Driven to Murder by Debbie Young
Series: Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery #9
Genres: Cozy Mystery
A perfect cosy crime for fans of M C Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series.
Change is coming to Wendlebury Barrow – and not everyone is happy about it…
When the local bus company announces it will be stopping its route through their quaint Cotswold village, the people of Wendlebury Barrow are up in arms. Not least Sophie Sayers, whose driving lessons with her boyfriend Hector get off to a bumpy start.
But the locals’ peaceful protests against the decision turn deadly when a body is discovered on the Number 27. No one can work out how Janice Boggins met her demise, let alone how the driver didn’t notice. While the police wait for the post mortem results, Sophie immediately suspects foul play, and launches her own investigation.
Can she solve the murder before another passenger is hurt?
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
In the charming village of Wendelbury Barrow in the Cotswolds, the atmosphere is anything but tranquil as the local bus service faces an uproar from the eccentric villagers due to its departure. The situation takes a dark turn when a mysterious death occurs on the bus, prompting Sophie Sayers, the owner of the local bookstore, to delve into the peculiar circumstances surrounding both the death and the bus company’s antics.
I appreciated the investigation led by the amiable main character, Sophie, and the cozy ambiance enhanced by the presence of the bookshop. My only qualm lies in the excessive focus on Sophie’s driving lessons. While pivotal to some aspects of the plot, I felt this could have been condensed. The mystery takes a while to unfold, not making its appearance until well past the halfway point. Additionally, the lingering question of why Janice Boggins stole the ring left me slightly frustrated. Was it a mistake, financial troubles, or perhaps the actions of an elderly kleptomaniac? The motive remained elusive, and that bothered me throughout.
Nevertheless, the overall experience was satisfying, offering an effortless journey to the Cotswolds with its cozy atmosphere and engaging characters.
Meet the Author
About Debbie Young
Debbie Young is the much-loved author of the Sophie Sayers and St Brides cosy crime mysteries. She lives in a Cotswold village where she runs the local literary festival, and has worked at Westonbirt School, both of which provide inspiration for her writing. She is bringing both her series to Boldwood in a 13-book contract. They will be publishing several new titles in each series and republishing the backlist, starting in September 2022.
I love the cover and think the book looks interesting.
I am interested in this book sounds like a real page turner.
new to me author
Keep it up!
I like the contrast between the title and the carefree nature of the design.
I am interested in this book
Love a good cozy and appreciate if books in a series CNN be read as a stand alone
Sounds like a good read!
I’m not usually a mystery reader, but this sounds good.
I love cozy mysteries and read them so fast that I am always looking for more authors. Thanks for sharing.
Love the cover, seems like an interesting story!
nice thank you
Hmm this sounds interesting!
this title is interesting
So much drama over a bus stop! I love it! It sounds very plausible for my town.
I would have been very interested in the audio version of this book — I love MC Beaton and her audios of Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin. But a couple of minutes into this audio is a complete turn-off. The narrators of Beaton are so in keeping with the stories and the characters, they enhance rather than distract. Those are big shoes to fill.