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In The Beginning, There Was a Murder

A Cozy Historical Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing to the Last Page
Brief Description
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... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$5200
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Releases 1st December 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "In The Beginning, There Was a Murder" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 Murder is 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!

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Praise For The Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries:

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… Pauline Riddell is sharp. She is curious, maybe a bit nosey, but she gets the job done.

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… … 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.

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… These books are simply a pleasant way to while away a few hours, literary staycations essentially.

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters.

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… A cozy mystery in the classic definition, much like curling up with an Agatha Christie.

β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… β˜… The author will keep you guessing who did it and why.

Series: Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries

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  • Pre-order
    In The Beginning, There Was a Murder
    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...
    Paperback
    $5200
    Pre-order
    Out 1 Dec 2026

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781036707576

Publisher: Vinci Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 January 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vinci Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 332

About the Author

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.

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