The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor (A Welsh Village Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Wales
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books
Publication date : February 24, 2026
Print length : 288 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-13 : 979-8892424073
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 979-8892424080
ASIN : B0F9V4TPQ4
Audiobook
ASIN B0GR1FFRNP
A new job can be killer in this series debut mystery set in Wales, perfect for fans of Sheila Connolly and Paige Shelton.
After crossing the pond, Dr. Gwen Griffith finds herself in the quirky place she fell in love with, Dillynaidd, Wales. A former managing editor for a Texan newspaper, Gwen is ready for the next stage in her life as the head of the journalism department at the local university in town. With her best friend, Carolyn Sparks–who is also the university’s dean–at her side, Dillynaidd feels like a dream, until murder comes knocking at her doorstep.
Gwen had only just met the victim, Dr. Alice Rice, at a faculty party, but that doesn’t stop police detective Gareth Jones from suspecting her of foul play–after all, the victim was found on her doorstep. With her journalism background, Gwen decides that it’s up to her to clear her own name. But she’ll need all the help she can get when her idyllic small-town life is turned upside down in order to stay one step ahead of the killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Dr. Gwen Griffith went to college in Dillynaidd, Wales, and now, with her job eliminated at a Texas newspaper, she is ready to reunite with her best friend, Carolyn Sparks, to become the head of the journalism department at her alma mater. Carolyn happens to be the dean of the university and thinks Gwen is a perfect fit. Not all the tenured professors are happy about Gwen being their boss. Dr. Alice Rice thought she was more suitable for the position, but Gwen hopes to win her over.
After their interaction at a faculty party to introduce Gwen to the other members of the department, she was surprised when Dr. Rice showed up at her new home. She was shocked when the woman drops dead almost as soon as she opened the door. Barely knowing the woman didn’t stop police detective Gareth Jones from suspecting Gwen of murder. Now, she is going to use all of her reporter skills to investigate the murder herself. The killer appears to have Gwen in their sights, so she may need some help from her friends to survive long enough to see the curious case solved.
Ms. Connelly sets this new series off to an excellent start by introducing likable characters and giving them wonderful depth right off the bat while leaving plenty of room for growth. Gwen is super friendly and embraces her new situation with a positive attitude. Nervous, never having taught before, she has great ideas and is surrounded by very capable people. Her teaching assistant, Ellis, is experienced, knowledgeable, and willing to be her guide to the town and the college. Best friend Carolyn and her husband, Henry, are there to support and protect her when necessary.
The little town of Dillynaidd was an idyllic place in its winter glory, with the small shops, bakery, and restaurant. With a housing shortage, many of the single faculty live in a unique building downtown with some amazing benefits. It may get to be too much someday, living so closely with those you work with, but in this story, it was an advantage. The college and the dean’s home aren’t too far away. I was easily able to visualize everything thanks to the author’s descriptive details.
The victim, Dr. Alice Rice, made her share of enemies. The woman was stuck in the past and did not even attempt to use the technology available. She was a bitter woman whom everyone, including the students, tried to avoid. Ellis was familiar with her attitude and tactics, and quickly became Watson to Gwen’s Sherlock. He was so nice and willing to take Gwen anywhere she needed to follow clues and get answers. I liked it when Detective Gareth Jones finally realized that Gwen was a reliable source with keen instincts. The author tries to draw readers aside with some well-placed red herrings and twists. I fell for a couple, but came back to the right conclusion before all was revealed, although the motive was unexpected.
The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor checks all the cozy mystery boxes, with a terrific protagonist surrounded by an interesting group of supporting characters, the requisite small town, lighthearted humor, a fun theme, and a puzzling mystery to solve. Gwen’s time in Wales got off to a very bumpy start, but things were looking up in the end. I am eager to see what Ms. Connelly has planned for her and her new Dillynaidd friends next. Bring on Book 2!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. 
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