As the eighth installment in the series, I must admit I'm fashionably late to the Driven to Murder party. However, the author skillfully introduces the characters and the quaint setting, making the book accessible as a standalone or enjoyable for those following the series.
Driven to Murder by Debbie Young
Series: Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery #9
Genres: Cozy Mystery

A perfect cosy crime for fans of M C Beaton's Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series.

Change is coming to Wendlebury Barrow – and not everyone is happy about it…

When the local bus company announces it will be stopping its route through their quaint Cotswold village, the people of Wendlebury Barrow are up in arms. Not least Sophie Sayers, whose driving lessons with her boyfriend Hector get off to a bumpy start.

But the locals’ peaceful protests against the decision turn deadly when a body is discovered on the Number 27. No one can work out how Janice Boggins met her demise, let alone how the driver didn’t notice. While the police wait for the post mortem results, Sophie immediately suspects foul play, and launches her own investigation.

Can she solve the murder before another passenger is hurt?

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Death at the Old Curiosity Shop

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

In the charming village of Wendelbury Barrow in the Cotswolds, the atmosphere is anything but tranquil as the local bus service faces an uproar from the eccentric villagers due to its departure. The situation takes a dark turn when a mysterious death occurs on the bus, prompting Sophie Sayers, the owner of the local bookstore, to delve into the peculiar circumstances surrounding both the death and the bus company’s antics.

I appreciated the investigation led by the amiable main character, Sophie, and the cozy ambiance enhanced by the presence of the bookshop. My only qualm lies in the excessive focus on Sophie’s driving lessons. While pivotal to some aspects of the plot, I felt this could have been condensed. The mystery takes a while to unfold, not making its appearance until well past the halfway point. Additionally, the lingering question of why Janice Boggins stole the ring left me slightly frustrated. Was it a mistake, financial troubles, or perhaps the actions of an elderly kleptomaniac? The motive remained elusive, and that bothered me throughout.

Nevertheless, the overall experience was satisfying, offering an effortless journey to the Cotswolds with its cozy atmosphere and engaging characters.

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