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Rachael Gray
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A Little Bird Told Me: A brand new thrilling cozy crime murder mystery Kindle Edition

by Rachael Gray (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 44 ratings
A murder in a quiet village is causing anxiety for a psychologist—who must face her fears to find the killer . . .

Psychologist Laurel Nightingale has fled from her problems in search of peace and respite. However, after discovering a dead body shortly after arriving in the tight-knit community of Elderwick, she wonders if village life is as wholesome as she first thought.

Local police are convinced the death was accidental, but Laurel suspects murder and enlists her new friend Maggie to join her quest to uncover the truth. When a second body is found, Laurel ruffles feathers by pointing the finger at one of the locals. But when her accusation backfires, she’s left alienated and afraid.

With her fear at an all-time high, her sleuthing partner gone missing, and village gossip spreading like wildfire, Laurel wonders who she can truly trust. Is it time to move on yet again? And will her newly formed friendships be enough to save her from this mysterious murderer?

A Little Bird Told Me is the debut whodunit from an exciting new voice in cozy mystery fiction that will put your sleuthing skills to the test.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Elderwick Mysteries
  2. Print length
    292 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Bloodhound Books
  5. Publication date
    September 5, 2024
  6. File size
    2.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

Murder Mystery, English Village
Crime, detective, cosy crime
kindle, kindle unlimited, ebook

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D34QNPPF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloodhound Books (September 5, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 5, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 292 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 44 ratings

About the author

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Rachael Gray

Rachael Gray

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Click to Follow and get an email to let you know when Rachael's next book is out.

With over twenty years of experience working as a doctor of clinical psychology for the NHS and healthcare charities, Rachael Gray is the author of the Elderwick Mysteries series: A Little Bird Told Me, A turn-up for the Books, and A Storm in a Teacup.

As a reader, Rachael will devour almost anything, but her favourite genres are crime and psychological thriller. As a writer, she enjoys crafting entertaining murder mysteries set in the glorious countryside of East Yorkshire.

She can be found writing in the home she shares with her husband in Normandy, France – though she’ll always be a Yorkshire girl at heart.

**Book 4 in the Elderwick Mysteries series - The Proof of the Pudding - will be out in October 2025. Unlike books 1-3, this free book will be available exclusively to members of The Elderwick Community - you can join on my website**

It's nearly Christmas and there's an exclusive party at Elderwick Hall, but for the thirteen guests who become trapped in the stately home, there's no chance of a silent night...

Bluesky: rachaelgray

Facebook: RachaelGray_Psy

Author website: welcometoelderwick

- Join the Elderwick Community for book news, offers, and freebies.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
44 global ratings

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An utterly charming and cleverly crafted debut that will delight fans of cozy mysteries
5 out of 5 stars
An utterly charming and cleverly crafted debut that will delight fans of cozy mysteries
Rachael Gray's debut novel "A Little Bird Told Me" is an absolute gem that mystery lovers won't be able to put down. Gray expertly combines the charm and quirky characters of a traditional English village mystery with gripping psychological suspense. The result is a highly entertaining page-turner filled with unexpected twists, red herrings, and a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together beautifully. The author's background as a clinical psychologist shines through in the nuanced portrayal of protagonist Laurel Nightingale. Laurel is a compelling and relatable heroine whose professional skills and personal struggles add depth to her amateur sleuthing. The supporting cast of colorful village residents are vividly drawn, from the gossipy but well-meaning Maggie to the enigmatic Albert with his menagerie of animals. Gray brings the fictional village of Elderwick to life with evocative descriptions and local color that will make readers wish they could visit. Perhaps most impressive is how deftly Gray weaves together multiple plotlines and time periods, gradually revealing how past events connect to the present-day murders. She keeps readers guessing until the very end with clever misdirection and surprising revelations. With its mix of cozy small-town atmosphere, intriguing mysteries both old and new, and a dash of romance, "A Little Bird Told Me" marks an extremely promising debut from an author to watch. Mystery fans will be eagerly awaiting Gray's next novel.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • mommie2pumpkin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cozy mystery keeps you guessing!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
    I absolutely loved this book. It was making me wonder who it was till the end.
    It was a fabulous and fun read. I cannot wait to read more from her. She is so talented and it’s the perfect Halloween read.
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  • StoreyBook Reviews
    4.0 out of 5 stars So many twists, it kept me guessing
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    Imagine moving to a new town and stumbling across a death right off the bat. It would make me reconsider my choice of towns. But Laurel seems to take it in stride and sets out to uncover the truth about what happened to Lily and why so many people in this town have secrets. 

    While most small towns have their share of "by the rules" citizens, this one has Derek, and he takes the cake. I don't know why he is so adamant about rules other than maybe he doesn't want his town to become a hotbed of criminal activity. That doesn't deter Laurel in the least. In the past, Laurel has had difficulty making friends, but here, she discovers a new friend in Maggie. I enjoyed watching their friendship blossom, but also weather some bumpy issues. She also befriends a few other characters, and her profession as a psychologist helps her in those relationships. 

    There are two murders to solve, and I have to admit that when the truth is revealed regarding the killer and their motive, it is very surprising. I never suspected this person for a moment. I wasn't sure who to suspect, considering the number of secrets that were hidden from the past and the present. 

    I liked the characters, even the crotchety ones. This small English town is quaint and the sort of place I wouldn't mind living, minus the murders that is!

    I think this will be an enjoyable, cozy series, and I am reading the next one now, so stay tuned for that review. 

    We give this book 4 paws up.
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  • Jebo from Cali
    5.0 out of 5 stars An utterly charming and cleverly crafted debut that will delight fans of cozy mysteries
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    Rachael Gray's debut novel "A Little Bird Told Me" is an absolute gem that mystery lovers won't be able to put down. Gray expertly combines the charm and quirky characters of a traditional English village mystery with gripping psychological suspense. The result is a highly entertaining page-turner filled with unexpected twists, red herrings, and a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together beautifully.
    The author's background as a clinical psychologist shines through in the nuanced portrayal of protagonist Laurel Nightingale. Laurel is a compelling and relatable heroine whose professional skills and personal struggles add depth to her amateur sleuthing. The supporting cast of colorful village residents are vividly drawn, from the gossipy but well-meaning Maggie to the enigmatic Albert with his menagerie of animals. Gray brings the fictional village of Elderwick to life with evocative descriptions and local color that will make readers wish they could visit.
    Perhaps most impressive is how deftly Gray weaves together multiple plotlines and time periods, gradually revealing how past events connect to the present-day murders. She keeps readers guessing until the very end with clever misdirection and surprising revelations. With its mix of cozy small-town atmosphere, intriguing mysteries both old and new, and a dash of romance, "A Little Bird Told Me" marks an extremely promising debut from an author to watch. Mystery fans will be eagerly awaiting Gray's next novel.
    Customer image
    Jebo from Cali
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    An utterly charming and cleverly crafted debut that will delight fans of cozy mysteries

    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    Rachael Gray's debut novel "A Little Bird Told Me" is an absolute gem that mystery lovers won't be able to put down. Gray expertly combines the charm and quirky characters of a traditional English village mystery with gripping psychological suspense. The result is a highly entertaining page-turner filled with unexpected twists, red herrings, and a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together beautifully.
    The author's background as a clinical psychologist shines through in the nuanced portrayal of protagonist Laurel Nightingale. Laurel is a compelling and relatable heroine whose professional skills and personal struggles add depth to her amateur sleuthing. The supporting cast of colorful village residents are vividly drawn, from the gossipy but well-meaning Maggie to the enigmatic Albert with his menagerie of animals. Gray brings the fictional village of Elderwick to life with evocative descriptions and local color that will make readers wish they could visit.
    Perhaps most impressive is how deftly Gray weaves together multiple plotlines and time periods, gradually revealing how past events connect to the present-day murders. She keeps readers guessing until the very end with clever misdirection and surprising revelations. With its mix of cozy small-town atmosphere, intriguing mysteries both old and new, and a dash of romance, "A Little Bird Told Me" marks an extremely promising debut from an author to watch. Mystery fans will be eagerly awaiting Gray's next novel.
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  • james garcia jr
    4.0 out of 5 stars More Than Just a Cozy.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
    As a reader of predominately paranormal and horror novels, I find I need to take a break periodically, and this was exactly what the Doctor ordered; something completely fresh and different. Very well done by author Gray. It was everything you wanted: not easily figured out, a cast of well-fleshed out characters that all had a bit of suspicion attached to them, and a plot that keeps you guessing all the way until the end. At first, I expected an episode of Murder, She Wrote, but that proved not to be fair. There was nothing formulaic about A Little Bird Told Me. Give it a chance. You'll see.
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  • Jessica Porter
    5.0 out of 5 stars New Favorite Author? Yes, she is!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
    This is the best debut novel I've seen in a long time. Immediately you find yourself submersed into the village of Elderwick - ready to enjoy a cup of tea and savory baked goods with Laurel, Albert, Maggie, and the rest of the village. The pages of A Little Bird Told Me seemed to flip themselves as I found myself lost in the story and accusing every character in the book until the final resolution. The writing wasn't forced and the plot flowed seamlessly - something that is difficult for the most seasoned author to accomplish. I've heard that Dr. Gray has another title being released with the same cast and am beyond excited to gobble that one up next!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • BryanJMason
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly entertaining cosy crime
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I’m not usually a cosy crime reader but Rachael Gray’s tale surprised me. It’s great fun and more importantly has super believable characters. Laurel is a wonderful protagonist, clever, self deprecating and dogged, perfect qualifications for an amateur sleuth.
    The plot has enough twists and turns to maintain interest without ever being contrived and the apparently quaint village life is captured beautifully.
    It is clear that the author has a fine eye for small details and a nice line in quirky ephemera.
    Although it is not my usual type of book it is a cracking rollicking read and I’m looking forward to seeing what the delightfully named Laurel Nightingale gets up to next
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  • Lisa H
    5.0 out of 5 stars A guessing game until the end, a perfect whodunit!
    Reviewed in Australia on October 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A Little Bird Told Me is a suspenseful, fast paced and entertaining debut whodunit by Rachael Gray.
    Psychologist Laurel Nightingale has fled from her problems in search of peace and respite. However, after discovering a dead body shortly after arriving in the tight-knit community of Elderwick, she wonders if village life is as wholesome as she first thought…
    I was immediately captivated by Gray’s engaging writing style and found myself cheering on relatable and relentless protagonist, Laurel, as she searches for answers to a mysterious death that, until her questioning, has been brushed off as suicide.
    Laurel is aided, and distracted by a local band of quirky characters, all living in the tight-knit Yorkshire inspired village of Elderwick.
    And Elderwick Hall? Not just a setting, but a character. I was fascinated by the home’s horrible, creepy history, and more.
    Loved the twists, the characters and setting, as well as the nods to Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.
    Am hoping this is the start of a fabulous new series by Rachael Gray, starring Dr Laurel Nightingale.
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  • HelenMK
    5.0 out of 5 stars A strong start to a cosy crime series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    When clinical psychologist, Laurel Nightingale plots her ‘escape to the country’, she’s running away from a tragedy in her professional life for which she feels responsible. Where better to move to than the tight-knit community of the Yorkshire village of Elderwick, an idyllic countryside setting where all will be calm and she can heal. Except that Laurel is clearly not a cosy crime reader(!) or she would know that, far from finding solace, her new village will be teeming with unexplained deaths, historic mysteries, baddies masquerading as good people, busybodies and folk lining their pockets with dodgy development schemes.
    On the day Laurel moves in, her neighbour, Lily is found dead and, despite the police ruling out suspicious circumstances, Laurel is convinced it was murder. Along with her new friend, Maggie, she begins investigating Lily’s death. The author uses this and Laurel’s other new relationships brilliantly as an opportunity for world building and creates the sweet exterior of Elderwick where the bakery is called the Plump Tart and the pub is the Pleasant Pheasant. Could this tongue twister be foreshadowing the plot twists to come? Much cake is consumed but, beneath the comfortable surface of the community, bones are unearthed, long-buried secrets emerge and another villager meets a shocking death.
    Author, Rachael Gray has constructed a perfectly imperfect village setting peopled with diverse characters for a cosy crime series. Readers will enjoy deepening their acquaintance with many of them. Laurel is a likeable central character and sleuth, with an analytical brain and an impulsive nature, so she gets things wrong at least as often as she nails them. Readers who’ve been perplexed by the plot twists will enjoy this and laugh along with her. And as for the birds – there are many species: magpies and crows; Aroon, the cockerel, who plays an actual role; Lauren’s own surname – Nightingale, and the locally-brewed Red Hen cider.
    A well-written novel with engaging characters and a strong start to a series that is sure to be popular with cosy crime fans. Highly recommended.
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  • PB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant debut!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I devoured this in a matter of days, drawn in by the fabulous characters and the twisty, gripping story. Naturally I suspected a number of possible murderers along the way; naturally I was wrong. A super read. More please.
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  • Ces
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There’s so much to love about this cosy mystery! The descriptions of the Yorkshire-village setting are vivid, from the weather to the geography, which drew me right in. The heroine, Laurel, is likeable and interesting and the mystery was top notch – fast paced and suspenseful. I loved the solution, which I certainly didn’t predict! What a brilliant start to a new series!
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