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Debbie Young
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Driven to Murder: A page-turning cozy crime murder mystery from Debbie Young (A Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery Book 9) Kindle Edition

by Debbie Young (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 489 ratings

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 a passenger met their 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?

Readers LOVE Debbie Young's delightful mysteries:

'A cracking example of cozy crime!' Bestselling author Katie Fforde

'A warm page turner that puts the cosy into cosy mystery!' Bestselling author T.A. Williams

'Warm and cosy' Bestselling author Michelle Salter

‘A wonderfully crafted cosy murder. Agatha Raisin fans will love this!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I would have given this a 6 if I could have!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is a really good read; well written, humorous, with endearing characters and intriguing plot!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An excellent book!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘My first Debbie Young Book, but it certainly won’t be the last.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The 1st book in a new Cozy Mystery series set in a very English village, if the rest of the series is as good as this book then I'll not be disappointed.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An absolutely wonderful, and entertaining book. Lots of compelling characters and real insights into life in a small English village.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous start to a lovely cozy mystery series.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This book was so much fun. I feel that I know each character and the village.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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  1. Book 9 of 9
    Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries
  2. Print length
    218 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Boldwood Books
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    January 26, 2024
  7. File size
    3.3 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CDR8T6X2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 26, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 218 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1804831441
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 9 of 9 ‏ : ‎ Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 489 ratings

About the author

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Debbie Young

Debbie Young

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I write warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction full of English humour, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been my home for over 30 years. I have three series of cozy mystery novels plus various short fiction, and I've written a couple of non-fiction books too.

NOVELS

My latest book is "Death at the Village Chess Club", the second in my Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series, which begins with "Death at the Old Curiosity Shop". Moving from the city to the lively Cotswold village of Little Pride, Alice Carroll (50) discovers that nothing is quite what it seems. Each novel in this series has at its heart an intriguing item to be found in her bric-a-brac shop, and features eccentric characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of English humour. The sequel is "Death at the Village Chess Club", and the third in the series, "Death at the Village Christmas Fair", will be published on 16th August 2025.

My Sophie Sayers Village Mystery series begins with "Best Murder in Show". Originally envisaged as a seven-book series to run the course of a calendar year in the life of the idyllic English Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, it continues to grow, with the most recent addition being Sophie Sayers' ninth outing, "Driven to Murder",

My Gemma Lamb Cozy Mystery series is a mashup of romantic comedy, gentle mystery and nostalgia for classic children's school stories but aimed at adults. It focuses on the intrigues among the teachers and visitors to the school, rather than the children. "Dastardly Deeds at St Bride's" (previously published as "Secrets at St Bride's"), and is followed by "Sinister Secrets at St Bride's" (formerly "Secrets at St Bride's"), Wicked Whispers at St Bride's", and "Artful Antics at St Bride's". Two further books will follow to complete the series of six, running the course of the academic year at St Bride's Boarding School for Girls.

All of my novels are now available in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audio in English. There are also German language editions of the first five Sophie Sayers adventures and Italian translations of the first two Gemma Lamb stories.

SHORT FICTION

My series of comedy mystery novelettes, Tales from Wendlebury Barrow, is set in the same world as the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mysteries. The first, "The Pride of Peacocks", is available exclusively to members of my Readers' Club (visit my author website to claim your copy). "The Natter of Knitters" and "The Clutch of Eggs" are available in ebook and paperback. A Christmas special, "Christmas with Sophie Sayers", featuring festive short stories set in the same world, was published for Christmas 2023. Two more Sophie Sayers short stories appear in the charity anthologies "Everyday Kindness" and "The Little Shop of Murders".

My standalone novella, "Mrs Morris Changes Lanes", is a second-chance mid-life romantic comedy with a touch of magical realism, set in the Cotswolds in spring,

Earlier in my career, I published three themed collections of short stories, "Stocking Fillers", "Marry in Haste", and "Quick Change".

PLAYS

I've also now started writing scripts for murder mystery events, My debut play, "The Importance of Being Murdered", was premiered by Hawkesbury Drama Group in April 2025, and the playscript will be published later this year.

AWARDS

The first St Bride's novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Selfies Award given for the best independently-published fiction in the UK. The sixth Sophie Sayers novel was shortlisted for the same award in 2021. My short story "The Alchemy of Chocolate", from "Quick Change", was a winning entrant to the April 2015 Stroud Short Stories competition, and as a result I was later invited to read it at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

FREE EBOOK

Receive a free ebook of my comedy novelette "The Pride of Peacocks" when you join my Readers' Club via my author website (just search for Author Debbie Young to find it). I'll also send you a monthly enewsletter to keep you up to date with news of my books and events and insights into my writing life. There is a free prize draw in every issue.

PUBLISHER'S NEWSLETTER

You are also warmly invited to join Boldwood Books' newsletter about my books and special offers - you'll find a joining link in the sidebar of my website.

HELPING OTHER WRITERS

When I'm not writing fiction, I'm helping other authors. I'm a course tutor for Jericho Writers, and I've written several guidebooks and many articles and blog posts for authors. I frequently speak at events for readers and writers, and I judge writing competitions.

MEMBERSHIPS & AGENT REPRESENTATION

I'm a member of the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors. I'm represented by Ethan Ellenberg at the Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency in New York.

PUBLIC EVENTS

Back in 2015, I founded the Hawkesbury Upton Literature Festival in my home village in the Cotswolds. The Festival now takes the form of a year-round series of talks on different themes and genres, each featuring at least three guest authors, with me in the chair. See festival website for more details. I am a frequent speaker at other litfests - if you'd like me to speak at your event, please don't hesitate to send a request via the contact form on my author website.

I may be busy, but I am never too tired to curl up with a good book.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
489 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Linda Hughes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sophie rides again
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The quirky villagers are united in anger at the bus company. Their route is being cancelled, leaving many with no way to get to the shopping center or doctor appointments. Before the service ends, an elderly rider dies on the bus. Sophie and Hector need to figure out who poisoned her in route.
    Helpful
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  • Lisalovesmissmarple
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great cozy mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
    This is the 9th book in the Sophie Sayers cozy mystery series. I haven’t read any others, but the author did a great job making the quirky village and its characters come to life. It took awhile for the murder to actually happen, but I liked that it gave me more time to get to know the villagers and understand the surroundings. Once the poor lady was found super glued to a bus seat (?!?!) the craziness ensued. I really loved Hector and Sophie’s relationship, and the fact that their home base is their bookshop is heartwarming. The local villagers are a riot; my favorite is Carol who makes up her own words for things. I will say that the ending was a little abrupt for my liking, but I plan on going back and starting at the beginning of the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Rita Slayton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cozy Mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
    In the quaint village of Wendelbury Barrow, the departure of the local bus service sparks chaos among eccentric villagers. A mysterious death on the bus prompts Sophie Sayers, the local bookstore owner, to investigate. As the eighth book in the series, "Driven to Murder" introduces characters and the charming setting skillfully, allowing it to be enjoyed as a standalone or for series followers. While the investigation led by likable Sophie and the cozy ambiance of the bookshop were enjoyable, the excessive focus on Sophie's driving lessons and a delayed mystery unfolding were drawbacks. The unanswered question of why Janice Boggins stole a ring also left some frustration. Despite these issues, the overall experience provides a satisfying and effortless journey to the Cotswolds with engaging characters.
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  • Mother of Scotties
    4.0 out of 5 stars Who doesn’t love a good British cozy?
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
    I adore British cozy mysteries, especially when they’re based in the Cotswolds. This entry in the long running series is the perfect example of a British cozy mystery for me.

    If you haven’t read one of the books in this series, don’t let it being booked number nine keep you from diving in. It reads fine as a standalone. This is a quick and fun read, so settling to cozy spot with a cuppa sit back and enjoy.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Alison Morton
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Cotswold sleuth's latest case!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I do like Sophie and Hector! And I love watching their relationship develop.

    The tone is gentle, but the writing very observant. All you want to do is read the next chapter. Only unrepressible yawns will stop you reading this in the evening when you glance up discover it’s one in the morning!

    Ms Young draws her cast of characters so well that you can see them clearly in your mind’s eye. Having lived in a village, albeit a large one, I can truly sympathise with the threatened cut in the only bus service. I had to chuckle at Sophie and Hector’s only driving lesson together.

    What a clever murder though and well done, Sophie, for your deductive powers. By the way, could Hermione Minty please sign my copy of her (his) latest romance when I next pop into Hector’s House bookshop?

    Waiting to read your next adventure, Sophie…
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A relatively easy read with entertaining characters. Not totally convinced by the motive for the murder but liked the best ending.
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  • Helen Hollick
    5.0 out of 5 stars as always - thoroughly entertaining
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It's always delightful to have a new Debbie Young tale pop into my Kindle on the day it's published, especially if it happens to be one of the Sophier Sayers series - I enjoy the St Brides's and the others but I have a soft spot for Sophie and Hector. And Driven To Murder didn't disappoint!
    A light-hearted cosy mystery set in the English Cotswolds and centred around two main characters who I'm convinced really exist because they are so well portrayed as characters.
    This tale was especially close to home, given the sidelining of rural villages, although in my case, in my village we've not had a bus for years but the council has just disgracefully axed our mobile library. With no bus and the nearest town - and library - 7 miles away this is a huge loss. We do have the pub and the community shop - but alas, no Hector's House. (I must add, no murders either! *laugh*)
    Well done Debbie, another thoroughly entertaining read. More please!
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  • DeeDee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    What a joy to read another of Debbie Youngs' delightful books with escapades of the locals out to save their bus service which is scheduled to be cancelled. Murder, mayhem and mystery in this light-hearted romp and some humorous moments with Sophie learning to drive, and an excellent outcome the problem of insufficient space in the bookshop for all Sophie and Hectors' requirements. A thoroughly enjoyable series and I m sure there will be more to come. Highly recommended.
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  • reddragon
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice easy read series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I like the series each book is easy to read, this time a passenger on a bus which is about to be withdrawn is found dead. The only problem I have is Sophies four day intensive driving culminating in a passed test immediately.
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