Sussex in 1926 saw the Honorable Cressida Fawcett return to her parents' home with her pug Ruby, and Ruby's six new puppies. The morning following, when she was searching for two missing pups, she arrived at the edge of Hell's Ditch, a bubbling stream at the back of the property. And laying face down, quite obviously dead, was their gardener, Bob. Was it an accident? Did he fall from the bridge? Or was it murder?

Cressy, her good friend Dotty and Dotty's brother Alfred - who Cressy was very fond of - began their search for evidence, calling Scotland Yard detective, Andrews, to the scene. The historical society, whom Cressy's father was a part of, formed much of her suspicions. But proof - she needed proof. And when Marian, much loved cook and friend, and Bob's wife, was arrested for murder, Cressy doubled down in her search. Marian hadn't done it, she was sure...

Death in an English Village is the 7th in the Cressida Fawcett series by Fliss Chester and it was fun and entertaining! I've been with this series since the beginning, and Cressy, Dotty, Alfred and Ruby are a great team that I'm looking forward to reading more about. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

I’ve been a fan of the Cressida Fawcett Mysteries since the very first book (Death Among the Diamonds), so I was excited at the opportunity to review the latest - Death in an English Village.

Cressida and Co are visiting her childhood home, when Cressy finds a dead body. Naturally, they investigate.

I really enjoyed this book. Cressida and her friends are familiar by now, and I particularly liked seeing the interaction between her and Alfred. I like that it’s developing slowly, especially given Cressida’s views on marriage.

The setting of Mydenhurst Place and the local village came across really clearly, and I enjoyed the way the history of some of the local people was gradually revealed as the investigation proceeded.

Ruby and her six puppies added some excellent humorous moments, lightening the mood in a story that is rather close to home for Cressida.

Overall, this was an excellent mystery that kept me turning the pages. I recommend the whole series.

I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for this ARC. A great cozy murder mystery, at book seven and still going strong, the characters are still growing. Looking forward to book 8.

I tried really hard not to read this too quickly. Really, really hard. Or at least, in my mind I did. In reality, I devoured every page in a greedy 'don't want to put this book down' frenzy. Now I'm just sad that it's over.
This is the seventh book in the Cressida Fawcett series and while they are stand alone mysteries, that would work just fine if you hadn't read the others, I think that you're missing out if don't start at the beginning. Cressida, Alf, Dotty and of course pug Ruby are such great characters and I've loved following them as they solve these mysteries. I'm loving watching Cressida's relationship with Alfred grow through each book. He's such an understanding chap and a great match for her.
The murder this time is tied up in a missing Anglo-Saxon hoard after the victim is found clutching a gold coin. Has he been killed because he has found the money, or is there more to it than that? Even though the police are on the case, Cressida seems to have the skills to get to the bottom of everything.
I'm sure that it won't be too long before Cressida finds herself in the midst of a mystery again. I can't wait to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Was it a curse? This book kept my attention and I had to make myself put it down. Great series. I will be looking for more by this author and waiting for the next in the series.

In 1926 Sussex, a playful puppy chase leads Cressida to a murder: her family gardener is found dead near a legendary Saxon gold hoard. Suspicion falls on the victim’s wife. But Cressida, aided by a historian, suspects foul play among the local historical society—uncovering jealousy and greed in their quest for the ancient treasure.

This book is so much fun. I love the light-hearted tone and the writing style. The characters are engaging and the plot full of twists. This is only the second book I’ve read in the series—it doesn’t need to be read in order. But I plan to go back and read the books I missed.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

When the family gardener is murdered near a site of legendary buried treasure, dog-lover and mystery-solver Cressida Fawcett is on the case!
I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done an amazing job at creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society.

For this one Cressida is visiting her parents and so its in her home village. This one had an interesting storyline, Local history vs personal relationships amongst the villagers, There were some good clues and a number of red herrings.

The developing personal story is an enjoyable thread; Dot, Cressida and their beaus. Rosy and her mischievous pups also add a gentle diversion. (Helping mum with the colour palette in their home)

Once again, though I struggled with what felt like a lack of empathy considering how close the victims were to the family.. This pulled it back to a three out of five for me.

My thanks to #Netgalley and Bookouture for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

In DEATH IN AN ENGLISH VILLAGE, written by Fliss Chester, the Honourable Cressida Fawcett chases down her pug, Ruby, who has recently given birth to six puppies. She finds the Fawcett family’s gardener, Bob, face down in Hell’s Ditch, a bubbling stream, holding a cheese and pickle sandwich in one hand and a gold coin in the other. How did Bob die? Was his death a murder? Why did he die with a gold coin in his hand?

The novel takes place in Sussex in the 1820s. I enjoy reading about Cressida, her family, and Mydenhurst Place (the manor house owned by Cressida’s family). I care as much about the backstory of Cressida, her pug (Ruby), and her love interest (Alfred), as I do about the mysteries presented in the plot. I especially want to know about Cressida and Alfred and their developing relationship. I look forward to reading future books in the Cressida Fawcett series. Thank you, Bookouture and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of DEATH IN AN ENGLISH VILLAGE.

Thank you to @netgalley and @Bookouture for this ARC. Another Cressida Fawcett and her pug Ruby cozy mystery. Walking on her family's estate, she finds their gardener dead while eating his lunch on the river's bridge. Upon closer inspection, she finds a gold coin in his fist. Was this death a murder regarding the rumors of a long, lost hoard of coins? Another great read by Fliss Chester. #DeathinanEnglishVillage #CressidaFawcett #FlissChester #Bookouture #April2025

Cressida finds herself chasing the rambunctious pug/corgi puppies around the family home even as a murderer is busy poisoning others to mimic a curse on a Roman horde. The family cook was framed!
her call to Scotland Yard resulted in DI Andrews and DS Kirby coming to help. Or not. Excellent read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley.
#DeathInAnEnglishVillage by @flisschester @SocialWhirlGirl #CressidaFawcettMysteriesBk7
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