Synopsis

Small villages can hide big secrets…

When psychologist Laurel Nightingale finds a journalist murdered in the small village of Elderwick, she suspects her newest client, famous author Hugh Quintrell, might be involved. As Hugh charms the police into making him a consultant on the case, Laurel becomes determined to solve the mystery herself. But with a series of attacks, anonymous threats, and a web of secrets, Laurel realises that the village holds more dangers than she had anticipated. As she uncovers the truth, Laurel finds herself in a deadly game where everyone is a suspect, and time is running out to catch the killer.

Will she solve the mystery before it’s too late, or will she become the next victim in this twisted tale of deception and ambition?

A Turn Up for the Books is the thrilling and unmissable second novel in The Elderwick Mysteries.

“Fast paced and wonderfully atmospheric. Rachael Gray is excellent at ramping up the tension, with twists at every turn.” Clare Chase, author of The Eve Mallow Mysteries.

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Review

This small English village has seen many murders in the last year, and all since Dr. Laurel Nightingale arrived in Elderwick. So it is no surprise when the police tend to look in her direction as the possible killer. However, you would think that after she had helped solve the first murder, it would have given her some credit. Maybe in the third book!

This book brings back together Laurel, Maggie, and Albert as the trio that tends to work together to uncover the truth. I think Albert really didn’t want to be involved in any of this, but he somehow managed to be in the thick of things. But three heads are better than one in deciphering the clues. There are a few obnoxious characters, but germane to the plot. Hugh, a famous author, and Natalie, his agent. And we can’t forget Dorothy, the neighbor who is against everything and nearly everyone. I felt bad for anyone that had to deal with Hugh. He has an ego the size of Texas and seems to think he is some brilliant detective just because he has written many police procedural novels. Let’s just say he isn’t as smart as he thinks he is!

Much like the first novel, there are many possible suspects with various motives, but the truth surprised me in the end. While I suspected something wasn’t quite right with this character, I didn’t connect them to the murders. There are some clues to point you in the right direction, but you have to watch for them.

The story blends good and bad, happy and sad, with a satisfying conclusion. This was a fun read, and we give it 4 paws up.

About the Author

With over twenty years of experience working as a doctor of clinical psychology for the NHS and healthcare charities, Rachael Gray is the author of A Little Bird Told Me. This debut novel is the first in The Elderwick Mysteries Series; book two will be published in December 2024, and book three will be published in April 2025.

As a reader, Rachael will devour almost anything, but her favorite genres are crime and psychological thriller. As a writer, she enjoys crafting entertaining murder mysteries set in the glorious countryside of East Yorkshire. Her ultimate dream is to have her books made into a TV series directed by Mackenzie Crook – if you’ve ever watched Detectorists, you’ll understand.

When she’s not dreaming of unlikely television stardom, she can be found writing in the home she shares with her husband in Normandy, France – though she’ll always be a Yorkshire girl at heart.

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