Review: Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village

Title: Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village
Author: Maureen Johnson (author) and Jay Cooper (illustrator)
Page Count: 128
Publication: September 2021

[Amazon | IndieBound | BN | Find it at your local library]

Maureen Johnson is a celebrated YA author and Jay Cooper is a celebrated illustrator. Together, they have created a gem of a book that is hard to describe. Well, it is easy to describe not not quite so easy to classify.

You have a well thought out travelogue of what and what not to do if you happen to be traveling in England and find yourself in a quaint village. You’ve seen or read enough cozy mysteries to know something always happen. You’ve at least seen Hot Fuzz, right? There is always murder and mayhem in quaint little villages. Who knew the pie at the village fete would be poisoned or that the butcher had it in for the grocer. There is always something sinister and evil hanging out around the local pub.

But fret no more! Johnson and Cooper have you covered on what to do if you happen to visit the local manor, slink around the vicarage, or head down to the local pub. And be very careful especially at the local manor where the old person and the weird son are ready to throw knives at you at any chance.

The illustrations are a delight and Johnson’s dead pan delivery in her writing. She’s notable for her comedic timing and her witty commentary on Twitter and it’s so evident in the book which makes it even more amusing.

But be forewarned, this slim book is a fast read and you’ll find yourself a bit disappointed that the fun is done but remember, if you ever travel to an quaint English village, you’ll know exactly what to do.