THE JUDGE AT SAINT JANE'S

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Romance, religion, blackmail and murder in this gripping page-turner.” Barb. W

A COZY MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A PICTURESQUE CUMBRIAN VILLAGE.

It’s a glorious autumn evening in Tarnfield when Deborah Arbiter falls to her death.

She ran a hostel for survivors of domestic abuse. What was she doing on the roof of St Jane’s?

Everyone says Deborah fell after climbing up to inspect a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn’t believe the seventy-year-old was undertaking her own DIY repairs.

Suzy thinks something fishy is going on. And when her new friend, Ellie, stops replying to her messages, Suzy can’t put it out of her mind. Suzy knows all about Ellie’s controlling lover. Then she finds out that Ellie was booked in to stay at Deborah’s hostel.

One woman who falls to her death at St Jane’s. One woman who never arrives.

Can Suzy Spencer get to the bottom of these sinister goings-on before it’s too late?

A new cozy mystery full of red herrings and twists and turns.

Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen, Richard Osman, Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Simon Brett, Margaret Mayhew, Jane Adams, Betty Rowlands and M.C. Beaton.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE SUZY SPENCER MYSTERIES

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I have a particular soft spot for insular, rural, parochial mysteries! This first in a sequence from Lis Howell ticks all my boxes and more besides.” J.S. Bundy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A mix of characters, family situations and a good plot. Highly recommend to those who enjoy thrillers with ordinary people.” Wendy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I couldn't put this book down. There were so many twists and turns to the story it just kept you enthralled the whole time.” Mabbsy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A good read, which keeps you guessing to the end.” Judith

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was an excellent read — with many twists and turns whilst holding on to a very interesting storyline. I am so impressed I've already started book two in the series.” KtMac

THE DETECTIVES

Suzy Spencer
After her husband runs off with his PA, part-time TV producer Suzy is left to bring up their children alone in quiet, rural Tarnfield. Despite only moving there for Nick’s work, she’s actually grown to like the pace of village life, and has thrown herself into volunteering with the church.

Robert Clark
After the death of his beloved wife Mary, Robert finds himself at a loose end, alone with his grief. He wants any opportunity to distract himself from the painful memories.

THE SETTING

Beautiful, quiet and secluded, Tarnfield is a charming Cumbrian village where everyone knows everybody’s business. The local gossip is like a soap opera — except that the drama has been running for at least fifty years. The church plays a huge part in village life, but traditions are being upended by the new vicar and his fondness for playing the guitar during sermons.

ALSO BY LIS HOWELL

SUZY SPENCER MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE FLOWER ARRANGER AT ALL SAINTS
Book 2: THE CHORISTER AT THE ABBEY
Book 3: THE DEATH OF A TEACHER
Book 4: THE JUDGE AT SAINT JANE’S