Step into the charmingly chaotic world of Verity Long, where a glass of Merlot and a knack for stumbling upon corpses make for a delightful cozy mystery adventure! Lynda Wilcox’s Verity Long series follows the witty, wine-loving researcher turned amateur sleuth as she unravels murders with humor and heart. Perfect for fans of lighthearted whodunits, this series blends suspense, romance, and a dash of British charm.
Verity, a personal assistant to crime novelist Kathleen Davenport (KD), has a knack for finding trouble—or rather, trouble finds her. From dance show scandals to chilling cold cases, her investigations are as entertaining as they are suspenseful. With a sharp mind and a penchant for gossip, Verity navigates small-town secrets and quirky suspects, all while balancing her love life and her love for a good vintage.
How Verity Long Began
Lynda Wilcox, an English author with a flair for humor, crafted the Verity Long series to bring cozy mysteries to life with a comedic twist. Before penning novels, Wilcox wrote pantomime scripts and comedy sketches for radio, honing her knack for witty dialogue and engaging characters. Inspired by classic whodunits and her love for playful storytelling, she introduced Verity in 2012 with Strictly Murder, launching a series that’s since captivated readers with its blend of mischief and murder.
Wilcox’s background in comedy shines through in Verity’s sharp banter and the series’ light tone. Set in the fictional English town of Crofterton, the stories reflect Wilcox’s own life in a small English town, complete with nosy neighbors and quirky community vibes. Her goal? To create a heroine who’s relatable, flawed, and endlessly entertaining.
The Heart of Verity Long
The Verity Long series spans nine novels and two novellas, each a standalone adventure packed with clever clues and colorful characters. In Strictly Murder (2013), Verity’s house hunt takes a deadly turn when she finds a celebrity’s body in the master bedroom, thrusting her into a world of dance shows and dangerous co-stars. Organized Murder (2012) sees her investigating a church organist’s grim fate, tangled with thespians and small-town gossip. Murder by the Glass (2015), a novella, traps Verity at a wine-tasting weekend where a guest’s murder forces her to sniff out the killer. Later, Long Drive to Death (2015) follows Verity, now a part-time cold case researcher, as she tackles a 20-year-old mystery of a body in a burnt-out car.
The series’ themes revolve around curiosity, resilience, and the joy of unraveling secrets. Verity’s amateur sleuthing, often sparked by compassion or nosiness, highlights her determination to seek justice. The cozy mystery style—light on gore, heavy on charm—pairs with Wilcox’s humorous prose to create a warm, inviting read. Settings like Crofterton’s churches, manors, and garden centers ground the stories in a quintessentially British backdrop, while Verity’s romance with Detective Inspector Jerry Farish adds a sprinkle of heartwarming drama.
Verity herself is the series’ beating heart. Her love for Merlot, dry wit, and tendency to land in danger make her both relatable and endearing. Whether she’s dodging killers or juggling her dual careers, her adventures offer a perfect blend of suspense and laughter, appealing to readers who crave mysteries with personality.
Why Verity Long Resonates
The Verity Long series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, delighting fans with its humor and heart. Readers praise Wilcox’s ability to craft engaging plots without relying on gritty violence, making the series a refreshing escape. Verity’s evolution from researcher to part-time police consultant adds depth, keeping the series fresh across its run. Fan reviews on Goodreads highlight the books’ laugh-out-loud moments and Verity’s Miss Marple-esque curiosity, cementing her as a beloved sleuth.
Though not a household name, the series’ loyal following appreciates its niche appeal—perfect for readers seeking cozy mysteries with a modern twist. Wilcox’s playful nod to crime fiction clichés, like locked-room murders, adds a layer of fun for genre enthusiasts. As cozy mysteries continue to thrive, Verity Long remains a charming testament to the power of wit and warmth in storytelling.
- Publication Range: 2012–2018
- Total Books: 9 novels, 2 novellas
- Setting: Crofterton, a fictional English town
- Genre: Cozy mystery with humor and romance
Grab Strictly Murder and dive into Verity Long’s world of Merlot and mysteries! Whether you’re a cozy mystery veteran or a newcomer, Verity’s adventures promise a delightful escape into a world where every clue comes with a smile.