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P. C. James
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In The Beginning, There Was a Murder: A Cozy Historical Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing to the Last Page (Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by P.C. James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 950 ratings

A secret liaison. A baffling murder. Can one woman solve the crime without joining the body count?
Northern England, 1953. Pauline Riddell has grand ambitions for her future at the armament factory. So, when her closest workmate reveals a salacious affair with a married man, Pauline refuses to risk her career by listening to the scandal. But she’s shaken to her core when the police arrive with news of her best friend’s homicide.

Desperate for justice, Pauline’s insistent poking into the investigation only makes her the prime suspect. And now, to clear her name, she must unravel a web of deadly clues entangling her in a sinister plot. Can Pauline catch the killer before they strike again?

In The Beginning, There Was a Murderis a riveting mystery novel. If you like whip-smart heroines, intriguing twists and turns, and nail-biting danger, then you’ll love P.C. James’s sensational story.

Buy In The Beginning, There Was a Murder to crack the case today!

_____________________________________________

Praise For The Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries Series:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pauline Riddell is sharp. She is curious, maybe a bit nosey, but she gets the job done.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ … an easy read, perfect for a winter night in front of the roaring fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa cuddled up with a few friendly blankets.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ These books are simply a pleasant way to while away a few hours, literary staycations essentially.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A cozy mystery in the classic definition, much like curling up with an Agatha Christie.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The author will keep you guessing who did it and why.

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  1. Book 1 of 10
    Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries
  2. Print length
    310 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    October 30, 2020
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 10 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08MCMQBJT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vinci Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 30, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 10 ‏ : ‎ Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 950 ratings

About the author

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P. C. James

P. C. James

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I’ve always loved mysteries, especially those involving Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. Perhaps because Miss Marple reminds me of my aunts when I was growing up. But Agatha never told us much about Miss Marple's earlier life. While writing my own elderly super-sleuth series, I’m tracing her career from the start. As you’ll see, if you follow the Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries series.

However, this is my Bio, not Miss Riddell’s, so here goes with all you need to know about me: After retiring, I became a writer and when I’m not feverishly typing on my laptop, you’ll find me running, cycling, walking, and taking wildlife photos wherever and whenever I can. My cozy mystery series begins in northern England because that was my home growing up and that’s also the home of so many great cozy mysteries. Stay with me though because Miss Riddell loves to travel as much as I do and the stories will take us to the many different places around the world I’ve lived in or visited.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
950 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this well-crafted murder mystery with good twists and turns. The book features clean sentences without overdone embellishments, and one customer notes the nice descriptions of the surroundings. They appreciate the compelling characters, with one describing the heroine as a real "bulldog." The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it nice and flowing while others note it's slow.

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Mystery contentEnjoymentWriting styleCharacter developmentPacing
47 customers mention "Mystery content"47 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery content of the book, describing it as a well-crafted detective story with good twists and turns.

"...and there is just enough scenic descriptions, again, to make the stories seem real...." Read more

"...feels distinct and adds depth to the story, making it easy to get invested in their fates. A great pick for fans of character-driven mysteries." Read more

"...I highly recommend this cozy mystery. The author will keep you guessing who did it and why...." Read more

"Good historical cozy, with Miss Riddell seeking the person who killed a friend. Two murders, good plot, good ending...." Read more

35 customers mention "Enjoyment"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a great read for a cozy night, with one customer noting it's a pleasant way to while away a few hours.

"...These books are simply a pleasant way to while away a few hours, literary staycations essentially...." Read more

"This book is well written and fun to read. The heroine, Pauline, is a relatable young woman...." Read more

"...A good read, and it brought me back to a "lovelier time." A quick and easy read. If you like period mysteries, this one is a win!" Read more

"...And I must say, I absolutely love the cover. Fabulous. Great fun." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing style"24 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, noting its clean sentences without overdone embellishments and nice descriptions of the surroundings, making it an easy read without any filth or bad language.

"...The writing is direct, it flows, and there is just enough scenic descriptions, again, to make the stories seem real...." Read more

"This book is well written and fun to read. The heroine, Pauline, is a relatable young woman...." Read more

"...A quick and easy read. If you like period mysteries, this one is a win!" Read more

"...This is an old-fashioned type story and an easy read, perfect for a winter night in front of the roaring fire-place with a cup of hot cocoa cuddled..." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"19 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting that Pauline is a savvy and witty female sleuth.

"...The plots aren't wonderful but the characters are very likeable and seem more like friends than literary creations...." Read more

"A well-crafted murder mystery with compelling characters...." Read more

"...The heroine, Pauline, is a relatable young woman...." Read more

"...Pauline is a savvy sleuth, that doesn't let the open and shut case of her friend lay unsatisfied...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some appreciating its nice flow while others find it slow.

"...Despite the fact that I enjoyed it, the book moves so slowly that a few times I felt like just paging through it to get back to the action!..." Read more

"...The writing is direct, it flows, and there is just enough scenic descriptions, again, to make the stories seem real...." Read more

"I was a bit slow to get into the story. Ramsey was definitely a character that I was uncertain about until nearer the end...." Read more

"...Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters. Once you finish this book you'll want to read the entire series...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cathie
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable, fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I've read two books in this series and plan to read several more. The plots aren't wonderful but the characters are very likeable and seem more like friends than literary creations. The writing is direct, it flows, and there is just enough scenic descriptions, again, to make the stories seem real. These books are simply a pleasant way to while away a few hours, literary staycations essentially. And at the end of the books, the threads of the mystery do fall into place quite nicely.
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  • Christina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A well-crafted murder mystery with compelling characters. Each one feels distinct and adds depth to the story, making it easy to get invested in their fates. A great pick for fans of character-driven mysteries.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Teresa Kohler, Esq. author of The Spirit-Led Entrepreneur & Daily Decrees for Women of Substance
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clever Page Turner
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book is well written and fun to read.

    The heroine, Pauline, is a relatable young woman. I could feel her hurt and her frustration as well as her bitter-sweet satisfaction on a job well done.

    I highly recommend this cozy mystery. The author will keep you guessing who did it and why.

    I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • endlessreader
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Good historical cozy, with Miss Riddell seeking the person who killed a friend. Two murders, good plot, good ending. The book just drug along a little for me. Would recommend to others.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Vi Sunshine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and speedy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Usually a fan of more contemporary set mysteries, I did enjoy this wartime set one. Pauline is a savvy sleuth, that doesn't let the open and shut case of her friend lay unsatisfied. I love that Pauline goes for more and searches deeper. I found myself entertained and both hoping Pauline would solve the mystery but would remain unharmed, and was terrified at moments of some of the other characters in the book, and also not trusting the police at times! A good read, and it brought me back to a "lovelier time." A quick and easy read. If you like period mysteries, this one is a win!
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Pamela Ann Plumer
    5.0 out of 5 stars awesome cozy mystery with a witty female sleuth! ☺️☺️
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚(𝒊 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 '𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆' 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚) 𝒊 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑷𝑪 𝑱𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑺! 😍😍😍 𝑭𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔!!
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  • ReadThisBook
    5.0 out of 5 stars A classic read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I greatly enjoyed this post-war English murder mystery. I especially appreciated the descriptive story-telling. James gives an incredible virtual view of the typical old English countryside, the murky river and the coal-smoke scarred buildings of the city. I felt like I was right in the middle of the old country, trekking down cobblestone lanes with Pauline as she searches for the killer of her friend while bumping back and forth with detective Ramsay. This is an old-fashioned type story and an easy read, perfect for a winter night in front of the roaring fire-place with a cup of hot cocoa cuddled up with a few friendly blankets. And I must say, I absolutely love the cover. Fabulous. Great fun.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • Claudia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    All of us tend to be self- absorbed and our tendency to focus on self might cause us to miss something critical. Which is what happened to Pauline, when she missed something her friend said. The results were disastrous.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ingrid Peter Bartsch
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous book
    Reviewed in Germany on January 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best cozy crimes I've ever read, and I have read a few. It is 'stuff' right out of life, except for the murder of course. Beautifully written, lots of suspense. This is book One, so eight to go, I can't wait. I hope this author does not run out of ideas and keeps writing. Absolutely the best.
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  • snowdrop1941
    5.0 out of 5 stars A young Miss Marple?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading this book because it was well written and interesting. Pauline's friend was found murdered and, because she felt guilty , decided to find out what happened to her. Inspector Ramsey was in charge of the case and Pauline reports small snippets to him. Great characters who interacted beautifully with each other.
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  • jarchow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the average detective mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on December 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is a book I could sit, sip on an eggnog and read to the end. I won't because then the enjoyment is over. I am rationing myself with a couple of chapters at a time. Already looking forward to the next in the series.
    The early fifties in England is a period well described in this book that Miss Riddell brings to life.
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  • M. Diane Rogers
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting 1950s murder mystery.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A very good mystery! Pauline learns a lot with all the twists and dead ends during her investigation of a friend's murder. Interesting time period and Newcastle, England is a great backdrop, well drawn. Hope to read more of Pauline.
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  • Fred Jones
    4.0 out of 5 stars A well written, engaging mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    When her friend is murdered, Pauline unhappy with the police begins to investigate. Set in the early 1950's in Newcastle, this is a detailed, gentle paced, traditional detective story, with strong female lead. I found her to be a little frustrating, leaping to conclusions about who is a suspect but I enjoyed the story. It is well written with some excellent atmospheric descriptions. A good start to a series. I liked it enough to buy the next book.
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