How about a new cozy mystery series that involves walking tours set in England? Although most of Nicholas George’s A Deadly Walk in Devon involves the murder investigation, the early part of the book describes the scenery and background of Exmoor in northern Devon. The concept of walking tours is a new one for me with a cozy series, although it may have been used before.
Rick Chasen (Chase) is a retired police investigator from San Diego who is still mourning the death of his partner, Doug, although Doug died more than a year ago. He’s an avid walker, and he hopes the walking tour of Devon, England will help him deal with his depression. He meets up with an old friend, retired librarian Billie Mondreau before joining the rest of the Wanderers, a tour group that specializes in Americans who enjoy walking. The tour guide herself is new to the company, eager to welcome the group. And, everyone seems eager to experience the countryside and the walks, except Ronald Gretz, The business tycoon makes everyone’s life miserable, but he has reasons to be frightened. He tells Chase he’s been receiving threatening letters, and asks Chase to watch out for him. Since one incident after another happens to the man, Chase agrees. But, despite his guilty feelings, there’s nothing he could have done when the man is finally killed.
The Chief Inspector who is assigned the case doesn’t have a great deal of experience with murder investigations, so he’s happy to work with Chase. As they probe the history of Chase’s fellow walkers, they discover that almost everyone has something to hide, some have connections to the victim, and almost all of them are liars.
A Deadly Walk in Devon is enjoyable as the first in a new series. I really only had one complaint when Chase put himself in danger, as so many amateur sleuths do in cozy mysteries. However, as a retired professional, he should have known better. Even so, I’ll be watching for the next in the series.
A Deadly Walk in Devon by Nicholas George. Kensington Cozies, 2024. ISBN 9781496745262 (hardcover), 304p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley to review for a journal.
I think the Ann Cleeves series (Matthew Venn) is set in North Devon. We’ve never been to Cornwall or South Devon, but we were in North Devon once, in Lynmouth/Lynton, which has a funicular you can take – The Lynmouth & Lynton Cliff Railway. It’s near the north boundary of Exmoor. There is a 700 foot gorge below Lynton.
The funicular was in this book, Jeff. I think you’d enjoy it. It feels very Golden Age.
I miss being able to walk. Ever since I was a teen, I walked to reduce stress and deal with stuff. Now with the chronic body pain and the cane, it is just far too hard.
I am not a bog fan of cozies, but this sounded interesting. Library is getting four copies and I am on hold for one.
I get it, Kevin. I have some health issues, and they’ve taken away some of my joy in travel.