Philly Barker Investigates is the first book in a series of cosy crime novels set in the fictional Yorkshire village of Chipwell starring Philomena Barker, a middle-aged antique dealer. Philly, an accidental investigator, is ably assisted by her cocker spaniel, Balthazar; her sidekick, Inspector Robbie Dawkins; and the quirky dealers from Chipwell Barn Antiques.
There’s Ambrose and Eugene – the septuagenarian tweed-loving militaria traders – and their cranky cat Rochester; Simon, the furniture man, and his succession of band t-shirts; cat-like Bell who sells vintage fashion and accessories; and the Proctors – Tamsin and Henry – who sell antiques meant for the outdoors and who remind Philly a little of Tom and Barbara Good from The Good Life. Finally, there’s Ginny, who runs the teahouse at the barn and produces amazing scones, pies, and parkin.
Antiques, plenty of tea and scones, and a mystery you can curl up with…
When Chipwell antique dealer Philomena Barker spies a nineteenth-century painting of Whitby peeking out of a box of odds and sods at a York auction centre, she knows there’s something special about it. What she doesn’t know is that the painting holds a deeper secret – one that someone else would prefer to stay hidden.
When her shop is broken into and an elderly customer violently assaulted in his own home, Philly joins forces with Inspector Robbie Dawkins to solve the mystery before anyone else is hurt. But does Philly have what it takes to uncover the truth – or will her amateur sleuthing put her in harm’s way?
Love Agatha Christie, Midsomer Murders and Antiques Roadshow? Then this brand-new cosy culinary crime series featuring Yorkshire antique dealer Philly Barker is just what you need!
Philly’s adventure begins on September 28, 2022
And Anyways... 