t read this when hungry, as all the delicious sounding baking will have you longing for sweet treats: I had never heard of Parkin, but there are recipes for it and other goodies at the end. I loved the wholesome cast of lovable characters featured here - I imagine the barn being something like the one in The Repair Shop on TV, where they’re all lovely, with a cute dog and masterful cat thrown in. There’s an intriguing mystery, a sad backstory, lots of interesting antiques and even a hint of romance. Philly is a great heroine - an Aussie expat who stayed in England for love, and maintains cordial relations with him even when he ditched her for a younger woman. She’s kind and generous but no pushover, and has a keen eye for a bargain when it comes to her chosen trade. I look forward to continuing the series. 4.5 rounded up for charming me out of my aversion to cosies!
September 3, 2022
If you love your crime cozy, you'll absolutely love Philly Barker Investigates. Think Midsomer Murders, Miss Marple, Murder She Wrote all rolled into one and set amongst a picturesque English village setting and you'll fall in love with this book. Philly is a character easy to love and the cast of secondary characters equally so. But, it's the intrigue and mystery that will draw you into the book and keep you turning the page. Wonderfully written, I finished this in just two settings and loved it. Can't wait to see more from this series. Joanne Tracey has definitely found her niche.
*I received an advance reader copy in return for my honest review (and I do love cozy crime!)
*I received an advance reader copy in return for my honest review (and I do love cozy crime!)
September 3, 2022
I loved Jo's latest book, Philly Barker Investigates. It was a great mix of cosy crime, a budding romance and friendship, all set in a quaint village in an antique shop. I was given an advance copy of this book to read and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jo is a very clever author creating interesting characters, relatable locations and a few twisty bends that keep the reader guessing and makes the book unputdownable.
I have enjoyed all Jo's books in the past and this one didn't disappoint at all. Highly recommended and I can't wait to read what Philly does next!
Jo is a very clever author creating interesting characters, relatable locations and a few twisty bends that keep the reader guessing and makes the book unputdownable.
I have enjoyed all Jo's books in the past and this one didn't disappoint at all. Highly recommended and I can't wait to read what Philly does next!
September 25, 2022
I really liked our lead, Philly Barker.... in her late 50s and divorced. Tracey gives her a solid backstory and thankfully shies away from anything too cliched. Yes her Chief Superintendent husband (Stewart) left her for his young PA but their relationship is fairly amicable nowadays and they often do things with their grandchildren and Stewart's young children. We're in Philly's head though so also able to understand her thought processes - the occasional blunt anger at her ex but recognising that they've all moved on.
Philly shares her shop space (in a barn) with an eclectic group and I liked all of them. Tracey's able to comfortably share details of their wares, from military memorabilia to furniture to vintage clothing. And of course there's a cafe with various delights (some of which I'd not heard of - 'Parkin' for example) and Tracey includes some recipes in the back of the book.
This is a cosy crime. There's no murder but definite maliciousness. Rather than stumbling across it, Philly puts pieces together and she's ably assisted by police officer Robbie. In his early 60s he's considering retirement or semi-retirement. He's widowed and Tracey intimates there's more to that story on a few occasions but we're not privy to the detail yet. (And I'm already looking forward to learning more.)
Here there's a case of long-hidden secrets coming to light and a focus or fixation on the legacy attached to titles and wealth. Philly's inquisitiveness and knowledge of antiques means she discovers photographs and a birth certificate hidden in the 'lot' she's purchased and she and Robbie set out to learn why someone wants them back so badly.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Philly shares her shop space (in a barn) with an eclectic group and I liked all of them. Tracey's able to comfortably share details of their wares, from military memorabilia to furniture to vintage clothing. And of course there's a cafe with various delights (some of which I'd not heard of - 'Parkin' for example) and Tracey includes some recipes in the back of the book.
This is a cosy crime. There's no murder but definite maliciousness. Rather than stumbling across it, Philly puts pieces together and she's ably assisted by police officer Robbie. In his early 60s he's considering retirement or semi-retirement. He's widowed and Tracey intimates there's more to that story on a few occasions but we're not privy to the detail yet. (And I'm already looking forward to learning more.)
Here there's a case of long-hidden secrets coming to light and a focus or fixation on the legacy attached to titles and wealth. Philly's inquisitiveness and knowledge of antiques means she discovers photographs and a birth certificate hidden in the 'lot' she's purchased and she and Robbie set out to learn why someone wants them back so badly.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
September 1, 2022
'Midsommer Murders meets 'Escape to the Country' meets 'Antique Roadshow'.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Philly Barker Investigates by Joanne Tracey. Jo is a friend of mine and I have enjoyed all of her books BUT Philly is her best! I'm delighted to see that Jo foray into cozy crime.
Set in the village of Chipwell, Philly Barker has an eye for antiques, the stories they tell and she doesn't mind a good mystery to solve either. Working in the Chipwell Barn Antiques Centre along with 5 other dealers and her trusty canine side kick Balthazar, Philly turns investigator.
A delightful read, with fun characters who you love to sit with in Ginny's cafe and enjoy a cuppa from some vintage china, whilst discussing and perusing the antique specialities on offer and their latest 'find'.
It's a 5-star rating from me. The story held my interest and I read the book in an afternoon. I love Philly and can't wait for her next adventure. Will there also be a touch of romance for Philly???
We will have to wait and see.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Philly Barker Investigates by Joanne Tracey. Jo is a friend of mine and I have enjoyed all of her books BUT Philly is her best! I'm delighted to see that Jo foray into cozy crime.
Set in the village of Chipwell, Philly Barker has an eye for antiques, the stories they tell and she doesn't mind a good mystery to solve either. Working in the Chipwell Barn Antiques Centre along with 5 other dealers and her trusty canine side kick Balthazar, Philly turns investigator.
A delightful read, with fun characters who you love to sit with in Ginny's cafe and enjoy a cuppa from some vintage china, whilst discussing and perusing the antique specialities on offer and their latest 'find'.
It's a 5-star rating from me. The story held my interest and I read the book in an afternoon. I love Philly and can't wait for her next adventure. Will there also be a touch of romance for Philly???
We will have to wait and see.
August 14, 2024
A fun read!
December 28, 2022
I received this as a Christmas gift and reread it last night. It reminded me of how much I love this book. Philly and her crew are incredibly well-drawn.
What’s it about? A Chipwell Antique Dealer discovers a 19th Century Whitby painting that immediately upends her small (and very quaint) corner of the world. This new cozy crime series is part treasure hunt, part detective drama, all rolled up in a charming countryside.
If you have never read any of Jo Tracey's books before, what are you waiting for? This is an excellent place to start!
What’s it about? A Chipwell Antique Dealer discovers a 19th Century Whitby painting that immediately upends her small (and very quaint) corner of the world. This new cozy crime series is part treasure hunt, part detective drama, all rolled up in a charming countryside.
If you have never read any of Jo Tracey's books before, what are you waiting for? This is an excellent place to start!
December 1, 2022
✍️This is the story of antique dealer Philly Barker who one day spies a nineteenth century painting that holds a dark secret that someone would prefer to keep hidden. When her dealership gets broken into and an elderly customer assaulted, Philly joins Inspector Robbie Dawkins in solving the mystery.
I heartily ADORED this delightful cosy mystery. I couldn't put it down and enthusiastically devoured it. Highly recommend!
I was immersed in the world of Philly Barker and her antiquarian surroundings along with the cast of well rounded weird and wonderful characters who were a joy to read about. The writing style was eloquent with sharp dialogue along the way and a cleverly crafted detective story.
Can't wait for the next book!
I heartily ADORED this delightful cosy mystery. I couldn't put it down and enthusiastically devoured it. Highly recommend!
I was immersed in the world of Philly Barker and her antiquarian surroundings along with the cast of well rounded weird and wonderful characters who were a joy to read about. The writing style was eloquent with sharp dialogue along the way and a cleverly crafted detective story.
Can't wait for the next book!
April 10, 2025
After a slow start I wound up hooked by the story, loving the interaction between the policeman investigating and the antiques dealer also trying to work out crimes relating to various linked lots bought from an auction. A really interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews