I have found a new mystery series to obsess over. Gabriel Ward is kind, caring, at times humorous, and incredibly smart. I loved how he was so reluctant to get into the murder case, but then got more and more interested in it as time went on. I also loved how his two cases somewhat became one at the end, and everything was tied up in a neat little bow. I look forward to the release of the book's sequel!

Thank you Sally Smith, Bloomsbury, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Welcome to the cloistered corners of London's legal labyrinth in 1901, where murder mingles with history, and the most unlikely detective steps from the shadows. Enter *A Case of Mice and Murder*, where Sir Gabriel Ward—a reserved, meticulously precise barrister with a mind that thrives on order—finds himself plunged into a puzzle far more chaotic than any courtroom drama: a murder mystery at the very heart of the Temple.

Imagine Gabriel, so ensconced in the minutiae of a disputed children's book authorship case, flinging open his door only to be greeted by the lifeless body of the Lord Chief Justice, spinning a web of intrigue tighter than a legal brief. With a silver carving knife gleaming ominously in the morning sun, this peculiar whodunit invites Gabriel to a world where logic meets its match.

The Inner Temple's ancient, ivy-clad corridors hold secrets aplenty, and Gabriel, despite preferring the company of law books to people, finds himself tasked with unraveling the string of clues. Assisted by a young, eager constable and battling his own social anxieties and obsessive tendencies, Gabriel steps into shoes he never expected to fill. The supporting cast is equally enthralling: a clever widow hidden behind societal constraints, a publisher enmeshed in literary scandal, and a vicar whose cat may just hold the key to some of the story's most unexpected turns.

Kathleen Smith crafts a captivating world where tradition clashes with modernity, and two seemingly separate mysteries interlace perfectly—a testament to her dexterous storytelling. Readers are treated to more than just a murder—they are gifted a rich tapestry of historical context and social commentary, highlighting everything from gender constraints to class disparities within London's elite legal circles.

Though this is a world of musty law books and ancient rituals, Smith injects humor and warmth, likening Gabriel's investigative journey to more than just a fight for truth—it becomes a fight for empathy, justice, and equal footing for all, no matter their status or scandal.

Gabriel's neurodivergent traits are portrayed with sensitivity and depth, painting him as an endearing, complex protagonist who nevertheless harnesses his unique perspective to see the world in a way others cannot. *A Case of Mice and Murder* is not merely a mystery—it's an evolution, a waltz back through time accompanied by a delightful tune of intrigue and intellect.

So, don your finest attire, step into this vividly-drawn world of old London with Sir Gabriel, and prepare to unravel not just a case, but a rich historical experience that promises adventure, insight, and the sharp thrill of discovery. Perfect for those who savor a well-crafted puzzle bathed in the golden glow of history. Happy sleuthing! 🔍📚✨

This is the first in an atmospheric new historical mystery series set in London's legal world, starring a reluctant but brilliant sleuth.

London, 1901. The Inner Temple is an secretive group of barristers, bound by centuries of law and tradition, where justice is debated, not disturbed. Murder, when it happens, is confined to the courtroom. Sir Gabriel Ward KC has spent his career untangling the complexities of legal disputes, not investigating crime. Reclusive, methodical, and bound to the rhythms of the Temple, he prefers the company of dusty case law to the unpredictability of people. But when he steps out of his chambers one May morning and finds the Lord Chief Justice sprawled lifeless across his doorstep—barefoot, bloodstained, and punctured by an ornate silver carving knife—his carefully ordered OCD world is shattered.

With the police barred from entering the Temple without permission, the duty of uncovering the truth falls upon Gabriel—an honor he has no interest in accepting. But his superiors insist, and soon he finds himself entangled in an investigation. At the same time, another case looms over him: the authorship of Millie the Temple Church Mouse, a wildly popular children’s book whose true writer has come forward at the worst possible moment. As Gabriel navigates these two mysteries, the lines between them blur in ways he never expected.

Reluctantly joined by an eager young constable determined to prove himself, Gabriel must venture beyond the legal walls that have long protected him. But justice is not always found in law books, and logic alone may not be enough to untangle the web of deception surrounding him.
Elegant, immersive, and brimming with intrigue, The Temple Murders is a masterfully plotted cozy mystery that brings to life the labyrinthine world of Edwardian London’s legal elite. Get this book! #bloomsbury #acaseofmiceandmurder #sallysmith