A Midsummer Murder: A BRAND NEW cozy and clever murder mystery from Kate Wells for 2026

Salutations, sunrise... and sabotage.

Jude Gray is delighted to hear that her friend Kerry is setting up a wellness retreat with her new boyfriend. If anyone deserves to find peace and happiness, it’s Kerry and a retreat at the foot of the Malvern Hills sounds perfect. So Jude – as any good friend would – offers to pitch in.

But the appearance of charismatic keynote speaker Inigo Sage sets Jude’s instincts on edge. With his mystical mantras and too-perfect smile, he strikes her as more showman than spiritual guide. Still, he keeps the guests happy, and with a few unexpected extra arrivals, Jude and Kerry certainly have their hands full.

When a fatal accident shatters the peace, the weekend of relaxation descends into anything but tranquility. And Jude learns that Inigo’s connections to many of those at the retreat go back decades, and their shared secrets have been deeply buried.

As tensions flare and old resentments bubble to the surface, can Jude find the truth before someone else gets hurt?

While this novel features the same characters as the other books in the Malvern Farm Mysteries series, it can be read as a STANDALONE

'This was an amazing book! I just couldn’t put it down ... I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a cosy mystery that will have you gripped right from the start. That has an amazing story and amazing characters as well.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Fantastic, cozy, and well-written mystery with impeccable vibes and a fast-paced plot. 5 stars.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'A richly rewarding cozy mystery with strong character work and an intriguing plot that lingers on the idea that the past is never truly buried.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'This is a cosy mystery done right: atmospheric, engaging, and with just enough darkness to keep things interesting.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Beautifully written with a perfectly woven plot.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'A Midsummer Murder had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

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