Debbie Young

The fifth in a planned series of seven cozy mystery novels spanning the course of a Cotswold village year from one summer to the next, Springtime for Murder is set at Easter. Like all of the series, it may be read as a standalone novel and makes a great seasonal read, but anyone who enjoys it is likely to want to collect the set!

A Sophie Sayers Village Mystery

Springtime for Murder

For fans of cosy mysteries everywhere, Best Murder in Show, set in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, will make you laugh out loud at the idiosyncrasies of English country life and rack your brains to discover the murderer before newcomer Sophie can.

Best Murder in Show

The first in a new series of short novellas (c. 13k words) set in the same world as Debbie Young's Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries, showing vignettes of village life in the Cotswolds. As well as featuring Sophie Sayers and friends, the series introduces new characters, situations and intrigue - but without the body count of the murder mysteries!

The Natter of Knitters

After 30 years in a joyless marriage and a dead-end job, Juliet Morris is resigned to a humdrum life in her quiet corner of the Cotswolds, until a chance encounter at a dental appointment reminds her of what might have been. Craving an afternoon alone to think, Juliet accepts the offer of an unusual loan car whose satnav seems to have a mind of its own. Following its directions, she begins a remarkable journey of second chances and fresh hopes, leading to surprising destinations. A delightful and original romantic comedy, full of Debbie Young's renowned humour and optimism, with a touch of magical realism. By the author of the Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries and the Staffroom at St Bride's School Stories. Books in both of those series have been shortlisted for the Selfies Award for the best independently-published fiction in the UK - Secrets at St Bride's (2020) and Murder Lost and Found (2021).

Mrs Morris Changes Lanes

"When the strange new vicar arrives in Wendlebury Barrow, his ban on Halloween not only upsets the whole village, it also threatens to scupper Sophie Sayers' fledgling romance with charismatic bookseller Hector Munro. What is the dark secret that the vicar is keeping about Hector, and whose is that body buried at the bottom of the vicarage bonfire on Guy Fawkes Night? Sophie is determined to find out."--Provided by publisher.

Novels

Trick Or Murder?

"While Sophie and her friends celebrate Valentine's Night in The Bluebird, a dead body plummets to the bottom of the village well - and nobody hears it fall. In this close-knit community where everyone knows each other's business, is it possible for anyone to get away with murder?Sophie's about to find out - and to discover some extraordinary secrets about her boyfriend Hector and his family along the way."--Provided by publisher

Murder by the Book

An entertaining blend of cosy mystery and romantic comedy, set in and around the staffroom of an eccentric English boarding school for girls, this warm, witty novel will appeal to anyone who grew up addicted to traditional boarding school stories such as Malory Towers, St Clare's, the Chalet School and Jennings and Darbyshire.

Secrets at St Bride's

In the sixth Sophie Sayers adventure, Sophie travels to a writers' retreat in Greece - the prize that she won in the first book in the series - and makes some important discoveries about herself as well and her future back in Wendlebury Barrow, while also trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of a famous romantic novelist.

Murder Your Darlings

Finding a dead body in the village school's lost property cupboard during the summer holidays is bad enough - but when the body disappears and the police refuse to investigate, it's down to Sophie Sayers to get to the bottom of the mystery and save the village school from the threat of closure. Featuring all the leading characters from previous books and introducing a lively cast of new players, this seventh mystery marks the end of Sophie's first year in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow. Murder Lost and Found was originally intended to be the last in the series, which runs the course of the village year from one summer to the next, but by popular request from readers, an eighth book, in which Sophie will take Hector to meet her parents in Scotland, is now being planned...

Murder Lost and Found

When Sophie Sayers’ plans for a cosy English country Christmas are interrupted by the arrival of her ex-boyfriend, her troubles are only just beginning. Before long, the whole village stands accused of murder. Damian says he’s come to direct the village nativity play, but Sophie thinks he’s up to no good. What are those noises coming from his van? Who is the stranger lurking in the shadows? And whose baby, abandoned in the manger, disappears in plain sight? Enjoy the fun of a traditional Cotswold festive season, with echoes of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, as Sophie seeks a happy ending for her latest village mystery – and for her new romance with charming local bookseller Hector Munro.

The BRAND-NEW page-turning, festive cozy mystery from BESTSELLER Debbie Young, perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and Agatha Christie 🎄🩸🔍 It’s been a busy year for Alice Carroll, with her Curiosity Shop opening for business, and not one but two murders shaking things up in her quaint Cotswold village. She’s looking forward to her first countryside Christmas, complete with traditional Christmas Fair and Santa Run. But her hopes for innocent festive fun are thwarted when one of the Santa Runners steals something from her mum's knitting stall. His festive outfit makes him hard to spot, until he's found fatally injured outside the village hall with the stolen item. Despite what the police say, Alice suspects there's more to his murder than meets the eye. She's determined to solve the mystery - including why, once more, a stranger thought something from her Curiosity Shop was worth killing for. With the help of her charming neighbour Robert Praed, can Alice find the killer before the bells ring out this Christmas? Praise for Debbie Young: 'A cracking example of cozy crime!' Bestselling author Katie Fforde 'A warm page turner that puts the cosy into cosy mystery!' Bestselling author T.A. Williams 'Warm and cosy' Bestselling author Michelle Salter ‘A wonderfully crafted cosy murder. Agatha Raisin fans will love this!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I would have given this a 6 if I could have!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is a really good read; well written, humorous, with endearing characters and intriguing plot!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An excellent book!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘My first Debbie Young Book, but it certainly won’t be the last.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The 1st book in a new Cozy Mystery series set in a very English village, if the rest of the series is as good as this book then I'll not be disappointed.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An absolutely wonderful, and entertaining book. Lots of compelling characters and real insights into life in a small English village.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fabulous start to a lovely cozy mystery series.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was so much fun. I feel that I know each character and the village.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A BRAND NEW page-turning cosy mystery from Debbie Young for Christmas 2025

Death at the Village Christmas Fair

"A cracking example of cozy crime!" Bestselling author Katie Fforde Sophie Sayers is ready for a glorious summer, but when a dead body is found in the village school's lost property cupboard the summer holidays take an unexpected turn. Even more shocking is when the body suddenly goes missing! The police think the villagers are mistaken and without a body, refuse to investigate.... But with the village school facing the threat of closure, Sophie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. But first she needs to find out who the dead person is, before she can start to find the killer! Perfect for fans of M C Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series. Readers LOVE Debbie Young! "I have just finished Best Murder in Show, and I just could not put it down. A totally enthralling read from cover to cover. Very well written.” – Bryan Stace, South Africa. “Sophie Sayers is the perfect antidote to these difficult times. A Cotswold version of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.” – Sue Myers “What a great series of books, funny, interesting characters and good stories. Perfect for a winter’s evening, curled up by the fire.” Mrs Glenda T Barnett via Amazon. “I just read your Sophie Sayers novels. I loved them. The characters were very likeable and I enjoyed getting to know them. I can’t wait for the next installment.” – Caroline Burston via Facebook “Thank you for the gift that is Sophie Sayers. These books have been my lifeline to home over the last year especially.” – Laura Bonnici, expat living in Malta

A gripping cozy murder mystery from Debbie Young

Discover the page-turning Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series from Debbie Young 'A cracking example of cozy crime!' - Katie Fforde 'A warm page turner that puts the cosy into cosy mystery' - T A Williams This boxset contains books 4-6 in the Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series Murder at the Well Springtime for Murder Murder at the Mill Murder at the Well While Sophie and her friends celebrate Valentine's Night in The Bluebird, a dead body plummets to the bottom of the village well - and nobody hears it fall. In this close-knit community where everyone knows each other's business, is it possible for anyone to get away with murder? Sophie's about to find out - and to discover some extraordinary secrets about her boyfriend Hector and his family along the way. Springtime for Murder When Bunny Carter, the old lady from the Manor House, is discovered dead in an open grave, Sophie Sayers is sure it’s a case of foul play. But when it comes to suspects, she’s spoiled for choice! Many of the villagers had motive and opportunity but who is to blame? And can Sophie and her boyfriend, village bookseller Hector Munro, stop the killer before they strike again? Murder at the Mill When Sophie Sayers joins a writers' retreat, she's hoping to find inspiration and perhaps a little adventure! Away from her comfort zone and the small village of Wendlebury Barrow, Sophie plans to relax and take stock of her life. But scarcely has the writing course begun when bestselling romantic novelist Marina Milanese disappears on a solo excursion to an old windmill. First on the scene, Sophie is prime suspect for Marina's murder, but when a storm prevents the police from landing on the island to investigate, Sophie must try to solve the crime herself - not easy, when everyone at the retreat has a motive...

The Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries 4-6

Discover the page-turning Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series from Debbie Young 'A cracking example of cozy crime!' - Katie Fforde 'A warm page turner that puts the cosy into cosy mystery' - T A Williams This boxset contains the first three books in the Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series Best Murder in Show Murder at the Vicarage Murder in the Manger Best Murder in Show When amateur writer Sophie Sayers inherits a cottage in the sleepy English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, she's hoping for a fresh start and a chance to finally pursue her dream of becoming a writer... What she gets instead is a dead body found on a carnival float, an extraordinary assortment of suspects, and a murder to solve! But who might be to blame...? Murder at the Vicarage Just when Sophie Sayers is starting to feel at home in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, a fierce new vicar arrives, quickly offending her and everyone else in the close community! But when a body turns up buried beneath the vicar’s bonfire Sophie knows this case is much hotter than she thought! Murder in the Manger It’s a time for goodwill to all men, but when Sophie Sayers’ plans for a cozy English country Christmas are interrupted by the arrival of her ex-boyfriend, her troubles are only just beginning. Before long, the whole village stands accused of murder! Damian says he’s come to direct the village Nativity play, but Sophie thinks he’s up to no good. What are those noises coming from his van? Who is the stranger lurking in the shadows? And whose baby, abandoned in the manger, disappears in plain sight?

The Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries 1-3

Discover the Page-Turning Cozy Mystery series from Debbie Young A cracking example of cozy crime!' Katie Fforde This boxset contains the first 3 books in the Gemma Lamb cozy mystery series Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's Sinister Stranger at St Bride's Wicked Whispers at St Brides's Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's When Gemma Lamb takes a job at a quirky English girls’ boarding school, she believes she’s found the perfect escape route from her controlling boyfriend – until she discovers the rest of the staff are hiding sinister secrets. Even McPhee, the school cat, is leading a double life. Sinister Stranger at St Bride's When an American stranger turns up claiming to be the rightful owner of the school’s magnificent country estate it could spell trouble for everyone at St Bride’s. Who will uncover this stranger's secrets and save St Bride's? Wicked Whispers at St Brides's Gemma Lamb is ready for an uneventful term at St Bride’s, she’s had enough of dastardly deeds and sinister strangers. However, she’s barely back at school before the staff and students are up to their usual quirky antics. It’s all a bit much and Gemma begins to think she’s had enough, until a familiar face appears and she must rethink everything.

The Gemma Lamb Cozy Mysteries 1-3

While Sophie and her friends celebrate Valentine's Night in The Bluebird, a dead body plummets to the bottom of the village well - and nobody hears it fall. In this close-knit community where everyone knows each other's business, is it possible for anyone to get away with murder? Sophie's about to find out - and to discover some extraordinary secrets about her boyfriend Hector and his family along the way. Colourful new characters join the regular Wendlebury cast in this cozy mystery. Previously published by Debbie Young as Murder by the Book.

Murder at the Well

When Bunny Carter, the old lady from the Manor House, is discovered in an open grave, Sophie Sayers is sure it’s a case of foul play. But when it comes to suspects, she’s spoiled for choice. One of Bunny’s squabbling children from three different husbands? Petunia Lot from the Cats Prevention charity, always angling for a legacy? All these and more had motive and opportunity. But who is to blame? And can Sophie and her boyfriend, village bookseller Hector Munro, stop them before they strike again? Previously published by Debbie Young.

A gripping cozy murder mystery for 2023

When Sophie Sayers inherits a cottage in a sleepy English Cotswold village, she’s hoping for a quieter life than the one she's running away from. What she gets instead is a dead body on a carnival float, and an extraordinary assortment of suspects. Is the enigmatic bookseller Hector Munro all he seems? And what about the over-friendly neighbour who brings her jars of honey? Not to mention the eccentric village shopkeeper, show committee, writers' group and drama club, all suspiciously keen to welcome her to their midst. If you love M C Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series, you'll enjoy Sophie Sayers' adventures.

The start of a gripping cozy murder mystery series by Debbie Young

When Sophie Sayers’ plans for a cosy English country Christmas are interrupted by the arrival of her ex-boyfriend, her troubles are only just beginning. Before long, the whole village stands accused of murder. Damian says he’s come to direct the village nativity play, but Sophie thinks he’s up to no good. What are those noises coming from his van? Who is the stranger lurking in the shadows? And whose baby, abandoned in the manger, disappears in plain sight? Enjoy the fun of a traditional Cotswold festive season, as Sophie seeks a happy ending for her latest village mystery – and for her new romance with charming local bookseller Hector Munro.

Murder in the Manger

Just when Sophie Sayers is starting to feel at home in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, a fierce new vicar arrives, quickly offending her and everyone else he meets. Banning the villagers’ Halloween celebrations seems the last straw, particularly when instead he revives the old English Guy Fawkes’ tradition with a bonfire piled high with sinister effigies. And what dark secret is he hiding about her boss, the beguiling bookseller, Hector Munro? Whose body is that outside the village bookshop? Not to mention the one buried beneath the vicar’s bonfire. Perfect for fans of M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin. Previously published by Debbie Young as Trick or Murder?

Debbie Young

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