There’s a fine line between what constitutes an enjoyable cozy mystery for me and one that’s too cute or quaint. Luckily, Sarah Yarwood Lovett’s Nell Ward series fits the bill for me. There’s some violence, mostly fights, but nothing too upsetting.
In this, the fifth in the series, Nell and Rav are in Ireland for their friends’ upcoming wedding. While there, Nell tours a local historic bog. The very next day, a body is found in the bog. And not an ancient one like Cashel Man. This one is more recent, and also happens to be someone known to the groom and his family.
There’s lots of family drama here. The story moves along at a brisk pace. Nell and Rav are more in the background here, as the story focuses on Conner, his family and the family of the deceased woman. There is a limited number of suspects, which gives it the feel of an old time closed room murder mystery.
Yarwood-Lovett does manage to sneak in lots of interesting facts about ecology, batch gin making, bog people and DNA. I love feeling like I’m learning something along with an entertaining mystery.
I have read all the previous books, but I don't think it’s necessary. This could easily work as a stand-alone.
My thanks to netgalley and Embra Books for an advance copy of this book

A change of scenery for Nell and the team. They're in Ireland for Sylvia and Conor's wedding! All of the usual characters are staying with Conor's family when, of course, a body is found. Naturally, Nell's expertise as a scientist is used throughout -there would be too many spoilers if I revealed how.

I thorouighly this series. There's a sense of escapism and comfort that many people can find when reading a cosy mystery but I always learn something too. I know absolutely nothing about botany, bats or other niche ecological areas but I very much enjoy feeling Sarah Yarwood-Lovett knows a great deal. She certainly seems to be enthusiastic when sharing her knowledge in a manner lay people can comprehend.

If this is your first in the series, I recommend starting at the very beginning as the characters develop so much across the books.

I've been enjoying the Dr. Nell Ward series, and I was delighted to get the opportunity to read the latest installment. The books keep getting better and better, and this one is my favorite, so far. Although the book could be read as a stand-alone, I think readers would appreciate the characters and their interpersonal relationships much more if they read the books in order. I enjoyed having this story take place in a new locale, and there were lots of suspects when a body is discovered. The story was very suspenseful, and there were lots of twist and turns and subplots. I highly recommend this book and the series, and I look forward to the next.

Don’t let the 3 stars fool you: it’s a “high three” rating. I just don’t have crazy emotions about this series (what usually pushes me to a 4 or 5 star rating) or the characters, although I am invested in Nell and Rav staying together (James can go, please and thank you). This cozy British murder mystery series does for ecology what the TV show “Bones” did for anthropology: elevates an area of study that doesn’t always get a lot of page/screen time and connects it in an interesting way to the crime solving genre. These books are pleasant reads and easily recommended to teens and grandmas alike (no on-page sex and very little if any profanity). Dr. Nell Ward continues to entertain me and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Weddings, their preparation, and the anticipation of joyous times ahead, can be both stressful and rewarding. Dr Nell Ward and partner Rav, are in Ireland for the marriage of two of their close friends as well as taking time to enjoy the stunning countryside and a conveniently timed local gin festival!

Things aren't as relaxed and convivial as they could be however, and long hidden tensions and disagreements are soon setting nerves jangling, making Nell very uneasy. When a body is discovered Nell's ecological expertise is urgently called upon but can she find the key pieces of information needed to prevent the wedding being cancelled and families and friendships irrevocably torn apart. It soon becomes clear that someone close at hand has no qualms about increasing the body count to ensure their freedom with no one safe from their murderous intent.

Wow, what a brilliant way to start February. The fifth title in Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's Dr Nell Ward Mystery Series is the very definition of thrilling page turner! I haven't yet read the first four books however I will be rectifying that oversight post haste! I loved the investigation, the ecological information, the humour, and the tension, in fact it ticks all my boxes except I didn't want to finish it! There are things which would have been clearer had I read the series in order especially as there are no spoilers. It would be very easy to gush about this book; it really is that good! The sixth book is due out in early August.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Embla Books, but the opinions expressed are my own,  I absolutely loved this but would recommend reading the books in order. Highly recommended.

I love Nell Ward. She's not a shrinking violet nor is she a ditz. She's a strong, intelligent scientist with a good head on her shoulders and I couldn't be happier to have gotten an ARC of a Trace of Hares. Set this time in Ireland and relying heavily on the ancient tradition of sacrificing humans to the gods via peat bogs, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett really did her research and kept this authenticate yet cozy. Do yourself a favor and read the first four books as they really do help build up to this masterpiece.

I really enjoyed catching up with Nell’s adventures again. Lots of great characters (although I could have done with a list of who’s who at the beginning as I got a little lost with the characters, who was related to who, and who was in a relationship with each other!) . Well written and informative at the same time. A great story with lots of twists and turns that left me guessing right to the end! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️