I kept trying this but i just hated it. I really didn’t like the characters and it felt really slow. I had a really hard time hanging in there. This may be suited to fans of British crime serials, rather than American cozies.

A charming and cozy mystery with delightful setting details and a classic small-town vibe. The story was engaging and had just the right amount of intrigue for a light read. However, the voice narrator didn’t quite click for me, which slightly pulled me out of the experience. Still, a lovely choice for fans of gentle whodunits.

The Potting Shed Murder is a rewarding cozy debut: heartwarming, atmospheric, and character-driven. It’s ideal for readers seeking a gentle mystery rooted in community, kindness, and countryside appeal. The pacing may test patience, but the vivid setting, compassionate sleuth, and layered suspects make for a wholly enjoyable read.

The Potting Shed Mystery introduced interesting characters in a quaint English village. The main character was likable and smart. I hope there will be future books to further develop the characters. A nice cozy mystery.

3.5 stars

From a reviewer POV: The story was slow at the beginning and the writing seemed trying to find its groove. Once the characters and story were established, the writing flowed and the story progressed nicely. The ending was somewhat unexpected and set up nicely for future books.

from a reader POV: I enjoyed this book, it was a perfect mystery read for my summer patio sitting. If there is another trip to Pudding Corner, I'll be happy to go for the ride.

Life is too short to listen to books that are more about the vintage items described than the actual crime.

This was not for me.

The author went on and on about every vintage item discussed and truly lost the plot.

I listened to about half the book, but still had no idea what was going on, and couldn't keep listening.

I'm sure others, especially those who are fans of the author's Instagram, will appreciate this, but it wasn't for me.

When Daphne and James experience a harrowing event, right at the beginning of the book, they decide to uproot their family and move…

And so they move from London into Pudding Corner. Yes, it’s a very sweet name! But, it seems like some of the inhabitants are NOT so sweet.

We go on to learn all about the neighbors that make up the book. Some are nosy. Some are quiet. Some are nasty. Some have their noses WAY UP there… But, all together they make a community.

As we delve into their lives, we find that sometimes things aren’t always as they seem… especially when one of them turns up dead!

Although the premise was terrific, somehow I just feel like I did not connect with the characters. That may just be all on me. Not really sure…

But, if you like cozy mysteries, you may want to give this one a shot!

#ThePottingShedMurder by #PaulaSutton and narrated nicely by #JaneAjia.

3 1/2 🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, rounded up to 4.

*** RELEASE DATE WAS MAY 27, 2025 !! ***
***SO LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #RBMedia and #RecordedBooksAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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the narration at the beginning was a bit off putting, and i wasn't sure how i was going to feel about it. however, after a couple chapters it settled, and i really enjoyed the plot and the way it felt like a hug of a british village murder mystery. i liked the minimal but consistent underpinning of daphne's blackness, though i can't speak to the specific representation. will definitely continue with the series :)

3⭐
The sleepy village of Pudding Corner, a murder occurs and Daphne Brewster has decided to solve the case.

The writing wasn't necessarily my style, but enjoyed nonetheless.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book has been on my radar since it's original UK release and I was so excited to see it coming to the US!

Jane Ajia does a wonderful job bringing to life Paula Sutton's story and taking us to Pudding Corner, a quaint and complicated, village in England. Told from many perspectives, we learn local history and the interpersonal history of the characters. They all overlap to bring us to who did it in an enjoyable journey.

I had a feeling I knew who the killer was (and I was right) but didn't know the motivation until it was revealed which kept me hooked!

If you like cozy, British mysteries you will enjoy this book!

Received an audiobook arc from Netgalley and RBmedia in exchange for a honest review. The story is told in third person pov with multiple characters' POV. The main character is Daphne, a black Londoner, who moved to a small village with her kids and husband. In typical small town stereotypes, Daphne isn't treated warmly as both a city person and a black woman so her only friend is Minnerva, a single (Wiccan?) mother who has a suspicious relationship with the beloved headmaster. When the headmaster died, rumors swirl on whether he died from natural causes or was murdered by her new friend.
While Daphne is the main pov, we see other characters POV with a connection to the headmaster. The multiple POVs were useful to paint a full picture on who had an issue with the headmaster. There were several twists that I thought it was good and a bit cliche. Overall, the storyline was your typical small town murder mystery with Small town drama and secrets. The narrator gave a great job doing multiple characters so it was easy to listen when she switched POVs.

A really enjoyable listen. This cosy mystery was well narrated and full of interesting eccentric characters with a smattering of red herrings. The main character is destined to return I would think and I can see it being the start of an enjoyable series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early release of this audio book.

This was exactly what I expect from a mystery set in a small village in England.
You have a quirky set of characters who all have their own secrets, hilarious and deadly misunderstandings, and busy bodies.

The Potting Shed Murder is a charming, atmospheric cosy mystery with a strong sense of place, but it’s not without its flaws. Paula Sutton’s debut novel excels in crafting a picturesque village setting and an intriguing puzzle, yet it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its leisurely pacing and convoluted flashbacks. Daphne Brewster, the protagonist, is down-to-earth and relatable, but at times, her sleuthing feels more accidental than intentional and although her race is mentioned throughout the book, there could have been more depth added to her character that relates to that characteristic. While the mystery itself is engaging, some of the red herrings feel forced rather than cleverly misleading. That said, Sutton’s writing style is undeniably immersive, and her ability to evoke the idyllic charm of rural life will appeal to fans of the genre. If you enjoy slow-burn mysteries with rich descriptions, this book might be a delightful escape—but if you prefer snappier storytelling, The Potting Shed Murder may test your patience. As I was given a copy of the audiobook to review, I must admit the narrator did not make things easy for the book, with over-dramatizing moments that did not need additional drama or were not as important.

This is perfect for lovers of cozy mysteries. Definitely a quirky fun sense of humor infused into many twists and turns. I love the charming English setting - made me want to take a trip asap. I saw there was another book coming potentially which is so exciting!

The narration by Jane Ajiia was fantastic - put me right in the English countryside. I wanted to be her friend lol,

Also can we talk about the cover art - I love how different it is - definitely stood out and made me want to pick it up. Bravo, well done!

I received an audio version of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I'll start by saying that the narrator was excellent. I feel this would be extremely difficult, yet so important to a reader's enjoyment.

The author does a fantastic job of developing all the characters and possible suspects at the beginning of the book, before we ever get to the murder of Charles. It's easy to remember who is who. By the time you actually figure out who the killer is, the author has already led you there.

Daphne, the main character, is very likable. Yet I felt the way she was able to come by some of her clues was quite a stretch. (The Raincoat) And I'd be happy to not hear the words "niggle" or "babbling" again. Also there is sooo much description given and is often repetitive.

I think this would make for a great movie or mini series. I can see Augusta as Helen Merrin in her Mobland character perfectly. All in all a great, quick read (or listen).

The characters, setting, and mystery are all interesting. The telling is dry. There are too many character POVs, too much back and forthing through time, and it takes too long to get going. It didn't feel cozy, just sad and a bit bland.

What a wonderful star of a series. The storyline is basic in a small village in England. There is all the small town drama and loyalties. Daphne has the hint of Miss Marple and the flavor of Agatha Raisin. All of the characters are so comforting and quaint. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Jane Ajia's is an outstanding narrator and brought life to the story. Unlike some fast-paced thrillers, this British cozy mystery embraces a slower, more deliberate unfolding, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the village of Pudding Corner. I enjoyed the gradual introduction to the quirky and diverse cast of characters; their individual stories and interconnected lives added rich layers to the unfolding mystery.

While the slower pace was a draw for me, readers who prefer their mysteries to hit the ground running might need a moment to settle into the rhythm of this book.

If you're a fan of traditional British cozy mysteries with charming village settings and a delightful cast of characters, The Potting Shed Murder is an absolute must-read. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising new series!

Thank you to RBmedia / Recorded Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wry, nimbly plotted, and sharply observant of the sometimes fragile relationships in socially competitive environments. Getting away from the stresses of urban life by moving to an outwardly charming village/small town in rural England isn’t as easy as it may seem. Author Sutton’s experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry translates to an entrancing visual sensibility in her writing. Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate the complexity of character relationships. As a Black woman reading cozy mystery genres/subgenres, I appreciated the realism of the protagonist. She refers to her own origins as a Black woman from South London, but that doesn’t mean she’s tough. Has she seen some difficult things? Yes. Has she had to work twice as hard all her life to be thought half as good? Yes. BUt none of this means that she cannot be vulnerable or too jaded to be friendly and trusting to more than one possible villain. This complicates her efforts to investigate the death of a seemingly mild-mannered man that inspired strong feelings resulting in both embraces and slaps to the face. Fans of Sutton’s Instagram account will be delighted to learn that her talents include genre fiction. Recommended.