A Death in the Parish cover art

A Death in the Parish

A Canon Clement Mystery

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About this listen

 THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MURDER BEFORE EVENSONG

CANON DANIEL CLEMENT IS BACK...

It's been a few months since murder tore apart the community of Champton apart. As Canon Daniel Clement tries to steady his flock, the parish is joined with Upper and Lower Badsaddle, bringing a new tide of unwanted change. But church politics soon become the least of Daniel's problems. His mother - headstrong, fearless Audrey - is obviously up to something, something she is determined to keep from him. And she is not the only one. And then all hell breaks loose when murder returns to Champton in the form of a shocking ritualistic killing...©2023 Reverend Richard Coles (P)2023 Orion Publishing Group Limited Amateur Sleuths Cosy Genre Fiction Mystery Small Town & Rural Fiction Detective Crime Murder

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Critic reviews

The best of the new writers to have emerged from the "cosy crime" boom... with a pleasingly idiosyncratic, allusive style (Jake Kerridge)
Gloriously astute on the details of village interactions... [this is] charming, cosy crime. (Alison Flood)
Full of intrigue, this is a thoroughly entertaining sequel. (Susan Watson)
A good holiday read, with much gentle humour peppered among the village characters. (Hannah Stephenson)
First-class entertainment but with more of an edge than most "cosy crime" books. (Jake Kerridge)
Praise be!.. Fans still in withdrawal after Coles's withdrawal from Radio 4's Saturday Live can once again bask in his wit, wisdom and insight. (Rose Shepherd)
A book to appreciate as well as enjoy. (Jeremy Black)
Most relevant
I loved the return to the Vicarage and getting involved with the villagers again! The setting and period is excellent, as is the narration - I could listen to Rev. Richard Coles all day. The plot takes many a turn so expect the unexpected. I cannot wait for the next tale!

I didn’t see that coming!

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You tease, Richard Coles ! I'm devastated by the end of this book and cannot wait until you write a 3rd Canon Clements story and make it all right .
Having said which, i loved this book as much as the first story. Apart from the excellent detective mystery element, the combination of vivid characterisation and wry humour is leavened with a compassionate and sincere understanding of our human frailties. I also learned a lot about C of E ritual and history - fascinating stuff. So glad it is read by the author's gentle voice.
Thank you.

Heartbroken !!!

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Absolutely excellent , a real whodunnit. in the best tradition.
More of Audrey please.

Brilliant. How long until the next book ?

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I really enjoyed this - love the C of E references and characters. Gutted by the ending! I like Richard’s narration but like others found it really difficult to distinguish who was saying what in conversations.

Great story and characters

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Really enjoyed this! The characters are developing nicely. Looking forward to the next! One suggestion on the narration: When there are back and forth conversations, I would like a slight break, so it is clear when the speaker changes.

Excellent follow-on from Murder Before Evensong.

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I wasn't so taken with the first book as the language was difficult to understand and appreciate the meaning of. So normally, that being the case, I wouldn't bother with book 2. However, glad I took a chance on book 2 as its super! A much better story with a brilliant twist. The characters just keep getting better, I adore Audrey. keep writing these stories because I genuinely think that the characters will become cherished.

super second book, much better than the first.

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Very good. Made me laugh out loud and also made me sad at times. Good story and plot and the characters are believable. Hopefully the Canon Clement mystery No 3 is already being written!

Loved it even more that the first book

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Great story , lots of content and detail, the devils in the detail ! I was glad I had read the first book in the series, to get the odd reference in this one. Not sure about the spattering of singing, although added to the authors method of storytelling. Didnt see whodunnit , before the reveal, or the ending, thoroughly good read , looking fwd to the next one.

Well I never saw that coming !

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A wonderful second instalment, perfectly narrated by RRC. A gentle & affectionate tale - can’t wait for the publication of book 3 & to find out what the world has in store for Daniel…

Loved every moment

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I enjoyed the who dunnit aspect of the novel. Pleasantly set in village atmosphere. Interesting characters. I found it unfortunate that the author narrated it himself as his tone is quite flat and runs it altogether with minimal rise and fall of tone. I could also have done without quite so many hi brow cultural references.

Pleasant but unfortunately should have different narrators

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