Kate Hardy’s The Body at the Roman Baths is the fifth book in the Georgina Drake Mystery series and a shining example of how cozy crime can be both engaging and emotionally layered. Set in the picturesque Norfolk village of Little Wenborough, the story blends a present-day murder with a historical mystery from the Victorian era, creating a dual-timeline narrative that is rich in atmosphere and suspense.

Photographer Georgina Drake is once again at the center of the mystery when she is asked to document the excavation of a Roman mosaic on the grounds of her friends, Sybbie and Bernard. What should have been a moment of historical celebration quickly turns grim when the body of the lead archaeologist, Simon Butterfield, is discovered beneath the tarpaulin covering the site. As her partner Detective Inspector Colin Bradshaw investigates, Georgina finds herself pulled deeper into the case, especially when Doris—her witty, ever-loyal ghostly companion—reveals a chilling parallel. More than a century earlier, another archaeologist vanished under suspicious circumstances during an excavation on the same grounds.

The interplay between past and present is one of the book’s strongest elements. Hardy seamlessly moves between Georgina’s modern-day sleuthing and the tragic story of Timothy Marsden, the young Victorian scholar whose disappearance has haunted the manor’s history. The connection between the two mysteries is revealed gradually, keeping the reader invested as threads of jealousy, betrayal, and long-buried secrets are drawn together.

Georgina remains a highly relatable heroine. Unlike many detectives in the genre, she is a mature woman balancing her love of photography, her circle of loyal friends, and her complicated relationship with Colin. Her interactions with Doris provide both humor and heart, offering a unique supernatural twist that sets this series apart from other cozy mysteries. The supporting cast—Sybbie, Francesca, Bea, and even her clever dog Bert—adds depth and warmth, grounding the story in friendship and community.

Hardy’s gift for setting is also on full display. From the grandeur of the Roman mosaic to the quiet charm of village life, every scene feels immersive. The historical details of the Victorian excavation are particularly evocative, giving readers a strong sense of time and place while underscoring how history’s shadows can stretch into the present.

While this is the fifth installment, newcomers can easily enjoy it as a standalone, though fans of the series will appreciate the deepening of Georgina’s character and her evolving openness with Colin about her connection to Doris. Hardy strikes a perfect balance between intrigue, character development, and heartwarming moments, ensuring the story is as emotionally rewarding as it is thrilling.

The Body at the Roman Baths is a masterfully written cozy mystery that intertwines history and the present day with elegance and suspense. Fans of Elly Griffiths, Rhys Bowen, or Kate Morton will find themselves enchanted by Hardy’s storytelling. It is a novel that not only entertains but also lingers, reminding us how the past can shape the present in unexpected ways.

I love this series. The characters are fun and well developed and the book is well written. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

⭐️ True rating: 3.5 stars ⭐️

Pros:
• Intriguing premise - the main character can hear the ghost of a young woman, who died in the house where she now lives, through her hearing aids
• A nice quick read when you don't want to pick something too heavy up
• Even though it's book number 5 in this series, this can easily be read as a standalone.


Cons:
• Some of the dialogue feels a little stilted and repeative
• Some of the minor characters are a little two-dimensional / flat, and I didn't feel like we really got any insight into them or their motives

Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I would pick up another book in this series


Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

This was an interesting story about a Romans remains dig, where murder and theft take place. Some good characters with some interesting interactions. The conclusion was rather abrupt, more like a shopping list with things being ticked off. I kept feeling that something was missing.

This was a great thriller and it kept me guessing as there were so many clues to try and work out. I loved this one and I read it very quickly. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A Roman mosaic floor is discovered in a Norfolk village but the head of archaeology is found dead on site. But it’s not the first time something strange happened. A Victorian scholar vanished. A wonderful who done it with twists and turns.

I am enjoying this series of books. It gets better with each new one. A brilliant story line with believable characters and I look forward to reading more

The Body at the Roman Baths by Kate Hardy had me hooked from the first page, as I eagerly followed Georgina’s investigation into both an ancient mystery and a modern murder. I loved how the story seamlessly wove together the intrigue of the Roman mosaic with the unsettling events surrounding the archaeologists, keeping me guessing at every turn. The mix of history, suspense, and the charm of a cozy village made this a delightful read that left me reflecting on how the past and present are always intertwined.

This is book 5 in the series and Georgina has no plan to get involved in any investigation, she just wants to photograph a very unique and amazing Roman mosaic. All looks well and good to go, but then before she can, a body lands in it. Was it murder? Is it tied to the dig? As she tries to help her friend figure out where her family member disappeared to, as distraction from what appears to be too many suspects and motives for the murder, she realizes she may stumbled on a historical murder, and in an odd way, they appear to be connected. But while the historical murderer can't come after her, someone else nearby is thinking she is getting way too close and looking to distract her, and then remove her from the scene. A page turner, this is a great read to the series.

Ok , have read more of this series and I suppose reasonably well balanced between the cold case (1860s) and the current case . The group of villagers have been in the other books, though I thought that some were just named in this book, rather than being involved in the story. The supernatural aspect caused some problems between some of the characters and is OK, though it felt a bit like a direct line to life after death here, with some parts revealed after the clues had been solved in the modern day. I personally did not feel particularly engaged with either the plot nor the characters this time. Not sure if I will continue with the series because of that. Cozy crime is not really my thing because I find the villagers chasing around trying to solve the mysteries a little unbelievable and irritating and the coincidences are too contrived. The pace picks up later in the book but it still felt quite drawn out for a book under 200 pages.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

Georgina Drake is excited to be given the opportunity to photograph a rare Roman mosaic floor near where she lives in Norfolk. Sadly as the floor is revealed, one of the archaeologists is found quite clearly murdered on top of the floor. Trying to solve the crime links back to an earlier disappearance and the plot gets more complicated by past secrets. A great read.

For some reason I could not get into this book. I usually love a cozy British mystery. This is my first read by this author.. The ghost threw me off.

Although book 5 in this series, it reads well as a standalone too as I haven't read the others and enough information is given to the reader so that you have some idea of what has previously happened. The book deals with not only a current murder, but also an historic one too. It falls into the cozy crime genre for me however it is a solid story with some great characters in it. Well worth a read if you want something less gruesome.

Thanks to Netgalley /Storm for the ARC to review

The Body at the Roman Baths by Kate Hardy is the 5th book in the excellent Georgina Drake Mystery series and just like her other books within this series I loved it and I was hooked from the very first few pages till the end. It was full of excellent twists and turns throughout that will have you turning the pages of my kindle quickly. It was hard to put it down. Before I knew it the sun was waking up. I was so glad I did not have work the next day!!!
Georgina is such a great character and looking forward to what happens next.

I highly recommend this series. It will not disappoint.

Big Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read

I love this cozy mystery series featuring Georgina Drake, her family, friends, dog and the friendly ghost, Doris.

There are two story lines which are loosely linked. An old cold case murder and a current one. Lots of lovely characters with twist and turns and surprising ending

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

Kate Hardy’s The Body at the Roman Baths, the fifth installment in The Georgina Drake Mystery series, is a captivating blend of historical intrigue and modern-day murder mystery. This novel will delight fans of cozy mysteries and dual-timeline narratives, as it skillfully weaves together two intertwined cases—one from the Victorian era and another from the present day—creating a richly layered story that keeps readers guessing until the final page.

At the heart of the book is Georgina Drake, a spirited photographer whose sharp mind and natural curiosity have made her a favorite amateur sleuth for readers. Her latest adventure begins when she discovers the body of the lead archaeologist at Little Wenborough Manor, thrusting her into a gripping investigation that unravels secrets both ancient and modern. Georgina’s relatable determination to seek the truth is complemented by her loyal and charming friends: garden-loving Sybbie, warm-hearted café owner Francesca, and quick-witted actress Bea. This ensemble cast provides warmth, humor, and valuable assistance as Georgina pieces together the clues.

The novel’s dual timelines—one centered on a Victorian scholar’s mysterious disappearance during an earlier excavation and the other focused on the present-day murder—are masterfully handled. Hardy transitions between the two seamlessly, enhancing suspense and emotional depth. Her attention to historical detail brings the Victorian era vividly to life, immersing readers in a world of rigid societal norms, forbidden love, and long-buried betrayals. As the story unfolds, the connections between past and present become increasingly clear, culminating in a satisfying and unexpected resolution.

Hardy’s plotting is fast-paced and intricate, full of twists and red herrings that keep readers engaged. The themes of love, betrayal, and redemption resonate throughout, adding depth to both the characters and their motivations. As danger mounts and Georgina realizes someone in the village is desperate to keep their secrets buried, the tension becomes palpable, making this a true page-turner.

The setting of Little Wenborough Manor and its surrounding village is brought to life through Hardy’s vivid descriptions, from the ancient Roman mosaic and baths to the cozy café and quaint streets. This atmospheric backdrop perfectly complements the story, drawing readers into a world that feels both timeless and intimate.

As the fifth book in The Georgina Drake Mystery series, The Body at the Roman Baths will appeal not only to series fans but also to newcomers, as it stands firmly on its own while offering a deeper look into Georgina’s evolving character. Fans of authors like Elly Griffiths, Kate Morton, and Rhys Bowen will find much to admire in Hardy’s work.

With its expertly crafted narrative, engaging protagonist, and masterful blend of historical and contemporary mystery, The Body at the Roman Baths is a must-read for anyone who loves solving puzzles while uncovering the secrets of the past.

Excitement is growing at Little Wenborough Manor the home of lord and Lady Wyatt better known as Sybbie and Bernard when the remains of a roman bath have been discovered this dig was started after an archeologist, Trish had discovered that her great, great, great, great uncle had also discovered this over one hundred years ago now the mosaic floor has been uncovered for a second time, Georgie has been asked to photograph it but when the tarpaulin is pulled back there is a body and it is that of the head archeologist, Simon.

Georgina again finds herself investigating another death and without her trusty dog Bert there to dig up old bones, could there be only one murder this time when her friendly ghost Doris arrives by her side telling her that there is another mystery all those years ago when archeologist Trish’s uncle disappeared and it looks very much like he was murdered, will Georgie with the help of Doris discover the truth about the heritage death and Georgie’s partner DI Colin Bradshaw get to the bottom of the current death?

The more Georgie digs the more there appears to be a link between the past and present here at Little Wenborough Manor what’s more with Georgie and Colin’s relationship getting stronger maybe it is time for Georgie to open up about Doris to a Colin and her friends but how will that turn out?

This is another fabulous story in this series, I love Georgie, Doris, Colin, Bert as well as the other fabulous characters that all add to the story, it is engaging and had me thinking I do highly recommend this one and the series and I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to see where Kate Hardy Takes Georgie and Doris.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

3 1/2 stars. I love history and archaeology so a mystery that has that is definitely one I want to read. Georgina Drake, a professional photographer and someone who has been involved with a couple of murder investigations before, knows what to do when a body is discovered on the mosaic floor of a Roman bath that she has come to take pictures of. It turns out there is another unexplained disappearance that happened over a hundred years ago that is somewhat related to this dig. This one Georgina finds out from her friend who is a ghost. Two murders. Two storylines that are interwoven well.

While this was the first book of the series I have read it is the 5th in the series but it was easy to follow. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery. Georgina has relationship difficulties with her beau who is a police detective when she tells him about the ghost who has helped her on previous cases. He doesn't believe her. Too often in a paranormal mystery everyone who is told believes or if they don't it doesn't matter because it isn't important if they believe or not. But if you are in a relationship with someone it would be very hard if someone didn't believe you about something important. You might be able to agree to disagree but you might not. At least this book addresses it in a realistic manner.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

a great cozy with ties tot day and long ago as the protagonist tries to solve a murder that parallels one committed in the same place more than a century ago. Well written and completely engaging!

I love this series it’s a perfect blend of cosy crime, paranormal and historical fiction, set in an interesting location with a brilliant cast of characters.
This time we are given the backdrop of an archaeological dig at a Roman baths, the sudden discovery of a body on the site occurs and then a whole load of investigations begins which involves Georgina, as she witnesses the gruesome discovery.
As before there is an additional mystery to solve, the disappearance of a man from the past when the site was previously investigated in the Victorian period. Doris, Georgina’s spirit sidekick has some information about the fate of this scholar, and this adds another layer of intrigue to the book.
Two mysteries to solve, plus lots of fascinating historical interactions helped to keep my interest alive throughout the story.(I particularly loved the Roman mosaic theme as I grew up close to a Roman Villa in my childhood village)
Looking forward to the next book!