The Murders in Great Diddling by Katarina Bivald

THE MURDERS IN GREAT DIDDLING is a relatively recent mystery novel by Katarina Bivald (The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend). Berit Gardner is an author with writer’s block who decides to move to a cozy English village where, per its name, but unbeknownst to her at first, some swindling is afoot. There is resentment and desperation in the air, too, especially at a tea party held reluctantly at Tawny Hall. The elderly owner’s generally disliked nephew is killed in an explosion and Berit offers her observation skills to help the police, even acknowledging, “The people in Great Diddling have an impressively long tradition of lying.” Those villagers band together to build on the notoriety of the murder by holding a book festival – complete with appearances by locals impersonating famous authors. This book is full of humor and surprises. THE MURDERS IN GREAT DIDDLING received a starred review from Library Journal: “Those who escape to Louise Penny's Three Pines might want to check out Great Diddling.” A Reading Group Guide is included and the author says, “I hope it [the story] carries you away for a little while. Transports you from whatever problems or bothers exist in your life, gives you a break, makes you smile a little as you move amongst the murderous people in Great Diddling.” Enjoy!