Cozy Mystery Meets English Charm: A Murder of Crows Review

Cozy Mystery Meets English Charm: A Murder of Crows Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

Sarah Yarwood-Lovett’s debut, A Murder of Crows, blends cozy mystery, English charm, and ecological intrigue in a smart, engaging first novel.

A short summary:

When ecologist Dr. Nell Ward takes on a routine environmental inspection, she expects little more than wildlife surveys and habitat notes. Instead, she stumbles into a murder investigation that threatens to expose long-buried secrets. Balancing her professional work with her aristocratic alter ego, Lady Eleanor Ward-Beaumont, Nell must navigate both the police inquiry and the social pages that could ruin her carefully protected double life.

My favorite quote:

"Darling, people who make no mistakes can never learn anything 

and can never have any fun." - Sarah Yarwood Lovett, Murder of Crows

Questions to ponder while reading:

Do you have a secret?

Do you appreciate the value of a good home inspection?

My review:

Sarah Yarwood-Lovett’s debut, A Murder of Crows, is a delightful entry into the cozy mystery world. With ecologist Dr. Nell Ward at the center, the novel blends the precision of environmental fieldwork with the intrigue of a classic whodunit. The duality of Nell’s life, as a professional scientist and as Lady Eleanor Ward-Beaumont, adds an extra layer of tension and charm, especially as murder and social scandal begin to overlap. It’s a clever premise that makes for a refreshing and engaging read.

As a first novel, it hits the sweet spot between suspense and charm, with a distinctly “English” style that fans of traditional mysteries will appreciate. From countryside estates to whispered secrets, Yarwood-Lovett brings both atmosphere and wit to her storytelling. Fun, polished, and filled with just the right amount of intrigue, this debut sets the stage for a promising new series.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller based in Tontitown, Arkansas.

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

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