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  • In The Beginning, There Was a Murder: A Cozy Historical Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing to the Last Page (Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries Book 1)

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P. C. James
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In The Beginning, There Was a Murder: A Cozy Historical Mystery That Will Keep You Guessing to the Last Page (Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by P.C. James (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars (999)

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 Murderis 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!

_____________________________________________

Praise For The Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries Series:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Pauline Riddell is sharp. She is curious, maybe a bit nosey, but she gets the job done.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ … 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.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ These books are simply a pleasant way to while away a few hours, literary staycations essentially.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A cozy mystery in the classic definition, much like curling up with an Agatha Christie.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The author will keep you guessing who did it and why.

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  1. Book 1 of 11
    Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries
  2. Print length
    310 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    October 31, 2020
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 11 books in this series.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08MCMQBJT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vinci Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 31, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 11 ‏ : ‎ Miss Riddell Cozy Mysteries
  • Best Sellers Rank: #303,603 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars (999)

About the author

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P. C. James

P. C. James

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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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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
999 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this cozy mystery book engaging and entertaining, with a well-constructed plot and good characters. The writing quality receives positive feedback, and one customer particularly appreciates the historical details. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it quick while others note it's slow.
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39 customers mention readability, 35 positive, 4 negative
Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining, particularly as a cozy night read. One customer mentions it's a pleasant way to while away a few hours.
...A good read, and it brought me back to a "lovelier time." A quick and easy read. If you like period mysteries, this one is a win!Read more
...This is an old-fashioned type story and an easy read, perfect for a winter night in front of the roaring fire-place with a cup of hot cocoa cuddled...Read more
Such a fun read, would definitely recommend it for people who enjoy a historical mystery. Good characters, complex and likeable....Read more
...For everyone who loves miss marple this is on the same shelf. It is fun and full of mysteries. Great storyline and quality....Read more
30 customers mention mystery, 29 positive, 1 negative
Customers enjoy the mystery elements of the book, describing it as a fun amateur sleuth story and vintage murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end.
Good mystery but wanted to shake main character. Too many stupid and dangerous moves.Read more
The origin of Miss Ridell. Well written and suspenseful. Pauline is becoming more 3 dimensional and easier to like, though she is quite by the book.Read more
Great mysteryRead more
...I highly recommend this cozy mystery. The author will keep you guessing who did it and why....Read more
28 customers mention story, 25 positive, 3 negative
Customers enjoy the story of this cozy mystery, praising its well-constructed plot and nice pacing, with one customer noting its strong beginning to the series.
...Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters. Once you finish this book you'll want to read the entire series....Read more
I enjoyed reading In The Beginning There Was A Murder. The story flowed and kept my interest. I would recommend this book to any mystery lover.Read more
I liked the characters in this story. The plot was interesting and had some twists. I the writing was clever.Read more
...It is fun and full of mysteries. Great storyline and quality. I am looking forward to reading the next onr in the series.Read more
19 customers mention character development, 15 positive, 4 negative
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the determined heroine and another noting the relatable young woman protagonist.
...Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters. Once you finish this book you'll want to read the entire series....Read more
Well written mystery. Good character development. Enjoyed the author's writing style.Read more
Enjoyed this mystery from beginning to end. Likeable characters and an exciting storyline....Read more
...The plot's not bad, but the lack of humor, color, and sympathetic characters, makes it unlikely that I'll buy another book by this author - except...Read more
15 customers mention writing quality, 14 positive, 1 negative
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as well written.
Well written, nicely plotted! Miss Ridddell is a younger Agatha Christie dealing with a murder very personal to her … and sometimes getting it wrong....Read more
Well written story that kept me interested but the plot has been used many times in tv shows and media.Read more
Well written mystery. Good character development. Enjoyed the author's writing style.Read more
Well-written novel about a murder whodunit that keeps you guessing to the end. Ramsay and Pauline are great characters!...Read more
13 customers mention content, 12 positive, 1 negative
Customers enjoy the content of the book, describing it as an excellent whodunit with a witty female sleuth.
...I kept turning the pages wanting to discover the next twist. I liked the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-written book.Read more
I loved this book! P.C. James is a brilliant writer in my opinion. Took us back to early 1950's post-war England....Read more
...In the end, I loved the book and hope that this is the first of a series that I’ll keep readingRead more
...Good characters, complex and likeable. Will be reading the whole seriesRead more
6 customers mention informative, 5 positive, 1 negative
Customers appreciate the informative content of the book, with reviews highlighting its detailed descriptions of surroundings and historical elements.
...Full of interesting characters and great historical details, this is a fun read....Read more
We get a great introduction to the world and characters of the Miss Riddell mystery series. Good plot, great pacing, interesting characters....Read more
...Sure, she led the on a few wrong turns, but the information was still of good quality. She wasn't mean or disrespectful about it....Read more
This book was especially detailing in every way....Read more
8 customers mention pacing, 3 positive, 5 negative
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it quick while others describe it as slow.
This was a good read. It was a little slow in spots but it picked up and moved on to a satisfying conclusion.Read more
...A good read, and it brought me back to a "lovelier time." A quick and easy read. If you like period mysteries, this one is a win!Read more
...started out well enough and I enjoyed the ending, but it bogged down in the middle with what seemed like Pauline's interminable musings and false...Read more
...'s England, this was an interesting read, although at times the pacing was slow and repetition of information prevented me from giving it a 5....Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Barbara Taylor, an American Fan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait to read next in the series 'Then There Were Two Murders?'
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book! P.C. James is a brilliant writer in my opinion. Took us back to early 1950's post-war England. Such descriptive characters, places, weather, food -- you'd think it was written in 1953. I haven't read anything similar and so wonderful since 'The Slaves of Solitude' by Patrick Hamilton. I love a fearless, intelligent and determined heroine. Just thoroughly enjoyable.
    Helpful
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  • Vi Sunshine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun and speedy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Usually a fan of more contemporary set mysteries, I did enjoy this wartime set one. Pauline is a savvy sleuth, that doesn't let the open and shut case of her friend lay unsatisfied. I love that Pauline goes for more and searches deeper. I found myself entertained and both hoping Pauline would solve the mystery but would remain unharmed, and was terrified at moments of some of the other characters in the book, and also not trusting the police at times! A good read, and it brought me back to a "lovelier time." A quick and easy read. If you like period mysteries, this one is a win!
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Cathie
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable, fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've read two books in this series and plan to read several more. The plots aren't wonderful but the characters are very likeable and seem more like friends than literary creations. The writing is direct, it flows, and there is just enough scenic descriptions, again, to make the stories seem real. These books are simply a pleasant way to while away a few hours, literary staycations essentially. And at the end of the books, the threads of the mystery do fall into place quite nicely.
    One person found this helpful
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  • endlessreader
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Good historical cozy, with Miss Riddell seeking the person who killed a friend. Two murders, good plot, good ending. The book just drug along a little for me. Would recommend to others.
    One person found this helpful
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  • R.L.S. Hoff
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun historical cozy
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Miss Riddell is a bright accomplished young woman working as an executive secretary in the years after WWII when murder and then tragedy interrupt her plans for her life.

    Full of interesting characters and great historical details, this is a fun read. The mystery is reasonably interesting, as well, though I guessed it a bit sooner than I prefer to. Still, a good read, and I'll be picking up the next one.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Joy RS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, mysterious, and very well written
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I very much enjoyed this book! I wasn’t sure if I would or not because Agatha Christie set the cosy mystery bar very high, and I’m fussy as a result.

    The author does a very credible job of transporting the reader back in time to the 1950s, and I found myself warming to and enjoying amateur sleuth, Miss Riddell - although she took some risks I wouldn't have. The plot is credible and well-developed, the mystery captivating, and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • ReadThisBook
    5.0 out of 5 stars A classic read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I greatly enjoyed this post-war English murder mystery. I especially appreciated the descriptive story-telling. James gives an incredible virtual view of the typical old English countryside, the murky river and the coal-smoke scarred buildings of the city. I felt like I was right in the middle of the old country, trekking down cobblestone lanes with Pauline as she searches for the killer of her friend while bumping back and forth with detective Ramsay. This is an old-fashioned type story and an easy read, perfect for a winter night in front of the roaring fire-place with a cup of hot cocoa cuddled up with a few friendly blankets. And I must say, I absolutely love the cover. Fabulous. Great fun.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • NB
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    When your best friend is murdered, do you wait around for the police or do you want to go find answers yourself? In the Beginning There was a Murder follows Pauline as she tries to figure out why her friend was murdered. An office worker turned sleuth it was interesting to see how she went about finding clues and answering questions.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • S. Watkins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 26, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I very much enjoyed this Miss Riddell cosy mystery. It was gripping and drew you into the story. The settings were well described and you got a good feel of the time the story was set in. Miss Riddell was a likeable engaging person. You were rooting for her. The plotline was good and there was plenty of twists and turns. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
    Report
  • Ingrid Peter Bartsch
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous book
    Reviewed in Germany on January 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best cozy crimes I've ever read, and I have read a few. It is 'stuff' right out of life, except for the murder of course. Beautifully written, lots of suspense. This is book One, so eight to go, I can't wait. I hope this author does not run out of ideas and keeps writing. Absolutely the best.
    Report
  • jarchow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than the average detective mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on December 22, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a book I could sit, sip on an eggnog and read to the end. I won't because then the enjoyment is over. I am rationing myself with a couple of chapters at a time. Already looking forward to the next in the series.
    The early fifties in England is a period well described in this book that Miss Riddell brings to life.
    Report
  • JC Cleveland
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable easy read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Wanted a light read book and this fits the bill, good on detail for the time placed in and enjoyed the main character. End felt a bit weak and was only real fault but was nice easygoing read.
    Report
  • m.koch
    4.0 out of 5 stars Murder
    Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Interesting murder mystery set in Korean War period. Well written and fits into time period. Enjoy the characters and discoveries.
    Report
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