THE COSY KNAVE by Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen

Nothing says cosy mystery quite like a murder in a tea room of a quaint English village.

Knavesborough is a buzz as the town’s prodigal son, Mark Baldwin now Sir Marco Bellini, has returned with fame, fortune and a butler in tow after a 40-year absence to Argentina. Sir Bellini, a famous violinist, has come home after an accident and purchased Netherdale Manor.

Sir Bellini hosts a house warming party for the villages to see Netherdale Manor. As gossip has been plentiful, the villagers eagerly attend. Rose Walnut-Whip, a bit of a nosey body, can’t help exploring the many rooms of the manor. However, she soon becomes very ill.

Days later the villagers gather again, this time at the Ye Cosy Knave, a tea room, to watch the latest football match on the large screen. Rose has recovered and joins the crowd. A commotion disrupts among the group when they feel their team was cheated of goal. Minutes later Rose is found dead. She has been stabbed in front of the villagers, yet no one saw a thing.

Constable Archibald Penrose is called into investigate. He finds he’s on his own as his superior, DI Mars-Wrigley is obsessed with England’s chance at the football world cup. Penrose finds help from his fiancée, Rhapsody Gershwin. Being the village librarian and the vicar’s daughter, Rhapsody has her finger on the pulse of the community. 

Another murder occurs and it’s up to Penrose and Gershwin to find the killer before one of them becomes the next victim.

Author Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen’s smooth flowing dialect and vivid details will have you smelling scones and reaching for a cup of tea. The quirky play on names (Kickinbottom, Cadbury-Flake, Warburton, etc.) is an added delight. 

But don’t be fooled, THE COSY KNAVE is also filled with suspense, intrigue and enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the end. There are twists and turns, and a few surprises along the way. Penrose and Gershwin make a charming and likeable pair of sleuths. Can’t wait to see what their next adventure is.

Author Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen’s blog is djskrimiblog

The Cosy Knave by Dorte Hummelshoj Jakobsen, A Gershwin And Penrose Mystery, Self-Published, @2011, ASIN: B005DTNXOI, Kindle Edition, 68,290 Words (Approximately) 

FTC Full Disclosure - This e-book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.