A Midnight Murder: A BRAND NEW page-turning cozy countryside mystery from BESTSELLER Kate Wells for 2026

Fireworks, family feuds... and a fatality

Jude Gray is ready to ring in the New Year the proper way – at the local pub, surrounded by friends, neighbours and the usual Malvern mix of good cheer.

But this year, all eyes are on the Merebrooks. Wealthy, enigmatic and woven into the fabric of Malvern for generations, they’ve always been a family people talk about... and not just because of the scandalous murder of years gone by.

When a marriage proposal sends shockwaves through the already fractious clan, the atmosphere turns from celebratory to strained. And then, as the clock strikes twelve and fireworks light up the sky, tragedy strikes. One of the Merebrooks is found dead.

As suspicion falls on the feuding family, Jude finds herself drawn into yet another mystery. Because behind closed doors, this family has been hiding secrets for years. And Jude is willing to bet someone is willing to kill to keep them buried – at any cost.

A gripping new instalment in the Malvern Farm Mystery series, perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Merryn Allingham, and Faith Martin.

Praise for Kate Wells:

'A complex and intriguing murder mystery set in beautiful British countryside where the farm animals are as demanding as the local residents. Kept me guessing all the way to the end.' T A Williams

'An original setting and clever plot. Had me hooked from page one.' E.V. Hunter

'A tantalising corkscrew of a plot ... featuring a plucky quartet of very different women working together to uncover the truth about a series of dreadful crimes...' Debbie Young

'I loved this rollercoaster of a book! It was stylish, pacy and gripping, with engaging characters. I rooted for Jude the sleuth from the first page. It's a hugely supenseful story, compelling, well-crafted and cleverly calculated.' Judy Leigh

'A cryptically clever cosy mystery that will transport you to the beautiful Malvern Hills. I couldn’t put it down!' Jessica Bull