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A Quiet Life in the CountryT. E. Kinsey

Historical cozy mystery

A Quiet Life in the Country

by T. E. Kinsey

In 1908, eccentric widow Lady Emily Hardcastle and her maid, confidante, and martial-arts expert Florence Armstrong leave London for a quieter life in the Gloucestershire countryside. Their retirement is short-lived when they discover a body in the woods and conclude that the police have settled on the wrong explanation. Investigating the village reveals suspects and secrets while hinting that neither woman has led the ordinary life her neighbors assume. Witty and lightly historical, this series opener suits a rainy afternoon and readers who enjoy unconventional partnerships, village mysteries, and capable women working around official authority.

Paired for this story

Cerulean Lemonade + Cucumber Mint Gin Cup

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Murder · Mild peril · Alcohol use · Period-typical prejudice

Alcohol-Free Pour

Cerulean Lemonade

Butterfly pea tea meets lemon for a vivid color change, with honey to round out the citrus.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine butterfly pea tea, honey syrup, and water over ice. Add lemon juice last to shift the color, then stir.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Cucumber Mint Gin Cup

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Civilized, herbaceous, and deceptively potent.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Gently muddle cucumber and mint with lemon juice. Add gin and ice, shake briefly, strain over fresh ice, and top with soda water.
  2. Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.

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