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The Busybody Book Club

A completely addictive cosy murder mystery

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The Busybody Book Club

By: Freya Sampson
Narrated by: Daphne Kouma
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About this listen

 They can't even agree on what to read, so how are they going to solve a murder?

St. Tredock Book Club disagree on everything, from the books they read to the biscuits they eat. For book club organiser Nova Davies, who's new to the Cornish seaside village, the digestive vs shortbread debate is just the start of her problems...

Under Nova's watch, £10,000 is stolen from the much-loved community centre. When book club member Michael disappears and a dead body turns up at his house, it seems clear who the perpetrator is. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael's been framed, while romance fanatic Arthur believes there's a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi reader Ash thinks dark forces are at play. Meanwhile, Nova's just trying to keep them out of trouble.

Soon the book club becomes very busy indeed. Full-time book lovers, part-time sleuths, they put their differences aside to find Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money - all while trying to hide their own secrets...

Can they crack the case? And with a killer on the loose, what will it take until they're safe back home, curled up with book?

An utterly unputdownable cosy crime novel and a love letter to books and the power of reading, The Busybody Book Club is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett and Agatha Raisin.

'A joyous romp... Full of eccentric, endearing characters and packed with intrigue' Beth Morrey

'The ultimate page turner. Freya Sampson gets all the way under the skin of a Cornish village, beyond the harbours and the holiday cottages' J. M. Hall

'Murder has never been so appealing. Take one misfit group of book lovers, add a quaint village backdrop, throw in a dash of intrigue, and the result is a fun, fast-paced tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In The Busybody Book Club, Sampson proves she has what it takes to surprise you...and to warm your heart' Lucy Gilmore

'Full of twists and turns and laughter. This is a book club I really want to be part of!' Sally Page

'Another treat from Freya Sampson and her particular brand of cosy magic. Generational divides are obliterated in this hilariously heartwarming story of community and friendship. I loved every second!' Jenny Bayliss©2025 Sampson Writes Ltd. Amateur Sleuths Cosy Crime Mystery Exciting Murder Village Fiction

Critic reviews

A joyous romp... Full of eccentric, endearing characters and packed with intrigue (Beth Morrey)
Murder has never been so appealing. Take one misfit group of book lovers, add a quaint village backdrop, throw in a dash of intrigue, and the result is a fun, fast-paced tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In The Busybody Book Club, Sampson proves she has what it takes to surprise you...and to warm your heart.
Full of twists and turns and laughter. This is a book club I really want to be part of!
The ultimate page turner. Freya Sampson gets all the way under the skin of a Cornish village, beyond the harbours and the holiday cottages.
Another treat from Freya Sampson and her particular brand of cosy magic. Generational divides are obliterated in this hilariously heartwarming story of community and friendship. I loved every second!
Book club members are opinionated, lively and happy to niggle away at a small detail for hours, which makes them perfect fictional detectives! The mystery was twisty but the characters own lives were even twistier, so there was a surprise in every chapter. The perfect cosy read.
All stars
Most relevant
Brilliant characters that will make you laugh and cry. I didn't want this to end, it's truly lovely and the best book I've found in ages.

so much more than a cosy mystery!

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I loved this story and the narration was excellent. All too often I return books because the narration is boring or unrealistic but not the case here. I can’t wait to download more books by both the author and narrator.

A new favourite

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Loved It, fab story and narration was brilliant. I really hope this is the start of a series and there will be more!

Loved It I hope there will be more!

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I really enjoyed this book
made me laugh and cry
a very good read

so good

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This was such a fun read, couldn’t put it down! Overall, a fun, cosy mystery :)

Fave book of the year so far!

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