Step into the charming world of Cherringham, where cobblestone streets and cozy Cotswolds vibes hide thrilling mysteries waiting to be solved! The Cherringham series, penned by Neil Richards and Matthew Costello, is a delightful cozy mystery collection that pairs an unlikely detective duo—Sarah Edwards, a web designer, and Jack Brennan, a retired NYPD cop—in the sleepy English village of Cherringham. With its blend of heartwarming community, clever whodunits, and a touch of tea-fueled sleuthing, this series has captured the hearts of mystery lovers worldwide.
Since its debut in 2013, Cherringham has offered quick, engaging reads that feel like a cozy fireside chat crossed with a gripping crime drama. Each novella delivers a self-contained adventure, perfect for a commute or a cozy night in, making it a modern twist on classic mysteries like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple.
How Cherringham Began
Neil Richards, based in the UK, and Matthew Costello, from the US, have been creative partners since the 1990s, crafting scripts for the BBC, Disney, and video games like Doom 3. Their transatlantic collaboration birthed Cherringham in 2013, inspired by a shared love for classic English mysteries and a desire to create a serialized, Dickens-style saga. The duo envisioned a quaint Cotswolds village where dark secrets lurk beneath a picturesque surface, with Sarah and Jack as the perfect outsiders-turned-sleuths to uncover them. Their goal? To deliver bite-sized mysteries that balance thrills with the warmth of village life.
The Heart of Cherringham
The series kicks off with Murder on Thames, where a woman’s death in the river sparks Sarah and Jack’s first case. The police call it an accident, but Sarah, haunted by her connection to the victim, teams up with Jack to dig deeper, revealing a web of secrets. In Mystery at the Manor, the duo investigates a suspicious fire at Mogdon Manor, questioning whether the victim’s heirs had motives for murder. Last Train to London sees them unravel the sudden death of a beloved local, uncovering hidden truths, while Cliffhanger explores a fatal fall that’s anything but accidental.
Cherringham’s charm lies in its themes of justice and human nature, woven into the fabric of village life. The Cotswolds setting, with its rolling hills and historic charm, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character, shaping the stories’ mood and grounding the mysteries in a relatable community. The series’ style is light yet gripping, with Sarah and Jack’s chemistry driving each tale. Their investigations reveal the complexities of human motives—greed, betrayal, love—while championing fairness in a world where truth can be elusive.
Each novella, released monthly, is a standalone puzzle, yet the evolving bond between Sarah, a single mom rebuilding her life, and Jack, a widower seeking peace, adds depth. Fans praise the series for its well-plotted mysteries and vivid characters, often comparing it to Midsomer Murders for its blend of coziness and suspense.
Why Cherringham Resonates
Cherringham has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering a refreshing alternative to gritty crime dramas. Its nearly 50 novellas have sold over 2 million ebooks and audiobooks, a testament to its global appeal. Readers adore the series’ ability to balance lighthearted village life with thought-provoking themes, making it a comforting yet stimulating escape. The audiobooks, narrated by Neil Dudgeon, bring the Cotswolds to life, enhancing its charm for commuters and cozy mystery fans alike.
The series’ legacy lies in its accessibility and heart. By focusing on everyday heroes like Sarah and Jack, Richards and Costello remind us that justice and truth matter, even in the smallest of places. Cherringham’s enduring popularity proves that a good mystery, told with warmth and wit, never goes out of style.
- First published: 2013
- Number of books: Nearly 50 novellas
- Authors: Neil Richards and Matthew Costello
- Narrator: Neil Dudgeon (audiobooks)
Ready to unravel a mystery with a spot of tea? Grab Murder on Thames and dive into Cherringham’s cozy crime world today!