Poison at Penshaw Hall Review: G.B. Ralph’s Cozy Mystery with Heart, Humor, and the Perfect Sleuth

Read time: 5 minutes

🎧 Listened in audio | 📢 Narrated by Philip Battley
⏱ Duration: 7 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Tantor Media
📅 Published: November 1, 2023
🔎 Genre: Cozy Mystery

Book Blurb:

When a man drops dead at the Terrific Town Award ceremony, Milverton’s big day turns into a full-blown scandal. Librarian-turned-reluctant sleuth Addison Harper yet again finds himself tangled in another small-town murder, and this time, all eyes are on him. With gossip swirling, Sergeant Jake Murphy trying to stay professional, and an entire town watching, Addison must clear his name before someone else meets the same fate. Between nosy locals, baked treats, and a judgmental ginger cat, the mystery at Penshaw Hall might just be Milverton’s most charming disaster yet.

Let’s talk … murder!!!!

All Addison wanted was to be a supportive community member. Instead? Boom. Body. Public setting. Maximum chaos. Honestly, at this point, Milverton should just add “frequent murder site” to its tourism brochure.

I’m absolutely falling in love with Milverton and its residents: the nosy coffee shop owner, the prim librarian, and, of course, Kevin the cat, who manages to steal every single scene he’s in. But the real showstopper here is Addison himself. After reading countless cozy mysteries led by fearless female sleuths (and loving them), Addison’s perspective feels like a refreshing shift.

He’s witty without being obnoxious, determined without being reckless, and in this second installment, you can feel his growth. He’s more self-assured, more strategic, and more willing to trust his people. Even when that means butting heads with Sergeant Jake Murphy, the slow-burn romance that has me fully invested.

G.B. Ralph balances humor, affection, and intrigue effortlessly. Addison is sharper, braver, and more confident than in book one, and that growth shows beautifully. He’s not just solving crimes; he’s putting down roots in Milverton, whether he admits it or not. That slow-burn romance with Jake is still deliciously drawn out. This audiobook was pure cozy perfection, with just enough bite.

Would I recommend it?

If you love cozy mysteries with heart, slow-burn romance, found family energy, and a sleuth who feels like a breath of fresh air in the genre, this is absolutely one to add to your TBR. The audiobook narration by Philip Battley adds warmth and personality to every character, making Milverton feel vividly alive. This series has officially taken over my cozy mystery heart. If you’re new to the Milverton Mysteries, start with Death at the Dog & Duck and make your way here. You’ll see why I’m smitten.

If you loved this, try these

1. Murder on Milverton Square by G.B. Ralph – Kick off the series with Addison’s chaotic arrival in Milverton and his first brush with murder.
   My Review | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
2. The Secret, Book & Scone Society by Ellery Adams – Small-town charm and emotional depth with a bookish sleuth.
   Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
3. Murder at the House on the Hill by Victoria Walters – Another endearing cozy with found-family warmth.
   Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
4. Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen – Queer historical mystery with a noir twist and lush atmosphere.
   Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
5. Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto – For readers who like humor, warmth, and amateur sleuth energy done right.
   Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy

What’s your Milverton moment?

If you could live in a cozy mystery setting like Milverton, what would you run? A bakery, a bookshop, or maybe the gossip column? Tell me in the comments!

Book Links:

Want to purchase this or any of your favorite books while supporting a local bookstore? Consider purchasing using the sites below. These sites work with independent local bookstore owners to fulfill your book orders. #SupportLocal

Indiebookstores.ca
Bookshop.org
Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | OpenLibrary | Litsy
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