Death at the Old Curiosity Shop

“Death at the Old Curiosity Shop” starts a new cosy mystery series set in the picturesque British Cotswolds. After being laid off shortly after being dumped by her long-time partner, Alice Carroll decides she needs a fresh start in the charming village of Little Pride. Her plan for a simple village life is complicated by an unliked and overeager builder tearing up the land around her new home, especially when one of his workmen turns up dead in the neighbour's compost heap.


While the mystery unfolds more gradually than usual, readers will appreciate the lovely village atmosphere and the details of its quirky residents. Young is excellent at capturing village life (I currently live in a village much like Little Pride1) and demonstrating Alice's strength of will and intellect as she navigates her new surroundings.


The story balances Alice's character development with a gradual uncovering of the town's secrets, intertwining small character arcs with the mystery. I found the murders happened quite late in the story, and the wrap-up was inversely short. It was still satisfying, but I very much enjoy a Miss Marple or Poirot wrap-up, which was missing from this story.

Overall, “Death at the Old Curiosity Shop” is a charming beginning to a series that will appeal to fans of light British mysteries. If you enjoy cosy mystery stories filled with character and a touch of intrigue, you'll want to follow any future adventures in Little Pride.