In The Body at the Vineyard, Kate Hardy serves up a sparkling blend of charm, suspense, and mystery with the flair of a seasoned storyteller. This is the first book in what promises to be an utterly addictive series featuring Georgina Drake — photographer, accidental sleuth, and the kind of protagonist cozy mystery fans will immediately adore.

What starts as a simple assignment — a vineyard photoshoot with an up-and-coming winemaker — quickly spirals into something much darker. When Gaby Edwards’ bullying brother is found dead in a fermentation tank, and a hidden skeleton turns up in the pond (thanks to Georgina’s curious spaniel, Bert), it’s clear something sinister is fermenting beneath the surface of this picture-perfect wine country estate.

Hardy has a clear talent for building layered plots without sacrificing clarity. The murder mystery is smartly constructed, with well-paced reveals, subtle clues, and red herrings that actually pay off. But what makes this book stand out isn’t just the whodunit — it’s the heart behind it. The tension between family loyalty and old rivalries feels real, as does the impact of long-buried secrets coming to light. These aren’t just twists for the sake of shock; they’re grounded in character, history, and motive.

Georgina is a standout lead — observant, level-headed, and determined, but never reckless or overly quirky (a pitfall for many cozy heroines). Her friendship with Sybbie, her bond with Bert, and her slow-burn rapport with the skeptical but intriguing DI Colin Bradshaw add warmth and texture to the story. They aren’t just there to fill space — they all serve the plot and give the book a genuine ensemble feel.

The setting deserves special mention too. Hardy captures the beauty and quiet menace of the English countryside with elegance — there’s a strong sense of place that gives the story both charm and weight. The vineyard isn’t just a backdrop; it’s steeped in history, secrets, and simmering conflict, and Hardy uses it to full effect.

For fans of authors like M.C. Beaton, Richard Osman, or Faith Martin, this book hits the sweet spot: cozy but not cloying, suspenseful but never grim. It’s the kind of story you race through but also want to savor — comforting, clever, and just a little bit dark around the edges.

The Body at the Vineyard is an ideal entry point to what could easily become your new favorite cozy mystery series. It’s witty, atmospheric, and rich with possibility. Kate Hardy has bottled something special here — and it’s definitely worth a second glass.

A very enjoyable read. Perfect for a summer by the beach. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review

I found this to be a good flowing plot, and easy to read..
i enjoyed reading about ner family at these. Vineyards.
I recommend this book
Thanks to Net Galley and Storm Publishers for my arc.

I'm really loving this series. Such wonderful characters, interesting cases to solve, and a gentle relationship between Georgie and Colin. This time Georgie, Sybbie and Bert go off to take photos of Gaby Edwards at her vineyard. Unfortunately, while there, Bert (with Doris' help) finds a skeleton in a pond and there's a body in a wine fermentation vat. Colin comes to investigate the body and is still a little skeptical about Doris helping Georgie with the skeleton case, although he's really trying to believe in Doris. The cases have a number of parallels and the modern case becomes quite twisty. As usual, a fantastic story!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Kate Hardy for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.