Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Brock & Poole Mystery series, where small-town secrets unravel under the sharp eyes of two unforgettable detectives! Penned by A.G. Barnett, this British crime fiction gem follows Detective Inspector Sam Brock and Detective Sergeant Guy Poole as they tackle complex cases in the fictional Bexford Town, Addervale County. With intricate plots, a dash of personal drama, and a charming blend of humor and suspense, this series is a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders.
Whether you’re drawn to the quirky camaraderie of Brock and Poole or the clever twists of a classic whodunit, this series offers a fresh take on the cozy mystery genre, wrapped in the charm of rural England. Let’s dive into what makes Brock & Poole Mystery a hidden treasure in British crime fiction!
How Brock & Poole Mystery Began
A.G. Barnett, a North Devon-born author now living in Oxfordshire, crafted the Brock & Poole Mystery series after a diverse career, from drumming in a band to working in online health information. Inspired by the golden age of mystery, particularly Agatha Christie, Barnett debuted the series in 2018 with An Occupied Grave. His goal? To create a modern police procedural with the heart of a classic cozy mystery, blending small-town intrigue with layered characters. The result is a series that feels both timeless and refreshingly new, capturing the essence of British village life.
The Heart of Brock & Poole Mystery
The series kicks off with An Occupied Grave (2018), where Brock and Poole investigate a shocking discovery in Lower Gladdock: a grave already occupied by an unexpected body, tied to a five-year-old tragedy. In A Staged Death (2018), the duo tackles a murder on the set of a TV show, Foul Murder, with their own colleague as a suspect. When The Party Died (2018) sees them unravel a body found at a museum exhibit, tangled with rumors of lost treasure. Finally, Murder in a Watched Room (2019) delivers a locked-room mystery as Poole grapples with his mother’s kidnapping.
At its core, the series explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and the weight of personal history. Brock, a gruff yet warm-hearted inspector, carries the nickname 'The Cursed Detective' due to past partners’ misfortunes, while Poole seeks to escape his traumatic past. Their dynamic—marked by mutual respect and subtle humor—grounds the stories, set against the deceptively idyllic backdrop of Bexford. Barnett’s style weaves cozy charm with gripping puzzles, making each book a quick, addictive read.
The fictional Addervale County, with its quaint villages and hidden secrets, feels like a character itself. From Lower Gladdock’s mourning residents to Bexford’s bustling museum, the settings amplify the series’ intimate yet suspenseful tone, perfect for readers craving a balance of heart and mystery.
Why Brock & Poole Mystery Resonates
Though a newer series, Brock & Poole Mystery has carved a niche among cozy mystery fans, praised for its well-crafted plots and relatable characters. Readers on Goodreads laud its 'old-fashioned whodunit' vibe, with over 300 reviews for An Occupied Grave alone, calling it 'a fun, fast-paced mystery.' The series’ blend of humor, personal stakes, and intricate crimes appeals to those who love classic British procedurals like DCI Morse or Midsomer Murders.
Its lasting appeal lies in its accessibility—short, engaging novels that don’t overstay their welcome—and its ability to balance light-hearted camaraderie with darker themes like loss and betrayal. For fans seeking a modern twist on the cozy mystery, Brock & Poole delivers a delightful escape.
- Publication Years: 2018–2021
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, British Crime Fiction
Grab An Occupied Grave and dive into the Brock & Poole Mystery series’ captivating world of secrets, suspense, and small-town charm!