Advent of a Mystery
by Marilyn Leach is the first in what I hope will be a long series.
The setting is the English countryside town of Aiden Kirkwood where Hugh Elliot is the new vicar of Saint Aiden of the Wood Parish Church. Hugh has been vicar for only a few months. Christmas is approaching, but in the middle of all the preparations, one of their eldest parishioners is murdered. There are very few clues and the local constabulary is rushing to close the case. While Hugh's wife, Berdie, had promised her husband to stay away from any investigating - he is the vicar after all - and particularly mysteries or murders, Berdie and her best friend, Lillie, cannot help but offer their services in Christian duty ... and maybe snoop just a little.
One of my favorite English TV shows is Midsomer Murders, based on books by Carolyn Graham. This mystery reminds me of that series, even down to the long-suffering spouse, which is Hugh in this case. The mystery has been likened to Agatha Christie with a touch of Jan Karon's village stories as well. If you like cozy mysteries, I recommend this title.