Book Review: Death in the Hills by Kate Wells

I’m pleased to be welcoming Kate Wells back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest novel, Death in the Hills – book four in the Malvern Farm Mystery series. 

This is no peaceful walk in the countryside…

When Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri join a local walking group, their expectations for a peaceful outing to the Malvern Hills takes a grim turn. Arguments abound, and the hike ends in tragedy when one of the walkers is found dead in her car.

Initially ruled as an accident, Jude’s instincts tell her there’s more to the story.

As Jude and Binnie dig deeper, they uncover tensions and secrets within the group. From hidden affairs to longstanding rivalries, it becomes clear this death was no accident.

With each revelation, the danger grows. Can Jude and Binnie unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again?

*****

Jude Gray and DI Binnie Khatri have become fast friends. When Binnie asks Jude to join a walking group with her, Jude agrees. When another member of the group is found dead, it isn’t long before the ladies are back in the thick of an investigation with deadly stakes.

Was it an accident or murder and can the truth be uncovered before it’s too late?

Having read previous novels in this series, I have become a big fan of this author. So I wasted no time in accepting an invitation to join the blog tour for the latest book in the series, Death in the Hills.

If this book sounds up your street but you’ve not read Murder on the Farm (book one), Stranger in the Village (book two) and A Body by the Henhouse (book three), then don’t worry, this can be read as a standalone. I fully recommend the back catalogue in this series though. They are ace.

Jude is a wonderful character and I have grown very fond of her. She does have a tendency to attract trouble though. Haha. She’s resilient and determined. She also has a strong love and protective nature for the people around her. Binnie is great and a terrific partner to Jude. They work well as a team. I’d be just as interested to hear the story from her point of view as well as Judes.

The supporting cast is brilliant as well. As I have come to expect from this author, just when I think I have the villain sussed, a twist or a turn is thrown in and I am left guessing until the end.

Speaking of plot, the tension and suspense is built so well, I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t expect anything less though. The setting is so pretty. However, it’s starting to feel a little like the fictional Midsomer with the amount of deaths. I am very intrigued to see what lies in store for Jude and her friends.

Death in the Hills is a compelling whodunnit that had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter right through to the last page. Definitely one to add to your 2025 to be read list for sure.

About Kate Wells –

Kate Wells is the author of a number of well-reviewed books for children, and is now writing a new cosy crime series set in the Malvern hills, inspired by the farm where she grew up.

Boldwood published the first title, Murder at Malvern Farm, in August 2023. The latest, Death in the Hills was released on 7th January 2025. Click here to buy on Amazon and Waterstones.

Say hello to Kate on Facebook, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.