A CASE OF MICE AND MURDER
“I was immediately besotted . . . Brilliant.” —Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal
The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London’s legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Nita Prose.
When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case—the disputed authorship of bestselling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse—that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.
“I was immediately besotted . . . Brilliant.” —Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal
The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London’s legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Nita Prose.
When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case—the disputed authorship of bestselling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse—that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.
But even he cannot fail to notice the judge’s dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest. In the shaded courtyards and ancient buildings of the Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London’s legal world, murder has spent centuries confined firmly to the casebooks. Until now . . .
The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn’t answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple’s heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he’d ever imagined . . .
- Raven Books
- Hardcover
- June 2025
- 336 Pages
- 9781639736928
Buy the Book
$28.99
About Sally Smith
Sally Smith is the author of A Case of Mice and Murder, the first in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC. Having spent all her working life as a barrister and later King’s Counsel, Smith was inspired by the historic surroundings and rich history of the Inner Temple in which she still lives and works.
Praise
“In this delightful mystery set in 1901 and pleasurably steeped in the politics, philosophies, and social mores of turn-of-the-century England, barrister Gabriel Ward turns detective when one of his colleagues is murdered in the law-focused world of London’s Inner Temple.” –The Boston Globe
“Sally Smith’s debut novel is an absolute delight. Bright, lively writing that’s so evocative I was transported to the fascinating world of the Inner Temple in 1901. Gabriel Ward is a character crafted with such timeless elegance I was immediately besotted! As brilliant a cosy crime story as you’ll ever read, I can’t wait to immerse myself in the next installment of this ingenious new series.” —Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal
“Smith’s first novel provides abundant red herrings, courtroom maneuvers, legal aphorisms . . . and an appealing atmosphere of stuffy proprieties upended by murder most foul before knitting the two cases together with professional dexterity. Yes, my lord, a sequel is promised and will be most welcome.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Readers will admire Sir Gabriel’s wit and the tender partnership he develops with Constable Wright. This series is off to a promising start.” —Publishers Weekly
‘A delightful read, well-paced, and full of interesting details. There’s something satisfying about a murder mystery well told . . . Hopefully, Sir Gabriel’s career as a detective is just getting started.” —The California Review of Books