A Case of Mice and Murder

The Trials of Gabriel Ward #1

by Sally Smith

The first in a delightful new mystery series set in the hidden heart of London’s legal world, introducing a wonderfully unwilling sleuth, perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Nita Prose.

When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case—the disputed authorship of bestselling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse—that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.

But even he cannot fail to notice the judge’s dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest. In the shaded courtyards and ancient buildings of the Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London’s legal world, murder has spent centuries confined firmly to the casebooks. Until now . . .

The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn’t answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple’s heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he’d ever imagined . . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Crime, Historical, Historical Mystery, Mystery Thriller

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 18, 2024

About the author

Sally Smith is a barrister and KC who has spent all her working life in the Inner Temple. After writing a biography of Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, a renowned Edwardian barrister she retired from the bar to write fulltime. This, her first novel, was inspired by the historic surroundings in which she lives and works and by the centuries of rich history in Inner Temple Archives and Library. This is the first in a series introducing the amateur and unwilling sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Murder mystery set in the Temple (weird legal area of London with its own rules) with OCD bachelor barrister Sir Gabriel Ward reluctantly dragged in to investigate the killing of the Lord Chief Justice. It's very readable and very likeable, with a slightly odd but kindhearted lead, well laid clues, and some sharp observations. It perhaps suffered a bit by comparison to Sarah Cauldwell's legal murder mysteries, in that they push the boundaries so much further, but comparisons are odious. Terrifically researched setting that feels note perfect. Will definitely get the next one.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Matthew Lloyd-Davis
Presented by Bloomsbury UK Audio

Another fun detective story!

Err, I mean, LAWYER.

Yes, Sir Gabriel Ward is tasked with investigating a murder that's happened on Temple grounds. That's not, as I first misunderstood, a literal temple, but rather a special lil section of London where Lawyers rule. Gabriel is a little odd, but it's part of his charm.

I'll admit, the narrator didn't work for me at the beginning. For some reason I find some male narrators hard to hear at times, like they trail off at the end of the sentences or in the middle and I can't make out the words properly. Very frustrating. I also found the pacing off compared to how I'd read, but I wouldn't go so far as to say he did a bad job.

He did grow on me as I became more involved in the story, but I did find myself tuning out a lot at the start. The story sucked me in though and I regretted not paying thorough attention!

There's a double mystery here - the murder that Ward has been tasked with investigating, and the case he's currently undertaking in his role as a lawyer, that concerns the author of a children's book. It's the latter that really piqued my curiosity; Millie the mouse has become a hugely successful book and yet her authorship is unknown. Fascinating!

Eventually this book delivered everything I've really been enjoying in the Japanese crime novels I've been devouring: strange, seemingly irrelevant pieces, a large cast of potential suspects, quirky stories and completely wild ideas. I enjoyed the way everything started to be pieced together and the ultimate conclusion.

This is a great introduction to the series, but given all the clues and red herrings I'd love to read this one physically so that I can properly absorb every detail.

Highly recommend to crime fans who just want a straight up murder mystery without the brooding detectives and their messy love lives.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sally Smith’s debut novel is the first in a series featuring a cerebral, observant barrister of the Inner Temple teaming up with a clever young constable proved great fun from the very start. Gabriel Ward KC leads a solitary life by choice, surrounded by books and difficult legal cases; to his dismay, he’s tapped to investigate the stabbing murder of Lord Chief Justice Norman Dunning. Ward and his assigned helper, Constable Maurice Wright, may come from nearly opposite ends of the social strata, but in so many ways, they emerge as kindred spirits.

Smith packs the novel with humor, an excellent plot and plenty of revelations. I cannot wait for the sequel! Highly, highly, highly recommended.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Case of Mice and Murder could be categorised as 'cosy crime ' or even in some senses a 'locked room murder " but this would very much under play the quality, uniqueness and enjoyment of this historical period story through placing it simply under these popular categories

Set in the enclosed world of the Inner Temple- home of the highest judges and barristers - a murder has been committed - the death of the Lord Chief Justice. The crime takes place upon the doorstep of barrister Gabriel Ward- who is then assigned the task of carrying out internal enquiries to determine the perpetrator of the murder...The Temple is its own realm ( rather like the Vatican) and police may only enter the grounds with permission. The murderer can only have been somebody who was permitted within the Temple environs.

Accompanied by Constable Wright , Gabriel embarks on his task with reluctance as life beyond the temple walls are a source of anxiety and mystery; he has cocooned himself within his chambers and the legal world.

Whilst trying to explore the death of the Lord Chief Justice, he is also challenged by the curious case of determining the authorship of the hugely popular children's book, "Millie The Temple Mouse"

Sally Smith has created a wonderful protagonist and this is the start of a promising series - combining period details, the greed for power among the judiciary and their wives , creating the atmosphere of Temple life and combining a few red herrings along the way, this is an enjoyable crime/detective procedural with a twist.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version. I plan to read it on kindle and see if I like the story better, I think I will. The narrator ruined this book for me. Mediocre performance at best. I feel I’m a good judge of this as, I listen to most of my books because I’m legally blind. I wouldn’t recommend the audio version, but read the book.

I was blessed with an audio ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful intertwining of two mysteries: a murder, of course, and the anonymous author of a popular children’s story. I adored our lawyer-sleuth Gabriel Ward and his meticulous approach to these investigations. The mysteries were puzzling and complicated.

The historical setting (1901, in London’s Middle and Inner Temples) was nicely constructed. It introduced me to this little world with so much history and peculiar traditions.

Fans of cozy mysteries with a strong historical edge will enjoy this!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very impressed by this debut novel set in 1901. It centres around the murder of the Lord Chief Justice in London's Inner Temple. The characters were interesting and I thought the historical detail rang true. Thankfully it is the start of a series featuring Gabriel Ward KC. The only real negative is the frequent references to the snuffling of the lead character . Irritating and unnecessary. I look forward to the follow up book which is out next month.

[Tim Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

English, introverted and upper middle class, as all good detectives and detective fiction should be. At times the style comes close to Socialist Realism, which is not a good thing. But elsewhere it is very funny: much funnier than many books that are sold as comedies. Everyone has a secret, but for the most part these secrets are touchingly innocent, or if not entirely innocent, at least motivated by very human and commendable motives.

Thoughts that occurred to me: (Not exactly spoilers. And not all my ideas turned out to be correct!)

1. The victim had walked in bare feet. Clearly he took off his shoes and socks for some purpose of his own. Which of the four ancient elements do we associate with bare feet?
2. The location of the body is not necessarily the location of the murder.
3. Put 1 and 2 together to deduce something about the build of the murderer.
4. We're not going to fall for the old "broken watch" trick, are we? Did we learn nothing from Murder on the Orient Express?
5. Who do you think really wrote Millie the Mouse? And how can it be proved?

[4cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I must say I don't usually read 'cosy crime' novels, they are really not my thing. And although in the description A Case of Mice and Murder mentions cosy crime I would suggest that this is far more, the historical element (the workings of the Inner Temple and the KC's work) lifts this crime novel up a notch or 2 in my estimation. With it's well rounded cast of characters, especially Gabriel Ward KC and Constable Wright who shine out of the pages, the well thought out plot carries you along nicely and finally most importantly, it's really well written (the quality reminds me of Christie). I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Clbplym · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very good. There are two cases for Gabriel: one is the death of the Lord Chief Justice and the other is the authorship of a novel about Millie the Temple Mouse. The story is set in the early 20th century and Gabriel is given a week to investigate the death before allowing the police in as they have no jurisdiction within the Temple area (something I did not know). I actually enjoyed the mouse part more but the characters of the other barristers and Judges were marvellous. I listened to this on Audible and the narrators voice was very expressive but occasionally the dips in volume weren’t ideal for listening in a car! I am definitely going to read the second novel.

[TF · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Case of Mice and Murder is a wonderfully intriguing debut novel by Sally Smith KC. This cosy mystery is set in London in 1901, where the murder of England's Lord Chief Justice causes uproar in The Inner Temple. Quiet, quirky Sir Gabriel Ward KC is appointed to do a preliminary investigation before the police are allowed to enter these hallowed halls of justice. The reluctant detective has to unravel the mystery while simultaneously preparing the sensational case involving disputed ownership of Millie the Temple Church Mouse..
I absolutely loved this book, the writing style was charming and the emotional journey of Sir Gabriel captivating. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury/ Raven Books for the review copy.

#ACaseOfMiceAndMurder #NetGalley

[Reagan Formea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in a giveaway!
Sadly, this book did not do much for me. It felt like it was dragging while only being about 300 pages and I could not connect to the writing style. I wish I liked it more because I think the cover is so cute for some reason.

[Frojjay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jolly story but found the underlying women being oppressed bit very distressing

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight. A Case of Mice and Murder took a little while to draw me in (hence four stars instead of five), but once it did I loved it. Fans of other books featuring accidental detectives may enjoy it as well.

Set in 1901 London, it introduces us to the Temple, a cloistered spot where lawyers have lived and worked for 700 years (and which was all new to me) and to Sir Gabriel Ward. Gabriel “is the very last sort of man to become an amateur sleuth.” He is a barrister because he has respect for the law, for the need to be precise in its application, and for the certainty in its results. He is neurodivergent and has obsessive-compulsive disorder. He has a brilliant mind and is fortunate to have people around him who understand his quirks. Gabriel could come off as annoying but I found him charming and believable instead.

When the Lord Chief Justice is murdered, Gabriel gets called on to do a little behind-the-scenes, unofficial sleuthing. This certainly throws a wrench into his routines, but it also challenges his mind in new ways. During times of crisis, Gabriel often refers back to the phrases and actions his old nanny used on him as a child, and he finds them surprisingly successful. A young constable is assigned to assist him, and they form a partnership that is satisfactory to both of them.

After the murder, we see justices (and their conniving wives) hoping to become the next Lord Chief Justice, an unhappy widow, an irritating boy who also manages to be appealing, and a vicar who loves his cat. We know that secrets are being kept from Gabriel. The secondary plot sees a publisher being sued by a woman who claims to have written his company’s runaway bestseller Millie the Temple Church Mouse.

The Case of Mice and Murder is funny, and the mysteries are slowly explained away as Gabriel doggedly investigates. The author manages to make important points without being out of step with the time period. The murdered judge’s sister had a better mind for the law than he did, but she was not allowed to study to become a lawyer, for example. Gabriel empathizes and finds it a waste. A scullery maid shows compassion to a man living on the streets and Sir Gabriel must use all his wits to see that she is not punished for her acts by the people of power and influence. He must also safeguard the rights of the homeless man.

I read an advance reader copy of A Case of Mice and Murder from Netgalley. It is the first book in a series, and I hope it has a long successful run.

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1901. The tone and setting are perfect, fitting for Sir Gabriel Ward, a quietly brilliant London barrister with a humane eye who rarely leaves the Inner Temple legal enclave. He is tasked with solving the murder of the Lord Chief Justice before the police need be called in, while also appearing in a case about the authorship of the wonderfully popular children’s book, Millie the Temple Church Mouse. He manages both the murder investigation and the authorship trial with understated flair.

I found the book delightful and look forward to a sequel. Wittily and well done.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful! I enjoyed it very much. Witty, clever, interesting. Admirable fitting the English language around 1901 to today’s reading habits, mainly shorter sentences. Only a few words escaped the editing. Not wholly convincing solution but still an excellent mystery!

[Brenda Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book which falls into the “cosy crime” category, not one I usually read. Thanks Freya for putting this on my Kindle! Well written, likeable central character and added interest for me with historical setting of the Inns of court.
Liked the intertwining stories dealing with a murder and who wrote a runaway successful children’s book. Gradual unravelling of all the strands was very satisfying. Will definitely read the second one when it comes out in July.

[Amy Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mystery novel! The detailed characterization makes for a lovable protagonist, a reluctant detective that somehow feels sympathy for the villain as well as the victim. And the actual meat of the mystery itself is well-done and plausible without seeming obvious.

[Liam Martin-Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relaxed but very engaging. Drew me in but not in a tense way. Very enjoyable read, nice detail on law.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to follow

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this seemed slow paced (and maybe my disjointed reading of it didn’t help) I did really enjoy this story. Well plotted with great knowledge of the environs and good characters; interested to see how the main character develops. I will read no 2 when released. Recommended.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical murder mystery that is set in London's inner Temple.
I really enjoyed this. Gabriel Ward KC is a great character who's set in his ways. He basically has ocd.
It's a smart whodunnit that's written well with wonderful characters.

[Lorna Greville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very assured for a debut novel. Two mysteries woven into one with a satisfying ending. Enough red herrings to keep you guessing with enough breadcrumbs to lead you through to the truth. Constable was a favourite character and I’d hope if this becomes a series that Gabriel and the Constable become a consistent duo

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot that I really liked here, unfortunately there was even more that I found repetitive and slow going, and that was a problem for me... I liked the setup. I liked the concept. I liked the main characters. But in between those elements that I liked, I found a lot of very wordy description and plodding "investigation" that kept pulling me out of the witty banter and clever characterizations.

I struggled with this one - more than most apparently - and don't know if I would continue this series although I might just to see if the follow-up book Titans things up enough that I could thoroughly enjoy the elements of the story without feeling mired in detail.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.

[Suli Scatchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama wanted some cozy crime, and this hit the spot. It was exactly what I was looking for - tongue-in-cheek descriptions of characters, likeable protagonists and a plot that ticked along. I particularly enjoyed the backdrop of the Temple during Edwardian Britain, which piqued my interest and led to me going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Although knowing the area around the Inns of Court and Chancery Lane well, I had no idea about the history of the Temple nor did I have a monkeys about the fact that it is under different jurisdiction to the City of London Corporation?!

Being the first of the books published in this series of Gabriel Ward’s genius, I would be eager to read the next. As mentioned, I thought the pacing was good, and it did all the hallmarks of a crime novel justice (did… did you see what I did there?), revisiting characters in a measured way to give the reader more information that eventually was all laid out in Ward’s explanation in the final few pages. Sally Smith writes elegantly and to echo one of the reviews sat proudly on the cover, it was a “delight to read”. As far as the actual mystery went, it wasn’t the most mind-bending plot twist in the world, but it wasn’t contrived.

In the following books of the series, I hope that we get some character development with Gabriel Ward, where perhaps he has to struggle, or face a scenario where for once, he is not right. Whilst the genius detective is not necessarily ground breaking as a trope, I think there is a lot of potential for Gabriel to really show growth, as we see glimmers of this through his eyes being opened to the drivers and challenges that face people below his social class. Whilst he was inspired by Constable Wright once or twice, I would really like to see more scenarios where Constable Wright’s street knowledge plays more of a pivotal role, and Ward realises that there are different ways of being knowledgeable outside the academic sphere in which he operates.

All in all, lots of potential for future material, and I’m looking to read the second novel in the series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun historical mystery set in the law center (the Inner Temple) of London in the early 20th century. The Lord Chief Justice of England is found dead on the doorstep of barrister Gabriel Ward. Ward is a brilliant barrister but also a quite introverted personality who does not mingle with just about anyone. However, since the Chief Justice turned up on his doorstep (and his reputation for brilliance) he gets tasked to investigate this with Constable Wright, a policeman who is looking to advance in his profession. Neither one is thrilled but they end up learning from each other and also growing in their understanding of themselves and those around them. And of course they solve the murder!

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel Ward KC. A barrister living in the Inner temple in London circa 1901. He lives a fixed and predicable life. His physical world is small and constrained by his own quirks and numerous rituals. He keeps to himself, content in his ways and fuelled by a rich life of solitary academic study as well as his work.

A murder interrupts the sanctuary of the life that he has created. He's not a natural detective, but nonetheless, he finds himself at the centre of not one but two mysteries...

Gabriel Ward is up there with Ove Lindahl and Graeme Simison as characters that feel like home.

[Debra Govier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1901 and Gabriel Ward KC lives and works in one of London's societies of barristers called the Inner Temple.
He has always been content with his life there, but when a murder is committed in the Temple he is given the job of investigating. This takes him out of his comfort zone and into the real world, which is quite a challenge for him.
I loved this book. It is a murder/whodunit with great characters and a lot of humour !

[Avi Baranes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn on this. On the one hand, the mystery is enjoyable and interesting (if predictable) and I did enjoy the characters (even if they were a tad one-dimensional). That said, there was something about the style that I struggled with. The book takes place in 1901 and it seems like it was written to fit that time period.

That said, this was enjoyable enough and I will more than likely pick up the next one in the series when it comes out.

[Sarah Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellous book. Beautiful descriptions of 1901 lives in and around the Inner Temple. Plenty of interesting characters with the murderer hidden in plain sight. I enjoyed this book and raced through it. I hope there will be many more and we will learn more about Sir Gabriel Ward. This deserves the same success as Millie the Temple Church Mouse