I cannot rate this high enough.

If I could give it 100 I would...at last a real cosy mystery, read superbly by Nathaniel Parker.
Everything about it, is what I have been waiting for..if you love Agatha Christie you will love this..if you love
, in your face blood and gore, you won’t..

9 people found this helpful

A lovely, cosy, mystery series!

This audiobook was warm, friendly, humorous, and soothing, remaining engaging throughout. Whilst the village was so chocolate-boxy that they actually produced their own fudge, it still managed not to feel saccharine. The plot was not particularly intricate but the characters were a diverse mix in age, gender, and nationality, and I very much enjoyed the fact that despite being a rural village every one of its residents felt as though they had found a place for themselves within it. Even Alfie's Aunt Augusta, or 'Gussie', was embraced by her neighbours despite her unconventional approach to life (and interior design). Her friends, Liz and Marge, were a delight and I was glad to see them take such a central role in the story.

A character from whom we heard less - but whose presence was very welcome - was Alfie's friend, Oscar. Obsessed with his Wildean namesake, Oscar's dry wit and plagiarised observations could have been a gimmicky irrelevance but they never felt such. Instead he lent the stories a touch of elegance, and I enjoyed each of the little asides where Alfie called to update him on events. I have long collected quotes from Wilde, and was pleased to see the author sneak in several in this fashion.

I connected with both the village and its inhabitants much more immediately than I have any other contemporary cosy, as even with the Cherringhambooks it took me a while to settle into them. The only disappointment with this book is its brevity, but as it only cost a couple of pounds I can't really grumble about that. I have already downloaded the following two books, and am looking forward to spending more time in Bunburry as the collection expands. I think the Bunburry mysteries will prove to be the perfect bedtime listening, though with this one I was always tempted to listen longer than I'd originally intended!

I do, however, wish that Lubbe Audio didn't add jangly music to the beginning and end of their audiobooks. It may only be something they do with their cosy mysteries, but as with Cherringham (where they begin each tale with something that sounds like a James Bond theme being played on a doorbell) the Bunburry mysteries start and finish with the sort of tune you'd only expect to hear from an icecream van towing a fairground waltzer. I'm sure it probably does help give each series a distinct signature, but it is rather annoying when listening at bedtime - especially if the musical flourish at the end wakes the listener up!

The narrator Nathaniel Parker was new to me but has a very pleasing voice. Rich and resonant, lively and expressive, his performance was charming and ideal for a series like this one. I hope they stick with him for future books in this series, as Cherringham has with Neil Dudgeon, because he brought the village to life very nicely.

6 people found this helpful

An enjoyable English "Cosy" Mystery

I enjoyed this "cosy" mystery to the point where I immediately purchased the next two books in the series. The story line is not a complex one; the main characters are delightful; the writing is often witty with moments that had me laughing out loud despite it being a "whodunnit:. The narrator, Nathaniel Parker, was an absolute delight to listen to. Did not want the book to end! I hope there will be more in this series. If you enjoy the Cherringham series, this series is similar in format and you will most likely enjoy these new characters.

4 people found this helpful

Too short

Great characters, nice setting but way too short for the storyline to develop, weak plot.

3 people found this helpful

Adorable with Meaty Modern Bits

I listened to this just over a couple of days convalescence. Wonderfully quaint and familiar- or so I thought! The characters are exquisitely shaped and the story arc covers memories of childhood, modern aspects, the world of the theatre and more. Even if I hadn’t been resting I am sure I would have taken it all over the house with me. I’m going to get the next one straight away

1 person found this helpful

cosy

Just right for an afternoon sewing. Not too taxing for the old brainbox and good characters and narration.lol

1 person found this helpful

Bunburry - A Gt. place for Murder

Very Enjoyable, Like Sunday Night viewing on TV. please, can we have some more in the same vein?

1 person found this helpful

Murder at the mouse trap

I found this book absolutely delightful,with believable characters and beautifully read.
For lovers of cosy mysteries this is a must.

1 person found this helpful

Cherringham copy not as good

Struggled with it very weak shall not listen to any more was not cosy at all

3 people found this helpful

The equivalent of Midsomer Murders

Not my cup of tea. But clever formula churned out competently. Pleasant enough but definitely not a ‘real’ book. The cover art says it all. Safe and ‘Cosy’.