A CASE OF MICE AND MURDER by Sally Smith is book one in The Trials of Gabriel Ward mystery series (a second book is coming in November). This story is truly charming and delightful; it is set in the Temple area, a tradition-bound center of London's legal world (the year is 1901). Smith introduces readers to an unassuming and unwilling sleuth, Gabriel Ward, a well-regarded barrister but a recluse who finds himself investigating a judge's death while being drawn into the problems of the lower classes, including a scullery maid and a homeless man. Gabriel Ward also has a challenging task of defending a publisher against a young woman who claims to have authored the best-selling Millie the Temple Church Mouse. And, all the while he must skirt the politics as rival lawyers jostle to succeed the murdered judge. In her promising debut, Smith interweaves the storylines, builds suspense, and develops affection for her characters, especially Sir Gabriel who says he "just tried to remember all that I knew from my books and to apply psychology to the facts; It is the only way I can think of to be a detective."

This one started out somewhat slow for me but I ended up really enjoying it! It was funny at times but not in a way that distracted from the plot. It was interesting and I'm glad I read it.

set in the hidden heart of London’s legal world in 1901, with barrister Gabriel Ward as the reluctant sleuth of the murder of the Lord Chief Justice of England.

It took me a minute to settle into this historical mystery, but I liked Gabriel from the beginning. It’s a smart mystery with lots of well placed clues and several red herrings. I did not solve this ahead of time. I found the setting fascinating (I knew nothing about the legal world in London at this time in history). Clearly a lot of research went into this story because it felt so authentic. More entries are to follow in this new series!

A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith was a fun mystery I enjoyed.

The characters were well developed.

The mystery was different, and I really enjoyed following along the clues.

Well written.

This is the first in series set in the early 1900s with a Barriester turned sleuth in this enticing read. I enjoyed the neurodivergant main character that the author wrote kindly with positivity.
The setting is atmospheric and fun. The world of a recluse Barriester interesting as a sleuth. The mystery well crafted to conclusion. I look forward to the next in series.
Thank you to the publishers, Net Galley and the author for the opportunity. My review is based on my own opinion.

If you love a good murder mystery with a couple of unexpected twists and turns, I have a book recommendation for you! In her new book that comes out today, A Case of Mice and Murder, Sally Smith cleverly interlaces a couple of legal cases – the disputed author of a bestselling children’s book and a murder. In 1901. Gabriel Ward, a gentle, painstaking lawyer, already has the case for Millie the Temple Church Mouse when he discovers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep when he steps out in the morning. The barefooted judge is attired in evening clothes and has a knife sticking out of his chest.

The police can only enter the Temple by invitation. Gabriel and his trusted but nervous sidekick are selected to do the investigation. The men juggle the two cases leaving the reader wondering what connection they could possibly have to each other. As they investigate the murder, they learn Temple secrets hidden from the outside world. Alongside the murder probe, the case with the children’s book and a nervous publisher seem to be diversions from the urgency of the murder investigation until they are not. I won’t do a spoiler here, but I will say I am expecting the clever Gabriel to show up again in a future mystery.

A Case of Mice and Murder is a perfect book for a rainy day when you need an avoidance distraction from laundry, dirty dishes, and dust. Give yourself permission to enjoy it. The distractions will still be there when you finish.

Thank you Bloomsbury USA for my advance #gifted electronic copy via NetGalley. My thoughts are my own.

Gabriel Ward was made for his livelihood--a barrister cloistered in London's Inner Temple, where his apartment is full of books and his office is steps away and all his mental and physical needs are met, he is known and relied upon for his genius at legal matters. But this is all upended when he wakes to find the dead body of the Lord Chief Justice of England lying on his doorstep, and he is subsequently tasked to "look into the matter." Relying on his logic, reason, and well-ordered world, as much as on Constable Wright (assigned to support his investigation), he finds that still waters run deep and the secrets of his fellow inhabitants may just be worth killing for.

What a very, very clever book. And I'm gone on Sir Gabriel Ward, Barrister. I love his neurodivergent mind and have rarely read such an excellent portrayal of the obsessions and compulsions that hold him in their sway. It is not held up as a freak sideshow or a comic schtick, but rather as the attempt to control fear and uncertainty that never go away. I also love that he is kind. He and Constable Wright make an odd couple, which makes their professional relationship even more endearing. The story proved an excellent treatment of gender, class, spirituality, and justice worthy of a modern, sophisticated audience, while drawing the characters so well that one recognizes them (be it from those of one's acquaintance or one's storybooks). I so very glad that they are to have their own series!!

“A Case of Mice and Murder: The Trials of Gabriel Ward,” by Sally Smith, Raven Books/Bloomsbury Publishing, 336 pages, June 17, 2025.

It is May 21, 1901. Sir Gabriel Ward, King’s Counsel, is leaving his rooms in the Inner Temple, when he almost steps on the body of Lord Norman Dunning, Lord Chief Justice of England. Dunning has been stabbed with a silver Temple carving knife.

The Inner Temple is a 15-acre bubble where lawyers live and work. In a place where tradition is everything, the police may enter only by consent, and murder is only to be found in the case archives. Gabriel has the reputation of being the ultimate opinion on difficult legal problems.

Chapman, one of the clerks, calls the police. Constable Maurice Wright, who has only been on the force for two years, is sent. Sir William Waring, the Inner Temple’s master treasurer, wants Gabriel to investigate the murder internally, with police conducting the external work. The police commissioner assigns Wright to assist Gabriel.

Gabriel also has other cases. Herbert Moore, a legal publisher and bookseller, published a children’s book, “Millie the Temple Church Mouse,” when his daughter, Elsie, then eight, read the manuscript apparently mistakenly sent to Moore. The book was a huge success. But Moore was unable to track down the author, Harriet Cadamy. When Susan Hatchings, who claims to have written the book under a pseudonym, threatens to sue, Moore and his solicitor, Anthony Dawson, meet with Gabriel for advice.

The plotting is good and both mysteries are resolved. Gabriel Ward is a great character who uses his OCD to his advantage. The time period is described well; both the physical areas and the attitudes toward poor people and toward women. This is the first of a promising new historical mystery series.

I rate it four out of five stars.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This was a great debut and a fun start to The Trials of Gabriel Ward series!! 🙌

In this first installment, we follow not just one mystery, but two of them! One centered around a murder, and the other focused on who authored a famous children’s book. I absolutely loved the Gabriel Ward character! Looking forward to the second book!! 👏

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury, and Sally Smith for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️

** “Justice requires detachment and independence of thought, eh?” **

Author Sally Smith relies on her own experience as a barrister in her new mystery “A Case of Mice and Murder.”

Barrister Sir Gabriel Ward finds himself in the midst of two mysteries — who is the true author of the popular children’s book “Millie the Temple Church Mouse” and who killed Lord Chief Justice Norman Dunning, whose body Gabriel finds upon his own doorstep.

Straitlaced with a love of knowledge and forensics, Gabriel hesitatingly takes on the murder case, all while trying to clear up the Millie case. With the help of a young policeman, Constable Wright, will Gabriel be able to step outside of his comfort zone and solve both cases?

Smith does a great job of weaving together two seemingly unrelated mysterious cases, all while developing some quirky and delightful characters. She reminds us of the importance of justice; death levels all things; fairness; finding and creating opportunities, especially for women; jealousy and resentment; and having the strength to do things you normally wouldn’t.

Fans of books like Anthony Horowitz’s “Close to Death” and characters like Sherlock Holmes, William Murdoch from TV’s “Murdoch Mysteries,” and Professor Jasper Tempest from “Professor T” will love “A Case of Mice and Murder,” which is due out June 17.

Five stars out of five.

Raven Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

What a fun historical mystery! Right out of the gate, I'll say that my favorite thing about this book was its protagonist, barrister Gabriel Ward. He's such an intriguing and unique character. He's intellectual, sheltered, introverted, kind, and rigidly observes his rituals. He is also a brilliantly observant, if rather reluctant, sleuth. He rises to the occasion and I enjoyed his growth across the story. I also enjoyed the character of Constable Wright and the dynamic he shared with Gabriel.

The book is set in 1901 in London's Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London's legal world. The Temple is responsible for training barristers and judges, and qualifying the fallowing them to practice, as well as an actual place that has existed since the 14th century. The rules are different in the Inner Temple than in the rest of London, and as the victim is one of their own, they are allowed an internal investigation. At the same time, Gabriel is working on a case involving an anonymous children's book author and the publisher that is being sued.

This was brimming with incredible historical detail, and the world-building was very well done. As this book introduces the series and this world, the first part takes just a little while to get going, but it soon pays off, as this is genuinely a delightful and interesting read. I enjoyed learning the history of the Temple, and the legal precedents of the time.

The two mysteries intertwine with humor, secrets, and red herrings throughout this cleverly plotted and witty whodunit. And the writing is fantastic. This was just a gem. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Books and Netgalley for the gifted eARC

When I saw "A case of Mice and Murder", I was immediately intrigued by the title and blurb. It seemed like it was made just for me — and it turned out to be even better than I expected. The writing was atmospheric and elegant, making me feel as if I were transported straight into the book’s time period. It felt like the story was being whispered to me, rather than being shouted or overdone in the way modern storytelling often is.

This book is an absolute gem.

I loved the main character, Gabriel Ward KC, and I truly hope this marks the beginning of a great series.
Big thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy.

Gabriel Ward is a reclusive attorney in London. In this, the first book in a new series, he is pressed into service to find out the killer of the highest judge in the land. He must get over his fear of leaving his daily routine and controlled environment. But he does.

Simultaneously, he still must perform his legal duties. His client is a publisher accused of usurping the character of an author's children's book. Gabriel must use all of his legal powers to prove that his client is not guilty.

I love this new series. The characters are involving and entertaining. The writing is crisp and pleasant. I highly recommend this new series.

I was unable to finish this book and thus will not be providing a full review and/or posting a full review on my blog. I found the story off putting from the very start and difficult to read.

While I read a good amount of mysteries, I don't usually read historical ones. Humorous and interesting. Will probably read the next book in the series. 3.5

The Inner Temple, 1901: a warren of shaded courtyards and ancient buildings that has formed the heart of legal London for hundreds of years. A place where tradition is everything, the police enter only by consent, and murder is only to be found in the case archives. Until now…

At precisely two minutes to seven every morning, Gabriel Ward KC steps out of his rooms in the Inner Temple, presses his oak front door three times to ensure it is locked, and walks to his office to begin his day. Except for today.

Today, the dead body of the Lord Chief Justice of England, immaculately clad in evening dress except for his bare feet, is lying on his doorstep – with one of the silver Temple carving knives sticking out of his chest.
As rumour and gossip fly round the chambers and the press set up camp outside the gates, an internal investigation is ordered by the head of the Temple, who coerces a very unwilling Gabriel into taking charge.

Paired with the eager young Constable Wright, he must draw on every bit of his legal training to solve the case – but not before he discovers that there are more surprising, and sometimes sinister, secrets hiding behind those heavy oak doors than he'd ever imagined.

The first in a brand-new series introducing a wonderfully eccentric sleuth, perfect for fans of S.J. Bennett and Richard Coles.

This was SO FUN!!!! I had such an amazing time reading, and recommend this to anyone who's in need of a cozy mystery.

Set in London in 1901, where the murder of an English Lord Chief Justice causes an uproar inside the inner Temple. A place that is essentially a law of its own. Sir Gabriel Ward is appointed to do a preliminary investigation before the police are allowed to enter these halls. The very reluctant Justice has to unravel the clues and solve the mystery while also preparing for a sensational case.

This was essentially two mysteries that is woven into one and it's very well done. There's enough twists and red herrings throughout the book that keep you guessing and constantly flipping the page to find out what was going to happen next.

I would say that this qualifies as a cozy mystery, but it does have a little bit more grit than a typical cozy mystery. I am very excited to discover that this is the first in a new series because I love the characters and I'm excited to see more of them.

Thank you to the publisher for an arc.

"The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London's legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Nita Prose.

When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case - the disputed authorship of bestselling children's book Millie the Temple Church Mouse - that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.

But even he cannot fail to notice the judge's dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest. In the shaded courtyards and ancient buildings of the Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London's legal world, murder has spent centuries confined firmly to the casebooks. Until now...

The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn't answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple's heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he'd ever imagined..."

Please say the murder has to do with a children's author! It would be wonderful synchronicity.

Sally Smith was a King’s Counsel (obviously, formerly a Queen’s Counsel), practicing law from 1 Crown Office Row in the Inner Temple, part of London’s famed Inns of Court. The inns are societies to which all English barristers belong, but they are also physical places that include libraries, dining rooms, and lodgings. The Inner Temple and Middle Temple have the distinction of being so-called liberties of the City of London, meaning that they have their own jurisdiction and are not subject to that of the City. That fact is critical in this book.

The novel is set in 1901, and our protagonist is the brilliant but unassuming Sir Gabriel Ward. He is a man of habit, who leaves his office on the dot of six each evening, leaving his desk in precise order, and strolling the few steps to his lodgings, where he spends several hours each evening with his books, a collection that has long since overcome his shelves and turned into so many floor towers that there is barely room for two people, in the rare event that he might have a guest.

Ward is musing about his upcoming tricky case, one in which his client, a publisher, has published a children’s book that was left at his offices and whose pseudonymous author he hasn’t been able to locate. Years have gone by, and the book, Millie the Temple Church Mouse, has gained great fame and success. Now, out of the woodwork, comes a woman claiming that she is the author, and is suing the publisher.

In the midst of his musings, Ward stumbles over the legs of a corpse that turns out to be that of the Lord Chief Justice, who is, most oddly, barefoot. The head of the Inner Temple coerces Ward into investigating the death, rather than turning it over to the Metropolitan Police. Ward does manage to gain the assistance of the Met’s Detective Constable Wright. An unusual, but touching, respect comes to bind the highly educated but unworldly Ward, and the working-class but thoughtful Wright.

Much detail is given about legal precedents of the time, and the challenges facing Ward in his representation of the publisher. But author Smith never bogs down in legal minutiae. The courtroom scenes are vivid and easy to follow. Ward’s investigation of the Lord Chief Justice’s murder pieces together small clues until he has identified the culprit. Along the way, the lives of many associated with the Inner Temple are revealed to Ward, giving him a view of his surroundings and insights into others that had never been parts of his bookish life.

Two very satisfying cases, an appealing amateur detective and sidekick, an unusual and intriguing setting, and outstanding writing make this one of the most rewarding mysteries I’ve read in quite a while. I’m thrilled that Ms. Smith will be giving us a sequel later this year.

This historical mystery takes place within London’s legal world. It is very much a story in which the clues have been fairly planted. However, not all readers will remember them.

There are two things going on within the novel. One plot has to do with the death by murder of a chief justice. The other intriguing question has to do with the authorship of a book featuring a very famous mouse.

Will the two storylines intersect? How will this murder case with many aspects and suspects be solved? How important will Millie the mouse be?

I thoroughly enjoyed this very traditional mystery and look forward to the authors next book which comes out in 2025.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for this title. All opinions are my own