The Body at the Windmill (A Georgina Drake Mystery #7), by Kate Hardy

 

Publication Feb. 2, 2026

Two mysteries. Both involving poisoning. One old. One new. And, somehow, right in the middle of both, is photographer Georgina Drake. Who knew simply driving a friend to pick up a child who gets sick on a school field trip could lead to an investigation. Although initially most found it odd an entire group of children would get sick with the same thing at almost exactly the same time, no one thought too much about it. Then the teacher heading that field trip dies. Now it's a murder investigation that sucks Georgina into it in ways she'd just as rather have never happened. 

I don't want to give away too much more of the plot, it's a good one that'll keep you guessing, but will say it involves greed, family angst, manipulation, small town gossip, a dead rat, and the difficulty newcomers often face while trying to fit into a new place. You'll also get some serious background on windmill operation and the whys of the way things are done to manufacture flour. Lots of bits of history, too, mostly tied to the old murder. That's where Georgina's friend Doris comes into play. She has a talent Georgina doesn't. Doris is a ghost that only Georgina can hear through her hearing aid. She also seems to have the ability to slip in an out of locations not just effortlessly... I mean, would we expect anything less of a ghost .... but find and talk to deceased souls involved. In this case it's Margaret, accused and hanged for murder nearly a century ago. Doris' presence doesn't come across as spooky, just as the way it is, so don't hesitate to read this if you're a ghost skeptic. As you'll discover, some of the characters were/are, too. 

Which brings me to why I keep returning to this series. The characters are well fleshed out and it was particular fun to see Georgina's son Will home and playing a major role in the investigation. Actually, in both investigations. Even daughter Bea makes a brief appearance via a phone call, so it was a bit of a family reunion. Colin, the detective inspector and Georgina's boyfriend, is coming around but I was more impressed to see his open willingness to not just buy into Doris' existence but how he handled dealing with Will's work issues that brought him home. Not pushy, just available to listen if needed. In the process, we all learn a bit about the evolution of arsenic via some past research Will did for schooling. In any case, I liked the characters and how their connections have evolved. And, hey, if you enjoy a dose of Shakespeare and/or literary references, you'll definitely like this book. The mystery is solid, with several suspects and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. Thanks #StormPublishing for initially introducing me to this series and allowing me an early peek at how life is treating Georgina. My own affinity for picking up my camera without thought makes her a bit of a kindred soul for me. 

A Body at the Book Fair (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #6), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication June 16, 2025

Although advertised as the finale for the series, this seems to be preview of a new beginning under a new name, ie the upcoming Novel Detectives series. It would seem the original characters will continue, albeit perhaps with more emphasis on investigating than murder. Not that there has ever been a lack of cases to investigate, just that the upcoming ones perhaps won't be tired to the book shop. In any case, I'm delighted to hear Annie and her circle of friends will continue. Annie and bookstore co-worker Fletcher are even setting up their detective office at the book shop and, well, this case involved books, so those of us drawn to book connected murders can apparently rest easy. Annie and Fletcher, soon to be joined by Pri and Liam,are attending a book fair where, no surprise, they become involved in investigating a murder. One that basically happens right in front of Annie, no less. She's already of the proof she needs to bring a cold case to an end, this one involving her college friend Scarlet. They were to be investigative partners but Scarlet was murdered. It's a case that has haunted Annie for nearly a decade but she still finds time to, first, take charge of the current scene, way to go, Annie, and somehow be in the right place at the right time to be helpful while still taking on the dangerous task of unmasking the man she holds responsible for Scarlet's death.

I won't detail the plot but have to admit that as much as I've enjoyed this series, it all seemed a bit rushed. Annie's plan to find the proof needed for her cold case involves getting past some seemingly high level, top-notch security. Yet, she somehow manages. Not once but twice. I'll just say this all leads to a dramatic, dangerous conclusion. As for the current case, it seemed more a matter of luck when people she didn't know somehow decided to confide in her, even when they had reasons not to, and to be not only in the right place at the right time but to guess right. In other words, readers, be willing to stretch your belief a bit as you go into this one. Still a good story but, well, didn't quite pull me in like the previous books.

Don't get me wrong. as noted, I did enjoy it. It held my attention and I basically finished it in one day. I'm looking forward to seeing how Annie and Fletcher work together as the Novel Detectives. Although I initially was slow to warm up to Annie, I have come to like and admire her tenacity. I also like the other main characters, a plus for someone like me who is drawn back repeatedly by characters I like that seem like they could be friends or neighbors. Fingers crossed, it appears they'll all be back, even Hal, the original owner of the book shop, who took Annie in when she needed it. He's quite the charmer and  has proven a solid sounding board and reliable friend. Pri, best friend, and Liam, Annie's boyfriend, are also solid and add to the story, especially Liam who Annie started out disliking due to his seeming disdain for mysteries. So, don't hesitate to pick up this book/series. It's a fun one that seems to still be evolving. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie and allowing me the early peeks at all that's going on in her life. I'm glad this is just foreshadowing a new beginning.

 

The Body Under the Stage (Georgina Drake #3), by Kate Hardy

 Publication June 18, 2024

Although I'd recommend you read the first two books in the series before tackling this one, it isn't absolutely necessary. After the first chapter it all began to become clear to me who was who and how everyone was connected. That said, as a new to the series reader, I must admit to being a bit thrown by the first chapter. What I was reading didn't seem to match the blub. I pressed on, however, and am glad I did. By the time the second chapter was complete, I was hooked. I liked the characters and how connected they were, not to mention that Doris' story was both heartbreaking and intriguing. She's a ghost, btw, and you'll know her story well by the time the book ends. Georgina Drake, our main character, and her daughter Bea have a wonderful, very open relationship, although Georgina's ability to catch Bea's "tell" is surely annoying to Bea. Bea herself is a talented actress in what appears to be her first major role, at least one that can help make her career, but her side job helping people trace their family tree/history is one I haven't really encountered in a cozy mystery before. I found that both intriguing and, since I've worked off and on for years on my own family tree, fascinating. And, let's see, Colin, the detective and the romantic interest for Georgina is a good man and we do get to hear some of his viewpoints/feelings as the story goes along, which helped me, as a first time reader of this series, become more familiar and comfortable with the characters. But, hey, let's not forget Bert. Bert's a dog, a spaniel with a knack for finding dead bodies it appears. Yep, I need to get hold of the first two books and catch up.

As for the mystery, it's an intriguing one with lots of nuances. Who killed self-centered actor Neil Faulkner? Why? Georgina, whose late husband was an actor, was asked to take publicity photos of rehearsals and gets to view him in action just before the murder. She's there to document the theater's production of Ma...., er, make that The Scottish Play, as it's most often referred to in the book due to long time superstition about the play. With Bea a potential suspect, as is the rest of the cast, Georgina is determined to help solve the case although, as it turns out, that isn't the only case she's involved with. There's a cold case, too, which involves Doris and, no lie, takes us to Abbey Lane and lots of Beatles references. I'm not really going to detail the plot further but it'll make you both smile and have your emotions tested. Everyone involved has a well-rounded backstory, including the victim(s), and as a history buff, I was fully drawn into the tale of England during the time of the Blitz. You'll pick up some theater history and lore, too, such as Pepper's Ghost, as you read, not to mention real life history of how England reacted to refugees, Jewish or not, during the war. It's a sad story, let's just say. 

Bottom line, despite my initial confusion, I wound up totally absorbed by this book and will definitely not only be following Georgina's story but catching up on the previous books. As a deaf character whose hearing aids are integral to the story, nope, not explaining, I loved the emotional roller coaster it took me on, though I'd recommend you keep some tissues handy for sections. The romance was low key but an important part of who Georgina (and you'll find out where her name came from) and Colin are. The ending was perfect. I gave a virtual fist pump and "Yes!" as I read it. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for introducing me to these wonderful characters and their world. I'll definitely be back for more from author Kate Hardy.