Return of the Village Mystery!

"Murder in Steeple Martin is a fab example of cosy crime, with a couple of added bonuses - including the long shadow of abusive families, am-dram and some lovely stuff on the Kent hop fields. Hope it sells squillions."  Jenny Haddon, Chair, Romantic Novelists' Association

"With fascinating charactrs and an intriguing plot, this is a real page turner."  Katie Fforde

"A traditional village cosy, this debut novel from an experienced writer in other genres is full of life and energy. It features something Cookman knows very well, am. dram. A new theatre opens in the Kentish village of Steeple Martin, with the various egos providing the expected conflict. But even a frustrated thespian surely wouldn’t murder the leading lady and try to set fire to the place. Intrigued by the story the playwright has adapted from a real-life incident, director Libby Sarjeant realises that past misdeeds might just be causing their present problems and sets about asking pertinent (and impertinent) questions. At last her own life is at risk.

Cookman produces a wide-ranging palette of characters, and writes in an engaging style, with a particular skill in depicting the quandaries of middle-aged love. As you would expect, her dialogue is excellent: take Murder in Steeple Martin on the plane with you, and annoy your fellow-passengers by laughing out loud."  Judith Cutler in Shots Magazine
 

Libby Sarjeant is producing and directing a play in her home village of Steeple Martin when accidents begin to happen and eventually, a murder is committed. Whether it has its roots in the past or the more sordid present, Libby must find out. A cast of local characters, whom we hope to meet in further books in the series, alternately help or hinder her, including Fran, the sceptical psychic and Sidney the guard cat. Available from bookshops, amazon, and the publishers, Accent Press.




Once again, Libby Sarjeant finds herself involved in a mystery, this time because of the death of her friend Fran's Aunt Eleanor.  Echoes of the past clash with very 21st century motives, and once again, the Steeple Martin posse are on hand to give encouragement and advice.



The third in the Libby Sarjeant and Fran Castle series sees Fran consulted by Bella Morleigh, who has been left a derelict seaside theatre by an unknown relative.  Bella wants to know more about her family, particularly when a body is found in the theatre, and despite being deep in pantomime rehearsals at The Oast House Theatre, Libby and Fran are soon involved in another murder investigation.



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