SJ Bennett was born in Yorkshire, England in 1966, and lives in London. An army child, she grew up travelling around the world. Her first novel was published when she was 42, after a varied career and lots of procrastination. She is the award-winning author of several books for children and teaches and podcasts about writing.
A House in Winter (2026) Emily Hourican "Resonant and compelling, it brings its complex subjects vividly to life. I loved it."
A Game of Cat and Killer (2026) (Casebooks of Mikeneko Holmes, book 1) Jiro Akagawa "An ingenious crime needs an ingenious detective - and it gets one. Akagawa's playful imagination is in full flow. I challenge you to see how it was done."
The End of the Vodka (2026) Oscar De Muriel "Brilliantly blends fact and fiction. The political plot was gripping... does justice to Frida's unique place in history, her pride, her passion and her pain."
The Art of a Lie (2025) Laura Shepherd-Robinson "This book is an absolute treat, with deceit layered on deceit. As always, Laura brings Georgian London to life in all its wit and wickedness. I devoured the story like a bowl of fresh iced cream, and I won't be able to walk the length of Piccadilly without thinking of Hannah Cole and her shop of sweet temptations. As William Deveraux says to Henry Fielding, 'You'll divide your days between the before and after'"
Can You Solve the Murder? (2025) (Can You Solve the Murder?, book 1) Antony Johnston "This is a story for puzzle lovers everywhere - but only you can separate the real clues from the red herrings. It's an unusual tale where you really are the detective, and just make sure you don't accidentally die in the process. Antony Johnston masterfully guides you through."
The Gatsby Gambit (2025) Claire Anderson Wheeler "Like so many, I'm familiar with the dazzling, tragic characters of The Great Gatsby. But in this reimagining of their world, Claire sheds new light on who suffers, and who succeeds. As well as a mystery, it's a coming of age story for Jay's younger sister, Gigi, and I loved her growing insights into her privileged life, and what it costs. It's an accomplished and satisfying read imbued with the luxury and lurking danger in the jewel of West Egg."
A Brush with Death (2025) (Retired Teacher Mystery, book 4) J M Hall "Warm characters and wonderful writing... It's steeped in Yorkshire like a mug of hot, strong tea... I loved it."
A Case of Mice and Murder (2024) (Trials of Gabriel Ward, book 1) Sally Smith "I loved it! ... A whiff of Shardlake and a pinch of Rumpole. The plotting is brilliant and it's a joy for any lover of literature . or justice."
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers (2024) Samuel Burr "From crossword clues and codes to the biggest puzzle of all: who we really are. [This novel] is infused with warmth and a sense of community. A joy."
Knife Skills For Beginners (2024) (Paul Delamare, book 1) Orlando Murrin "Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy, packed full of fabulous culinary tips and recipes you'll want to make, alongside a decent dollop of murder and mystery."
Guide to Murder (2024) (Antique Hunter's, book 1) C L Miller "A delicious read packed with fascinating details in a picture-perfect setting. Who could resist a treasure hunt with murder at its core?"
Helle and Death (2024) (Helle and Death, book 1) Oskar Jensen "Oskar Jensen is a sparkling new voice in crime fiction. Loved it."
The Excitements (2024) CJ Wray "Funny, thrilling and brilliantly researched. From the SOE to dodgy knees, its heartwarming description of the adventures of the redoubtable Penny and Josephine, past and present, made me want them, absolutely, as great aunts of my own."
Mrs Sidhu's Dead and Scone (2023) (Mrs Sidhu, book 1) Suk Pannu "I loved it. Suk Pannu stands out as a writer with real depth and insight into human nature. Mrs Sidhu - Slough's answer to Miss Marple - is a wonderful creation. Her 'aloneness' was very moving, and the clues she used to solve the crime were masterful."
Grave Expectations (2023) (Grave Expectations, book 1) Alice Bell "A very funny, entertaining, twisted take on the country house murder mystery. Wonderful."
The Warlock Effect (2023) (Louis Warlock, book 1) Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman "Edge-of-your-seat stuff . . . Heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure, The Warlock Effect is a fiendish mix of history, humour and horror with a unique combination of Cold War and magic methodology."
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels (2023) Janice Hallett "The queen of the narrative twist. She takes the conventions of the modern mystery novel and upends them as Christie did. And the themes of this book are haunting."
The Three Dahlias (2022) (Three Dahlias Mysteries, book 1) Katy Watson "A wonderful celebration of Golden Age crime. . . a read you can sink into, just like the perfect country house weekend. You will definitely love Dahlia in all her guises by the end."
Loch Down Abbey (2021) (Loch Down Abbey Mystery, book 1) Beth Cowan-Erskine "An entertaining romp and a fascinating insight into the weird and wonderful ways of the British aristocracy."
(b.1966)
