The Estwich Murders: Books 1-4
(2025)(A book in the Beldon Magna Mystery series)
An omnibus of novels by Anthony Litton
Enjoy four gripping and atmospheric crime mysteries packed with twists and turns in one great-value box set.
Nothing much ever happens in the quiet villages of Estwich and Beldon Magna, where wealthy aristocrats and country folk live side by side in a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and fields.
Until one morning, when Desmond Appleby takes his dog for a walk and stumbles upon what he thinks is a scarecrow in a field. But when his dog trots back with a designer shoe in its mouth, Desmond looks closer — and discovers a woman’s body, strung up and savagely slashed.
This killing is only the beginning. As more brutal murders follow, old scandals resurface, grudges boil over, and village gossip proves more dangerous than ever. With the help of ambitious young DI Robert Calderwood, Desmond must unmask a ruthless killer hiding in plain sight.
But in a community where everyone knows everyone, trust is fragile — and anyone could be guilty.
MEET DESMOND
A successful London theatre producer, Desmond returns to his mother’s village with his partner Gwilym, only to find himself drawn into a string of brutal murders. Quick-witted, gregarious, and a natural gossip, Desmond has an exceptional talent for reading people — a skill sharpened in the theatre and now vital in uncovering killers.
Though squeamish at the sight of blood and prone to dramatic flair, he makes up for it with charm, intuition, and connections that open doors the police cannot. Backed by his loyal partner and watched closely by DI Robert Calderwood, Desmond becomes the village’s most unlikely but essential investigator.
THE SETTING
Beldon Magna and Estwich may look like picture-perfect villages: rolling hills, ancient pubs, stone cottages and church spires. But beneath the charming surface lies a world of festering rivalries, old money disputes, and secrets the locals would kill to keep. From windswept fields and hidden woods to bustling pubs and elegant drawing rooms, this is the English countryside at its most deceptive — beautiful on the outside, but deadly within.
These gripping atmospheric mysteries are perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Rebcca Tope and Faith Martin.
PRAISE FOR ANTHONY LITTON:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Once I start one, I can’t put it down until I’m finished. Plots are twisty, main characters likable and villains despicable. A perfect blueprint for a mystery novel!' Denise R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I couldn''t put this one down!' B Wilkinson.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I can usually guess who's committed the crime, but not with this book it kept me guessing which was great, a thoroughly good read.' Mrs D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Anthony Litton, you are a master writer to write a book like this.' Kindle Reader.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was superbly written and kept me hooked from the start to the finish.' Roberta J.
Genre: Mystery
Nothing much ever happens in the quiet villages of Estwich and Beldon Magna, where wealthy aristocrats and country folk live side by side in a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and fields.
Until one morning, when Desmond Appleby takes his dog for a walk and stumbles upon what he thinks is a scarecrow in a field. But when his dog trots back with a designer shoe in its mouth, Desmond looks closer — and discovers a woman’s body, strung up and savagely slashed.
This killing is only the beginning. As more brutal murders follow, old scandals resurface, grudges boil over, and village gossip proves more dangerous than ever. With the help of ambitious young DI Robert Calderwood, Desmond must unmask a ruthless killer hiding in plain sight.
But in a community where everyone knows everyone, trust is fragile — and anyone could be guilty.
MEET DESMOND
A successful London theatre producer, Desmond returns to his mother’s village with his partner Gwilym, only to find himself drawn into a string of brutal murders. Quick-witted, gregarious, and a natural gossip, Desmond has an exceptional talent for reading people — a skill sharpened in the theatre and now vital in uncovering killers.
Though squeamish at the sight of blood and prone to dramatic flair, he makes up for it with charm, intuition, and connections that open doors the police cannot. Backed by his loyal partner and watched closely by DI Robert Calderwood, Desmond becomes the village’s most unlikely but essential investigator.
THE SETTING
Beldon Magna and Estwich may look like picture-perfect villages: rolling hills, ancient pubs, stone cottages and church spires. But beneath the charming surface lies a world of festering rivalries, old money disputes, and secrets the locals would kill to keep. From windswept fields and hidden woods to bustling pubs and elegant drawing rooms, this is the English countryside at its most deceptive — beautiful on the outside, but deadly within.
These gripping atmospheric mysteries are perfect for fans of Ann Cleeves, Rebcca Tope and Faith Martin.
PRAISE FOR ANTHONY LITTON:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Once I start one, I can’t put it down until I’m finished. Plots are twisty, main characters likable and villains despicable. A perfect blueprint for a mystery novel!' Denise R.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I couldn''t put this one down!' B Wilkinson.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I can usually guess who's committed the crime, but not with this book it kept me guessing which was great, a thoroughly good read.' Mrs D.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Anthony Litton, you are a master writer to write a book like this.' Kindle Reader.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was superbly written and kept me hooked from the start to the finish.' Roberta J.
Genre: Mystery
Used availability for Anthony Litton's The Estwich Murders: Books 1-4