Murder at the Parsonage

In the idyllic village of Thistlebrook Hollow, appearances are often deceiving, and secrets linger behind every garden gate. When the unpopular Brigadier Gimlet is found dead at the parsonage, the villagers are shocked—but not entirely saddened. With no shortage of suspects, the real mystery is who had the strongest motive to rid the village of the cantankerous brigadier.

Rumours run rampant, and suspicions flare as gossip travels from kitchen to parlour across the village. The cobblestone streets are abuzz with theories, yet only one person has the wit and resolve to solve the case: Biddy Apple, Thistlebrook Hollow’s sharp-minded retired headmistress. With her knack for seeing through pretence and her love for a good puzzle, Biddy finds herself drawn into a web of lies, envy, and old grudges.

As Biddy delves deeper into the secrets of Thistlebrook, she must untangle the truth from a maze of small-town grudges and hidden rivalries. Will her keen observation be enough to uncover the killer lurking in their midst before they strike again?

Murder at the Parsonage is a delightful mystery filled with charm, suspense, and a touch of humour. Join Biddy Apple as she navigates village intrigue and uncovers the truth in this captivating cosy mystery—available now on Kindle Unlimited.

Dirk Volcano has created a wonderfully charming yet suspenseful mystery in Murder at the Parsonage. Biddy Apple is exactly the kind of sleuth you'd want in a quaint village filled with secrets—witty, sharp-eyed, and always two steps ahead. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the vivid depiction of Thistlebrook Hollow makes you feel like you're right there, peering over the garden hedges along with the rest of the villagers. A perfect read for fans of the cosy mystery genre!

I absolutely adored Murder at the Parsonage! Biddy Apple, with her clever wit and razor-sharp mind, was such a joy to follow as she pieced together the puzzle of Brigadier Gimlet's untimely death. The village of Thistlebrook Hollow is full of quirky characters, and the twists and turns of their tangled secrets had me hooked. Dirk Volcano’s writing is effortlessly charming, and this book is a perfect blend of humour, intrigue, and warmth.

Murder at the Parsonage is everything a cosy mystery should be—engaging, cleverly plotted, and full of delightful characters. Biddy Apple shines as an amateur sleuth, and Dirk Volcano does a fantastic job capturing the atmosphere of a village brimming with secrets. I found myself laughing out loud at the village gossip while eagerly trying to solve the mystery alongside Biddy. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I highly recommend to any fan of the genre!

The air was crisp and the skies clear as dawn broke over Thistlebrook Hollow. Birds serenaded the awakening village with their sweet songs. The houses, made of age-old stone and thatch, came to life one by one as the villagers prepared for another day in their idyllic hamlet.

Biddy Apple, a woman of petite stature with a mop of curly silver hair, adjusted her spectacles and took a sip of her morning tea. The warm steam enveloped her face, and the aroma of bergamot wafted gently through her cozy kitchen. The local newspaper lay open in front of her, but her thoughts were far away, remembering her years as headmistress. Each student, each memory, each lesson, they all played their part in shaping the razor-sharp deductive skills she possessed today.

A sudden knock on her front door jolted her back to the present. It was an odd hour for a visitor, especially in Thistlebrook Hollow where neighbors respected routines. Setting down her cup, Biddy made her way to the door. She opened it to find Mrs. Florence Maple, a stout woman known for her prowess in the kitchen, standing there with a frantic look in her eyes.

“Biddy,” she gasped, “it’s the Brigadier. He’s been… he’s been murdered!”

Biddy’s heart missed a beat. Brigadier Gimlet? Dead? True, he wasn’t the most beloved resident, but who in Thistlebrook Hollow could commit murder?

“Where?” was all Biddy managed to ask, keeping her voice steady.

“In the Parsonage,” Mrs. Maple replied, wringing her apron. “The vicar found him this morning!”

The Parsonage, a beautiful Tudor home overlooking the village green, had always been a symbol of peace. The idea that it could be the site of such a violent act was unfathomable.

Biddy quickly donned her coat. “Florence, go inform the constable. I’ll head to the Parsonage.”

As Biddy walked briskly towards the Parsonage, she couldn’t help but think of the Brigadier. His gruff manner, sharp tongue, and unwelcome opinions had alienated many. But who among the villagers had been provoked to the point of murder?

Reaching the Parsonage, Biddy was met by the vicar, Reverend Samuel Witherspoon. His usual calm demeanor replaced by shock. “Biddy,” he murmured, “I never thought I’d see the day when Thistlebrook Hollow would be tarnished by such a crime.”

Biddy nodded, her keen eyes already scanning the scene. “Let’s get to the bottom of this, Reverend. We owe it to Thistlebrook Hollow.”

And so, in the heart of a peaceful village, began an investigation that would unveil dark secrets and test the bonds of a tight-knit community.