Book Review: Murder on the Farm by Kate Wells

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Murder on the Farm is the first book in Kate Wells’ Malvern Farm Mysteries.

Absolutely captivating and intensely gripping, Murder on the Farm by Kate Wells opens with Jude immersed in the raw realities of farm life, her hands covered in placenta and blood. Despite being behind schedule for a wedding, Jude’s focus shifts to the urgent complications faced by a struggling ewe and a distressed lamb. Successfully navigating these challenges, Jude barely makes it to the wedding venue in time.

In the midst of this farm drama, Jude keenly observes tension between Sarah and her boyfriend Nate, heightened by a conspicuous bruise on Sarah’s forehead. As the plot thickens, Sarah confides in Jude about her involvement with loan sharks.

The narrative takes a dark turn when Sarah is discovered hanging from a tree on Jude’s farm the next morning. While the community assumes suicide, Jude, undeterred by her demanding farm duties, transforms into an amateur sleuth, challenging the prevailing narrative and laying the foundation for a gripping mystery.

Introducing Lucy, Jude’s half-sister, and her endearing two-year-old son Sebbie, who arrive at the farm just days after Jude discovers Sarah’s lifeless body. Sebbie’s adorable antics, affectionately calling Jude ‘Aundy Chewdy’ and renaming the rescued lamb Pancake to ‘CanPake,’ add heartwarming moments to the narrative.

Undeterred by the emotional weight of the situation, Jude embarks on her personal investigation and stumbles upon Sarah’s coded diary, unraveling a layer of mystery surrounding the tragic event. The local detective, Binnie, becomes a supportive ally in Jude’s quest for the truth, forming a genuine friendship as they both question the possibility of foul play in Sarah’s demise.

Within the suspects, a coded word in Sarah’s diary piqued my interest, leading to the revelation of a certain individual later in the story. While this person’s identity was somewhat apparent to readers, Jude remained in the dark, persistently attempting to decipher their role until a face-to-face encounter brought clarity at the story’s conclusion.

Kate Wells’ Murder on the Farm proves to be an immersive and captivating mystery that held my attention throughout. The narrative skillfully combines excellent storytelling, endearing characters, and a charming farm backdrop, while a mind-bending twist at the end adds a thrilling dimension to the plot. The vivid portrayal of Jude’s farm life provides readers with a virtual tour, transporting them into the daily routines of collecting eggs, caring for sheep, and maneuvering the tractor.

I found Murder on the Farm to be a highly recommended read for those seeking a distinctive and thoroughly engaging mystery. Kate Wells has crafted a narrative that seamlessly weaves suspense, character development, and a rich setting into an irresistible reading experience.

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I received an ARC from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

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