Tessa Barrie’s The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook is a charming and clever blend of cozy mystery and emotional introspection, set in a picture-perfect English village brimming with secrets. The novel kicks off with the sudden and suspicious death of Jocelyn Robertshaw, a glamorous former actress turned best-selling author. Her passing sends ripples through the quaint village of Didsbrook, stirring up a whirlwind of gossip, speculation, and long-buried truths. Through a rotating cast of relatable characters, from wide-eyed young Lucy to weary but sharp-witted DCI Middleton, the story unravels a layered mystery that bridges generations, identities, and emotional reckonings.

What I loved most about this book was its vivid sense of place and community. Barrie paints Didsbrook with loving, whimsical strokes, half theatrical set, half living village. The writing has a warm, inviting tone, even when diving into darker themes like grief, betrayal, and mortality. There’s something tender and sharp happening at the same time in these pages. The narrative is breezy without being shallow, and full of theatrical flair, particularly in the witty banter and sly nods to classic detective fiction. And though it dips into mystery tropes, it does so with affection and originality. The characters feel lived-in. DCI Middleton, in particular, made me smile with his mix of grump and gallows humor.

There’s a lot of backstory and a sprawling ensemble that took some time to keep straight. But I didn’t mind getting lost in the sidetracks. The emotional undercurrent is strong and steady. The story isn’t just about whodunit. It’s about why we hide parts of ourselves, and what happens when truths finally come out. That gave the book its real punch. Jocelyn’s life, even in death, becomes a mirror for the other characters to confront their own stories.

If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven mysteries with a side of small-town eccentricity and a splash of theatrical charm, this is your kind of read. Fans of Richard Osman, Agatha Christie, or even Joanna Cannon would feel right at home. It’s funny, thoughtful, and heartfelt. And despite the crime at its center, it somehow manages to feel like a warm hug. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who likes their mysteries with brains, heart, and a little sparkle.

Pages: 307 | ASIN : B0F9P9DM57