More like 3.5 stars for this one. The elements of the English village mystery are all here in Merryn Allingham's series debut: mysterious death of an outsider, traditional supporting characters, a mysterious old estate, and a legend that stretches back centuries, which may or may not be true.

The main characters, bookstore owner Flora Steele and reclusive writer Jack Carrington are likable and the mystery has some intriguing elements; however, pacing is a bit slow and there is much telling rather than showing. The length of the book probably could have been reduced by a quarter without the plot suffering.

However, there is lots to do in series debuts: introducing characters, settings, and backstories, etc., so some of these issues may resolve themselves in future titles. I'm certainly willing to read the next one!

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

A promising start to a new series of cozy murder books! The characters and the setting reminded me of the Agatha Raisin books which I love and have read all of them so far. I really like Flora and Jack, the main characters, who are well supported by Katie and Alice. The story twisted along, with everyone becoming a suspect in the unexplained/murder of Kevin, who was found dead in Flora’s bookshop. The murder, unveiled at the end, was surprising and a little unexpected.
A fab read, that I devoured in a day. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see where Flora and Jack go next.

A lighthearted cozy mystery complete with a bookshop and buried treasure. Add in a sparky girl and a man with a fedora and you know you are on sure ground for an undemanding easy read. If you like a good cosy mystery this will be for you.

Flora Steele is struggling to make the bookshop her beloved Aunt Violet left her. She’s given up her own dreams to care for the woman who loved and raised her and feels like it’s too late for her to travel and have escapades and thrills. Just when she settles into living with her lot, a man is found dead in her bookshop. How would a young man have a heart attack, more over in her shop when she left it empty when she locked it up before she left?

Something doesn’t quite sit right with Flora and she tasks the writer who was in her shop and found the body to help her solve the mystery, hoping it will bring people back to her shop rather than having the death keeping them away with fears it was a curse or worse. Now she and Jack are knee deep in a murder mystery and the reclusive author is finding he likes having some companionship after all. As they track down clues and another man is found dead, they suspect this supports their argument that it was murder, not coincidence. Now to find the proof without being the next victim.

A great start to a new British cozy mystery series. Set after WW2, the writing doesn’t make you feel lost within the time period and the pace moves along as you keep turning the pages to find out whodunit. You’ll find yourself rooting for Flora and Jack in more ways than one. I can’t wait for the next book!

After the body of Kevin is found in her bookshop, Flora teams up with a local crime author, Jack to establish how Kevin died. In the process they start to unravel a 400 year old legend.

This was a story of intrigue, and just a smidgeon of history. All the different parts of the story unravel at a very steady pace.

I wouldn't say it was gripping, but was certainly entertaining.

Overall a good read.

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Bookouture.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

A bookshop owner in a quaint English town finds her life change when a body is found murder in her shop. He was found surrounded by books with his hands out like he was trying to tell her something.

But who he was a mystery as he was a stranger in town. Then the gardener at the place he was staying is then found dad. What is the connection between the two of them or was it just coincident?

Our bookstore owner will find the connection as she will solve the case. A promising new series start with a charming sleuth.

First off, Thank you so much for letting me review this wonderful book! I absolutely adored this book! I enjoyed the characters especially Flora, and the mystery story! The story flowed well and had me reading and finishing the book in no time! I highly recommend this book!!! This is the first book in the Flora Steele mystery books and I was drawn into the murder mystery plot instantly. Who was the murder, my mind was swapping and changing constantly. Now I’m looking out for book two in the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With grateful thanks to netgalley and Merryn for a arc in return for an honest opinion.
First time reading this author and what a joy, can't wait for book 2 in the series.
A fabulous village setting a bookshop the wonderful Jack the writer and the gorgeous flora mix together odd goings on dead bodies mix together and a totally fantastic tale appears I can highly recommend this outstandingly fabulous book.

A Body In The Bookshop....
The first in the Flora Steele Mystery series, set in the sleepy village of Abbeymead, and a really promising start to what is sure to be a most satisfying series of cosy mysteries featuring book shop owner Flora and, her new acquaintance and crime writer, Jack Carrington. When Flora and Jack stumble across a dead body in her rambling bookshop a catalogue of unimaginable events begin. Wholly entertaining with likeable protagonists in Flora and Jack and a colourful cast of supporting characters that develop nicely as the tale progresses. An easy, relaxing and most enjoyable read.

Sussex, 1955.

Village bookshop owner Flora and reclusive author Jack find a body in Flora's shop. Who is he, and why did he break in?

The official verdict of a heart attack doesn't ring true on a perfectly healthy 21 year old victim, so the pair start digging around to find out what really happened, in a bid to save the bookshop from bankruptcy.

Delightful and intriguing