Publishing in May 2025 by Chapters Crime Press

More than Murder is the first book in a new cosy crime series from the multi-award-winning film and TV producer of the 2024 season of the BBC’s flagship brand, Silent Witness. Perfect for fans of Robert Thorogood, Fiona Leitch, and Richard Osman.

Returning to Little Clarsden to claim her half of Rose Cottage, flamboyant and spirited Frankie is met with a chilly reception from her estranged sister, the logical, organised and bossy Julia, who still nurtures an old grievance. Hoping to mend their fractured relationship, they take part in a Murder Mystery weekend at a Somerset mansion. But the playful intrigue turns deadly when they stumble upon a real corpse.

With a killer on the loose, a body that vanishes without a trace, and trust in short supply, Frankie and Julia must set aside their differences to uncover the truth. Can the sisters solve the mystery before they become the next victims?

Witty and charming characters and a plot with more twists and turns than a country road, More than Murder is an edgy and intriguing mystery.

My thoughts…

Julia and Frankie are sister brought together by the terms of a much loved Aunts will. But there a secret has come between. They haven’t got along for a long time. Free spirited Frankie lives a life without responsibility wherever she goes. Retired headmistress Julia lives a quieter, more ordered life and is finding it difficult to get over a previous betrayal. The two sisters bond only through the love for their Aunt.

A murder mystery weekend away is supposed to bring them together but before long a real murder is discovered that no one seems to believe they have witnessed. Dismissed as batty, old women, the sisters are soon investigating not only the staged murder mystery but also a real murder too. The clues are difficult to decipher as to which are real and which are staged, but all will be revealed by the sharp, eagle-eyed duo. Despite many mishaps the sisters manage to come together enough to solve the crime.

This is a warm, funny and engaging murder mystery set in a quintessential English village. There is much wit and humour throughout the story and at some points it made me laugh out loud (look out for the Jane Austen line from one of our suspects (herself an aspiring author!). No spoilers though, you’ll have to read it for yourself!

I thoroughly enjoyed disappearing into the pages of this book. It was just the tonic in a rather toxic world. A good, old fashioned murder mystery can be a real treat. If you enjoy books by Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood then I’m sure you’ll like this. It’s sharp, funny and fun! Perfect cosy crime!

Thank you to Hannah Hargrave for inviting me to read this delightful novel. It was a pleasure.

About the author

Jayne Chard is a multi-award-winning film and TV drama produce. After graduating with a degree in psychology and drama, Jayne went on to win the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Buzz Goodbody’s Director Award. She started working as a professional theatre director whilst continuing to write and two of her plays were performed on the London Fringe. In addition to a successful film and television career, Jayne was integral to setting up a veterinary clinic on the remotes island of Koh Tao in Thailand. She has also worked as a radio presenter. Jayne lives in the West Country with her partner and two mad cockapoos. She is already busy writing the next book in this cosy crime series.

If you would like to find out more about the author, Jayne Chard, please click here to visit her website.

More than Murder will be published on 1st May by Chapters Crime Press and will be available in paperback and on eBook. It is available from Amazon but if you prefer, like me, to purchase from a bookseller then the ISBN for the paperback is: 978-1068325007. They should then be able to get hold of it for you.

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