Stephanie Austin Knihy

Juno Browne must unmask a killer claiming to be Cutty Dyer, a blood-drinking demon from Dartmoor folklore.

When Juno Browne returns to the picturesque Dartmoor town of Ashburton after a brief holiday, she's relieved to find that no one has been murdered while she was away. Though uncharitable friends suggest the quiet was simply due to her absence. Just as she's settling back into her routine at the antiques shop and as domestic helper and dog walker, the brutal killing of local journalist Sandy Thomas shocks the town. When it becomes clear that one of Juno's friends has managed to catch the killing on camera, Juno is swept up into a fresh murder inquiry. What was Sandy really investigating on the night she was killed? With a spate of dog kidnappings to contend with as well, the Devon countryside never felt less tranquil, and inevitably means Juno's amateur sleuthing skills will be called upon once again .

Juno Browne meets James Westershall, owner of Moorworthy Chase, a large family estate. She is invited, along with her friends from Old Nick's, to bring along their goods for sale at a garden fete. The day takes a turn for the worst when a man is found dead in the woods, and whilst the police investigate, Juno has a theory of her own.

Despite warnings to the contrary, Juno Browne ventures into the shady world of antiques dealing when she takes on a new client, Old Nick. When Nick is found dead, Juno begins her own investigation, and she must piece the puzzle together before she becomes the next victim.

When Juno Browne purchases a wardrobe to stock in her fledgling antiques store, she doesn't expect to find a dead body inside.

Set in a charming locale, this cosy crime series captivates readers with its engaging mysteries and delightful characters. The narrative weaves humor and intrigue, appealing to fans of M. C. Beaton. Each installment invites readers into a world filled with quirky suspects and clever sleuthing, making it perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted yet thrilling whodunits.

Set in the quaint town of Ashburton, the story follows Juno Browne, an antique shop owner who becomes embroiled in a mystery after a tragic incident involving intruders. With financial troubles looming, Juno finds hope in the arrival of Frank Tinkler, a mild-mannered bookbinder. However, when an intruder falls to his death and connections to Frank's nephew, Scott, emerge, Juno’s curiosity drives her to uncover the truth behind the incident, blurring the lines between accident, suicide, and murder.

Exploring the complexities of familial relationships, the narrative delves into Stephanie Austin's struggle with her father's death and her grandmother's declining health during the pandemic. As she confronts these profound losses, the story emphasizes the intertwined histories of love, kindness, and disappointment that shape our experiences. Set against the backdrop of a sickroom, it poignantly reflects on how past relationships influence our understanding of grief and connection in the face of mortality.

The fifth book in the Devon Mysteries series, perfect for fans of SJ Bennett.