I think that I say this after every book, but these Julia Bird Mysteries just get better and better. This time, Julia manages to stumble across two bodies and it soon becomes clear that there is a link between the two deaths.
It's been beautifully warm here, which seems a little strange when you're reading a book set at Christmas, that doesn't really matter though. It might have even helped cool me down very slightly. I think if you can, though, this would be a great read on a cold day.
I was feeling quite smug, as I was fairly confident that I'd solved this mystery before Julia had managed to. I wasn't wrong, but I will admit that I wasn't completely right either and might have changed my a few times here and there before the end.
This was another great instalment in the Julia Bird series. I can't wait to see what she gets up to next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

I absolutely love this series of cosy murder mysteries (though I think this book could also be read as a stand alone). I love Julia, the social worker in her sixties who can’t help getting involved in crimes in the beautiful village where she moved to on retirement. And I’d love to have a coffee and cake in the Buttered Scone! I didn’t see the surprise ending coming at all. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in this great series.

4 Stars
One Liner: Early Christmas Mystery

It’s Christmas in Berrywick, and the village is decked up for the festival. When Julia and Sean find the body of a well-known taxi driver, Lewis Band, they think it’s a case of hit-and-run. This leads to a Road Safety Committee to spread awareness. However, Julia finds a pendant in the bushes, making her wonder if Lewis’s death was an accident or murder.
When there’s another incident, another local struck by a car, Julia knows it cannot be a coincidence. Was there a connection between the two, or is someone bumping off people at random and making them look like accidents?
It’s up to Julia to find the truth!
The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:
This is the eighth book in the series and might work as a standalone since the personal track is steady and the focus is on the mystery. Of course, we still see more developments and happy times with loved ones. These are always welcome.
Jake, our chocolate Lab, makes a slightly late entry since he was left at home, as the humans enjoyed the Winter market. Unfair, right? Poor Jake! He lost the opportunity to run around and whack a few displays with his tail.
Given the festive vibe, the mystery feels a bit mellow. It works since the setting (Nov) has the same languid feel. Still, the book discusses important topics. The focal point is road safety, a very important aspect across the world.
The chickens are healthy, though they’ve slowed down due to the cold. Chaplin the cat is in his element and even occasionally displays his affection by bringing gifts. You can guess what kind!
The mystery starts simply. Then, new layers are added to it. Some are red herrings, but some are solid leads. Can you figure out which ones to follow? I guessed it right, and we actually get the answer at one point. Series readers will know it when they see it. ;)
The pacing felt a bit slower than usual, but no complaints. It suits the mood.
To summarize, Murder in the Winter Woods is a solid continuation of the series and a great read if you want a compact little cozy mystery set in winter.
Thank you, Sarah Hardy, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Julia Bird adores a walk on a winter’s day. The crunch of fresh show under your feet and the promise of hot cocoa by a roaring fire afterwards… But she’s not expecting to find a body in the woods!
Book 8 in the series….! The storyline was very interesting, it sucked me in and had me glued to my Kindle! Definitely don't miss out on this one! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This is a quick read. The realistic characters moved the story quickly. Family and friends. Red herrings…secrets…enjoy. Thanks Netgalley

I absolutely love this series and the world building is great, I truly felt like I was in a cosy Cotswolds.

I did feel that something was lacking in this one though - Julia seemed so unbelievably grumpy and annoyed all the time, angry at everyone even her friends and I missed the cosy vibes.

Thank you for the arc. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Christmas in the Cotswolds is postcard perfect with markets, carols, and festive fare for Julia Bird to enjoy. Unfortunately, Berrywick is experiencing a bit of a crime wave, and, once again, she has found herself right in the middle of it! With one of her close neighbours suffering a tragic loss Julia knows she has to look into what happened herself but clues are scarce and her fellow villagers are scared to the point there is even a demonstration in the high street! Can she find out what happened before anyone else dies and the Christmas spirit in Berrywick disappears for good?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. I do love a Christmas cosy, and this didn't disappoint even though I read it in June! Julia and Sean's relationship is explored in greater detail here, which I loved, and Jake once again stole the show. More please.

Another fun read in this series. It's late November when the book starts out, and Julia and Sean are attending the Christmas light-up in the neighbouring village. Driving home on a dark lane, they discover the body of the Berrywick taxi driver, Lewis. He'd been killed by a car. Then Julia's neighbour is also killed by car. The police believe the killer is the same in both cases.

These books are so comfortable and easy to read. My favourite chapters are Julia and Sean and their kids and friends simply having a meal together, either at a restaurant or at home. Good food, good company and lots of laughter.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advance copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the eighth book in Katie Gayle's highly entertaining Julie Bird series - Murder In The Winter Woods.
On the way back from a Farmers' Market, taking the 'scenic route', Julia and her boyfriend come upon the body of Lewis Band, a local man who operated a taxi service for residents of Berrywick. Who would have been so cruel to not only run him down, but back up and run over him again? And is there any connection to the later death - in a similar manner - of Julia's neighbour and beekeeper Matthew Hester?
The answer seems to lie in the distant past when both men, along with other current and past Berrywick residents were members of an up and coming rock and that almost made it big.
And is an attempted poisoning related? That is the question.
As in previous books, Julia Bird is on the case, and her insights become quite valuable to the local Detective who is charged with finding the solution to the cases.
This is the epitome of a cozy mystery and a great read for a lazy afternoon.
Recommended.

Julia Bird adores a walk on a winter’s day. The crunch of fresh show under your feet and the promise of hot cocoa by a roaring fire afterwards… But she’s not expecting to find a body in the woods! Great read! This book had chilling suspense, murder, mystery, intriguing, and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was interesting! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!