A summer fete at a historic estate quickly turns fatal and a popular online personality realizes that the situation with his stalker is much more serious than he ever thought. It took me a while to warm up to this one. Rav and Nell are partners, rewilding the Finchmere estate. The book begins with Nell escaping a housefire, so the plot jumps into action with very little backstory about the characters or their rewilding efforts. If you're not already familiar with the concept, or the names of some of the small animals in their region, you may be just as lost as I was. (I imagine that if I'd started the series with the first book, I would've learned as I read, but I jumped in mid-series.) There are a lot of characters, with a lot of conflict between them. It's far more complex than your average cozy mystery plot. I'm definitely curious about what's going to happen with these characters, so I'll be watching for the next book.

Dr Nell Ward and her partner and colleague Rav are back in another intriguing story.
Nell and Rav are on a YouTube channel about the rewilding of the Finchmere estate .
The channel is going from strength to strength and Rav’s popularity increases particularly with the female population.
The increased attention directed towards Rav brings a stalker out of the woodwork this in turn puts Nell in danger.
The characters in this series and the writing style make for an easy and enjoyable read.
It may be a cliche but this series continues to improve with each new book .
A satisfying read.
Looking forward to the next instalment!
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books .

As this is the sixth book in the Nell Ward series, the characters have formed emotional connections and invested in each other. When a stalker threatens them, emotions run high, often causing the protagonists to make less than objective decisions, which puts them in danger. I also listened to this as an audiobook. The narrator brings the characters to vibrant life and distinguishes well between them. The ecological details woven into the plot give it a unique perspective. It's an immersive and intriguing read with its clever and courageous protagonists and a plot with many twists. I enjoy the clever plotting with numerous suspects and false leads. I like the complex and relatable cast of characters and the country estate setting that provides the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and purchased an audiobook copy.

I love the Nell Ward series of mysteries. This one had the right mix of interesting ecology information and intriguing plot lines. There were many different lines to the story and many red herrings but for me this did not detract from a great story.

A mystery set in such a quaint setting was always going to be great to me, but this book was truly a joy to read, and I'd definitely read more of her works, past and future.

This is the 6th book in this series which for the most part is a cosy mystery. The biggest difference is in wildlife information which is both fascinating and different from other books in this genre and indicates a great deal of knowledge and research by the author. The mystery is a twisty and complicated one that kept me turning the pages. All in all another great in this enjoyable series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5 upped to 4
I love this series and always enjoyed Nell's investigations and her complex private life.
This is not a favorite even if it's entertaining and the mystery kept me guessing.
It's the most complicated installment in the series, sometimes a bit confusing: too many suspects, to many read herrings.
I loved it as I consider Nell, Rav, James, and the other characters as sort of book friends and I’m always delighted to catch up with the pleasant and well-developed characters of this series.
I had fun but would not recommend as stand-alone or the book to start this series.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

How many bodies in a rather small cast of characters is enough to eliminate all but the actual killer? This book seeks to address this question. Rather than eliminating red herrings by finding alibis or new evidence, in this book the character put forward as the next best suspect just gets bumped off too, til there are so few left that a toss of a coin has a good chance of picking the killer from among the survivors. This was not a terrible mystery. I enjoyed it, but this story structure bugged me. Also the post-arrest wrap-up took FOREVER, which messed up the pacing and made the book drag rather than ending on a higher note. All in all, I gave this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the ecology bits, and how many female characters with speaking roles this book has. I will probably read more books by this author, but I am hoping she doesn't make a habit of killing off most of her characters. ,

Part of a series of Dr Nell Ward and her partner Rav.
You need to read the previous books to understand the characters and their roles in the story.
Rav has got a stalker. Combined with a local fete for Finchmere there are plenty of suspects and red herrings when murder happens.
The characters have complicated and complex backgrounds which makes it more difficult to follow the many lines of enquiries.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was a great story with interesting plot twists and characters. Each chapter kept me wanting more and I am looking forward to what the author has in store.

Our favorite crime solving ecologist Dr Nell Ward is back in a new mystery where she and Rav are again in danger from those around them. It's rare that I feel such actual worry for characters in a book but these two hit me in the feels every time.

This time there is drama over their very popular new YouTube channel, and Rav has a few obsessive fans that want Nell out of the way. I was so happy to see the progress Rav is making in his recovery from the car accident a few books ago. I also really like how science helped solves the mystery in these books.

This series is perfect for fans of the Dr Ruth Galloway mysteries.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Embla Books for the advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Sarah Yarwood-Lovett's* *A Swarm of Butterflies* is a captivating and charming installment in the Dr. Nell Ward Mystery series, blending elements of cozy mystery with an engaging naturalist theme. The novel follows Dr. Nell Ward, an ecologist, as she finds herself entangled in a murder mystery that disrupts the tranquility of her latest environmental survey. With Yarwood-Lovett's keen eye for detail and love for the natural world, this book delivers an enjoyable mix of suspense, science, and a touch of romance.

Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, *A Swarm of Butterflies* draws readers into the intricate world of ecology, where even the smallest details can have significant implications—not just for the environment but also for the investigation at hand. When a body is discovered near a butterfly conservation site, Nell's expertise in wildlife becomes an unexpected asset in the investigation, offering a unique twist on the traditional amateur sleuth narrative.

Yarwood-Lovett's writing is vivid and immersive, bringing both the natural setting and the characters to life. Her protagonist, Dr. Nell Ward, is a relatable and likable character, whose intelligence and curiosity drive the story forward. The supporting cast, including law enforcement officers and other locals, are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative and providing various red herrings that keep the reader guessing.

The plot of *A Swarm of Butterflies* is well-paced, with a good balance of tension and lighter moments. Yarwood-Lovett skillfully weaves environmental themes into the mystery, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, particularly for readers interested in conservation and ecology. The integration of scientific knowledge into the plot is done seamlessly, never feeling forced or overly technical.

Overall, *A Swarm of Butterflies* is a delightful read that combines a well-crafted mystery with a deep appreciation for the natural world. Sarah Yarwood-Lovett has created a series that is both engaging and educational, making it a standout in the cozy mystery genre. Fans of nature-themed mysteries or those looking for a smart and enjoyable read will find much to appreciate in this book.

A Swarm of Butterflies by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett is another in the ongoing story of Dr Nell Ward and her beau, Rav (Dr Aravindan Kakshyap) and their ongoing efforts to recreate Nell’s estate of Finchmere into an ecologically friendly place for native species; rewilding. To that end there is to be a fete held on the grounds this weekend. The current problem is that Rav is visiting his parents and the cat has woken Nell to let her know their barn/house is on fire. They both got out OK, but as the next few days unraveled it became apparent that Rave had a stalker and the stalker intended to remove Nell. He had become something of a star as the narrator on their YouTube series and so the suspect pool was much wider. They looked around but could not identify a suspect. Then, the most likely suspect was killed. Should they cancel the fete? Could Nell keep a low profile? What was going to happen next? More deaths?

This is a good series. Nell is a member of the aristocracy, but still a working scientist who lives with her partner, Rav, who has just gotten out of a wheelchair and onto crutches due to a car wreck which had happened on the racetrack as Rave was driving one of her father’s cars. They are both excellent and sympathetic characters and if one were to ask how exciting a mystery featuring ecologists could be, the answer lies within. This is another of the intriguing and varied books in this series featuring a variety of colorful characters as well as bats and rats and such. The mysteries are well-plotted and worth the read. The are both compelling and warm. Thanks Yarwood-Lovett for this wonderful cozy mystery series.

I was invited to read A Swarm of Butterflies by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #SarahYarwoodLovett #ASwarmOf Butterflies

Dr Nell Ward is back with another mystery to solve, but this time she is the (intended) victim. Nell's partner Rav has found fame as an ecological content creator but has also gained himself a stalker along the way. After a failed attempt to kill Nell in a house fire, the stalker turns their attention to other targets. No-one seems to be safe in the tight knit Finchmere artisan community.

I've found myself really warming to Nell as the main character, and this was amplified in A Swarm of Butterflies. She's constantly chasing her tail to keep herself and others out of harm's way, and there's not always a happy ending. Plus the small list of supporting characters adds a real air of claustrophobia to the story.

A great installment in the series!

A Swarm of Butterflies is the sixth book in the Dr. Nell Ward mystery series. This unique series features Nell, who is an ecologist, as the main character. In this book, she and her boyfriend, Dr. Rav Kashyap, are hosting a popular channel on social media and it looks like one of their fans is willing to go too far to get closer to Rav and get Nell out of the picture. There are a lot of shady people in this book, so there is no shortage of suspects. I love Nell and Rav, but sometimes they are just too nice! They are taken advantage of and put themselves in danger because they just can't say no!

There are highs (great scenes with Rav and Nell) and lows (over-complicated plot) in this suspenseful book. However, what I love about this series is nature and ecology isn't just a backdrop - science plays a large role in solving the case. Although some things got confusing as the story progressed, it's still an interesting mystery and there are a couple things that occur that fans of the series won't want to miss.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Embla Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

This may be my favourite of the series. I love a country fair and this reminded me of home! I did manage to guess the villain but the plot is written with such depth and drama that I was wholly invested from beginning to end. I am also, of course, extremely invested in the lives of these characters- previous books I felt featured more on the lives of characters than on the mystery plot, but this struck a great balance and both were well integrated and more subtle compared to the early Nell Ward novels - the author has really grown in their craft. I suppose the intertwining of murder plot character plot could make it difficult to follow in parts, but I read this in only a few sittings - maybe if I’d read this with longer breaks it would have been harder to keep track.

I will say that this would be much harder to follow if you were coming to this without having read the others- this novel lacked the context that previous books would always outline in the early chapters (I read the first three out of order and had no problems). One other thing that felt odd was that given that it felt that so much effort was put into shoehorning James into the last book, why was Shannon missing from this one?

All in all, a quick and enjoyable read for those who like a scientific but not overly gruesome mystery set in the English countryside. 3.5*

At the heart of the picturesque Finchmere estate, Dr. Nell Ward’s family home becomes the focus during its first summer fete. Nell and her partner, Rav, are riding high on the success of their sustainability and rewilding efforts, which have even turned into a YouTube sensation with "Following Finchmere." Hoping to inspire others to embrace eco-friendly living.

Unfortunately, behind the scenes is not as perfect as everything seems.

A huge fire destroys a beautiful property, that Nell cherish’s and Rav begins receiving unsettling messages.
Unable to understand why this has happened, they seek help from their friend, DI James Clark.

When a body is discovered after the fire, and identified to be in relation to the estate. The situation becomes more terrifying. With hundreds of visitors attending Nell & Rav’s fete, a killer will be hiding in plain sight…. Leaving everyone in a precarious situation.

This story effortlessly combines the quality of a cozy mystery with the of suspense of a thriller…. Dr. Nell Ward, a smart and resourceful conservation ecologist, somehow always ends up right in the middle of trouble—usually stumbling upon unexpected deaths and crimes. While the story keeps that warm, cozy vibe, it also delves into some very serious moments, making it stand out.
The plot is packed with twists that keep you on your toes.

As a newcomer to the Nell Ward Mystery series, this did take me a moment to get familiar with the characters, but the story quickly drew me in. Although maybe starting from the beginning of the series might give you a more in-depth background, this book is stands perfectly well as a satisfying stand alone, giving you, the reader, quick escape.

And the setting, I found it to be simply enchanting! I want you to Imagine a lush landscape teeming with bees and butterflies, which adds a magical touch to the story. Whether you're enjoying the book in your garden or curled up inside, this book is sure to suck you in. 📚🌸🦋

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this ebook.
I have read the other books in this series, and with some reservations, mostly enjoyed them. This one however didn’t really hit the spot for me. The main characters who are ecologists do what they do, and become embroiled in a tangled web of plot lines. It’s difficult to keep up with who is doing what to whom and where. Far too many things going on and too many characters.

Another book in the Dr. Nell Ward series. While I find her work fascinating and love the intrigue of a good mystery, this book just felt like it had too much going on. Too many suspects, too many people with questionable pasts (and presents), too many rabbit trails, it was all too busy and too much and very difficult to keep up with. I had to read to the end to see what in the world was going to happen, but I wish it had been a little less chaotic.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

I've been enjoying this series of books as I like the 'hook' - that the main characters are ecologists, and some kind of forensic ecology always plays into the plot and solving the mystery.

Nell and Rav are back at Finchmere, and the action takes place over the weekend of a big event to celebrate and display the results of the rewilding project there. To add to the stress, Nell's house burns downs - is it arson or carelessness?

There's also a lot of conflict among the artisans and staff at the fete, and this really adds to the pressure our main characters are facing. A series of increasingly violent murders of people closely connected to Nell and Rav increases the tension and confusion (although I don't really understand how the fete doesn't get cancelled by the police).

Oddly, the main characters are more likable (they're working together better) and the twisty plot carries on to a rather tidy end. If you like your cosy mysteries a bit sciency and a bit bloody, you'll probably enjoy this series.

I'd still rate it light reading, 3.5 out of 5