This light, humorous book pokes fun at the conventions of cozy mysteries set in English villages. It's very reminiscent of Edward Gorey, but somewhat lacks his dark wit. The illustrations and text are amusing enough and the book short enough to justify the quick read, but it's a little too lightweight to be enduring.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. ( )

Dryly hilarious. Divided into two sections, The Village and The Manor, with subsections under each (e.g. village events, rooms and architecture, frequent guests), complete with Gorey-esque black-and-white illustrations with red spot color.
https://crimereads.com/your-guide-to-not-getting-murdered-in-a-quaint-english-vi...
Stairs are "the xylophones of death" ( )

The art is better than the texts. Frankly, not enough cliche parodies are run through. it needs more ways to die... ( )

Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village - Johnson
3 stars
Cute illustrations reminiscent of Edward Gorey, black and white with bloody red accents. The tongue in cheek humor made me smile a few times. It was a quick read the was mildly entertaining and immediately forgettable. ( )

Dear Gentle Readers,

A statement made by Sherlock Holmes to Watson, as Holmes said within one of the adventures by Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Adventures of Copper Beeches," to be exacting as Holmes would prefer. And then, dear reader, "A Note to the Gentle Reader" follows. It is imperative that you read the note to begin your guidebook of explanations on how to protect yourself to not getting murdered in a quaint English village.

As you may be aware from reading murder mysteries by armchair travel or watching mysteries on your television, there are two parts of the village-the village, and the manor. Respectfully, the guide will explain the differentiation and the elements. Read each component carefully, as there is a quiz at the end of each of the two parts.

"Final Thoughts" concludes the volume. I shall provide my final thoughts beyond this note.

Respectfully submitted,
Enthusiastic Reader (on Instagram)

Final Thoughts:
• Do you love British mysteries of every shape and size in the setting of the English countryside? My answer is yes! I love reading British mysteries, especially those allowing me to travel by book. I also love watching British mysteries on tv, and the first that always comes to mind is the Midsomer Murders series. Each section of the two parts brought scenes from the various episodes of Midsomer Murders to mind.
• I read it in one sitting and am thankful a friend recommended the book. I have no immediate travel plans, but now I must carefully consider the guidance in this book before travel ensues. If your travel is planned to the English countryside, you must read this book, and/or quickly purchase as a gift for friends as needed.
• Hilarious! Absolutely hilarious! Loved it! The written word is complemented by the illustrations, and the illustrations are complemented by the written word. Additional stars are needed. ( )