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A Murder of Crows: Nell Ward, Book 1 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Sarah Yarwood-Lovett (Author), Kristin Atherton (Narrator), Embla Books (Publisher)
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Dr Nell Ward is an ecologist, not a detective. But when she's the prime suspect in a murder, only her unique set of skills could help to clear her name....

In the sleepy village of Cookingdean, Dr Nell Ward is busy working in the grounds of a local manor house. Whilst inspecting an old tunnel, she did not expect to overhear a murder. As the only person with any clues as to what happened, Nell soon finds herself in the middle of the investigation.

Desperate to clear her name Nell, along with her colleague Adam, set out solving the murder using their skills as ecologists to uncover details no one else would notice. But it soon becomes clear that playing Agatha Christie is much harder than it might, at first appear....

The start of an exciting new cosy crime series—perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and The Appeal.

About the Author

After spending sixteen years as an ecologist, crawling through undergrowth and studying the nocturnal habits of animals (and people), Dr Sarah Yarwood-Lovett naturally turned her mind to murder. She may have swapped badgers for bears when she emigrated from a quaint village in the South Downs to the wild mountains of the Pacific Northwest, but her books remain firmly rooted in the rolling downland she grew up in.


Forensically studying clues for animal activity has seen Sarah surveying sites all over the UK and around the world. She's rediscovered a British species thought to be extinct during her PhD, with her record held in London's Natural History Museum; debated that important question - do bats wee on their faces? - at school workshops; survived a hurricane on a coral atoll while scuba-diving to conduct marine surveys; and given evidence as an expert witness. Along the way, she's discovered a noose in an abandoned warehouse and had a survey derailed by the bomb squad. Her unusual career has provided the perfect inspiration for a series of murder mysteries with an ecological twist - so, these days, Sarah's research includes consulting detectives, lawyers, judges and attending murder trials.
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  1. Book 1 of 6
    A Dr Nell Ward Mystery
  2. Listening Length
    11 hours and 31 minutes
  3. Author
    Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
  4. Narrator
    Kristin Atherton
  5. Audible release date
    1 July 2022
  6. Language
    English
  7. Publisher
    Embla Books
  8. ASIN
    B09YW927ZQ
  9. Version
    Unabridged
  10. Program Type
    Audiobook
  11. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
4,813 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the content fascinating and original, with an emphasis on ecology. They also describe the story as interesting, with detailed characterisations and world-building. Customers like the characters and find the book well-written.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Story and themeCharactersAuthorContent
25 customers mention ‘Story and theme’25 positive0 negative

Customers find the story interesting, compelling, and full of misunderstandings and murders. They also say the themes are appealing, with good characters and detailed characterisations. Readers also mention that the book progresses quickly.

"...With intrigue and tension, plus a dash of prejudice and pride, I found this story to be refreshing in its approach to criminal procedures, holding..." Read more

"Really good story and well written...." Read more

"Interesting plot,unusual heroine and believable character line-up...." Read more

"...The story progressed quickly, though I was a bit irritated in the early chapters because I felt that I was being bombarded by too much information..." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Characters’14 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book nice.

"...The plot was realistic with good characters, full of misunderstandings and murders, whilst drawing the reader into the world of Nell and her..." Read more

"Interesting plot,unusual heroine and believable character line-up...." Read more

"...It was good to meet some familiar characters from the first book as well as some new ones to keep it fresh...." Read more

"...I was really interested in the mix of characters and the actual detail on the bats, I found that part of story really compelling...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Author’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's writing style and presentation. They also say the story is well written and presented.

"Really good story and well written...." Read more

"...Very readable." Read more

"...Well, I suspect not - although it is intelligently written and generally avoids the excessive cheesiness of many cosy mysteries...." Read more

"Very enjoyable. Well written, nice characters,Good story...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Content’7 positive0 negative

Customers find the content fascinating and complex, with great ecological detail. They also say the connections keep them guessing.

"A really original novel, very interesting and informative...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the ecological detail and the dual love interest that leaves you guessing." Read more

"...There is a great deal of fascinating information within the novel, especially about bats and badgers...." Read more

"...but the characters and their connections are complex, keeping the reader guessing...." Read more

Debut murder mystery in a fantastic new series
4 out of 5 stars
Debut murder mystery in a fantastic new series
Happy Publication Day 🎉 Today launches the debut in what promises to be an amazing new murder mystery come detective series featuring Ecologist Dr Nell Ward. A Murder of Crows by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett sees Dr Nell Ward alone on a bat survey at a remote old manor house. She feels inexplicably uneasy, buy pushes tensions down, only to later discover she has been at the scene of a murder and is now a prime suspect. Using her meticulous skills as an Ecologist Dr Nell Ward begins to follow the clues in order to extricate herself from the crime. We are introduced to a host of fantastic new characters: the handsome detective James with his eye on Nell; Nell's colleague and flirtatious friend Adam (the three form a frustrating, but intriguing love triangle); the formidable detective Val, the murdered heiress Crows, her questionable husband with control of the finances and a penchant for lies, plus her wily grandmother. I was drawn in right from page one and our introduction to Nell, who is fastidious in her work. The chilling murder scene and unsettling atmosphere paved the way for the action to follow. I love a cosy mystery and this story combined the mystery alongside the unique skills of Nell's Ecology background, as well as combining this with the detective investigation. Lots of fast paced reveals as you progress, plus set up well for the next book in ther series. I look forward to seeing where this series will take me next! #amurderofcrows #sarahyarwoodlovett #embla #cosymurder #murdermystery #detectivenovel #crime #murder #oldmanorhouse #ecology #drnellward #karla_bookishlife
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

Maggie Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Batty Murders
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 May 2024
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A really original novel, very interesting and informative. The plot was realistic with good characters, full of misunderstandings and murders, whilst drawing the reader into the world of Nell and her conservation work. With intrigue and tension, plus a dash of prejudice and pride, I found this story to be refreshing in its approach to criminal procedures, holding my breath and unwilling to break off from reading. Wonderful! Looking forward to reading the next instalment.
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MarvinsMomma
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but......
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 November 2023
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Really good story and well written. I've only knocked a star off because I think we're supposed to like Dr Nell but for large parts of the book I wanted to slap her into next week!
7 people found this helpful
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Dimple
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it in one sitting
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 May 2024
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Interesting plot,unusual heroine and believable character line-up. I enjoyed the ecological detail and the dual love interest that leaves you guessing.
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars bit bland
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 May 2023
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Book was okay, but story a little bland with no real depth. Felt like we were on the periphery of the main story.
One person found this helpful
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Frances
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2022
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I was pleasantly surprised by this book which is the first in the series and follows the exploits of Dr Nell Ward (aka Lady Eleanor, Beaumont-Ward) a renown ecologist who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes the prime suspect in a murder. The more she tries to help the police, the more convinced they become that she is guilty, but she is still determined to help them, until she is arrested.
The story progressed quickly, though I was a bit irritated in the early chapters because I felt that I was being bombarded by too much information in order to set the scene. However, as it went on the pace slowed a bit and I began to enjoy the story as it evolved and the murderer was revealed. I enjoyed the interaction between Nell and Adam her colleague and evolving relationship between Nell and James the Police Officer investigating the murder.
I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

ntil she is arrested.
3 people found this helpful
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V. O'Regan
5.0 out of 5 stars The opening novel in a new cosy mystery series with an ecological theme
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2022
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‘A Murder of Crows’ by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett is the first in a new series of cosy mysteries featuring ecologist Dr. Nell Ward, who had no aspirations to become an amateur detective yet finds herself in the middle of a murder case.

In the sleepy village of Cookingdean Dr Nell Ward is engaged in an ecological survey in the grounds of a local manor house. Whilst inspecting an old tunnel, she overhears something that turns out to be a murder. She tries to be helpful to the police though finds herself their prime suspect!

In order to clear her name Nell, along with her colleague Adam, set out to solve the murder using their skills as ecologists to uncover details no one else would notice. Yet investigating the murder comes with its own dangers. Add to this Nell has a secret of her own that may well be exposed.

I enjoyed this novel very much. It’s always fun to discover a new series and as I have been interested in ecology since my teenage years its themes were especially appealing. Dr Sarah Yarwood-Lovett was herself an ecologist for sixteen years and draws upon this expertise to inform her narrative. There is a great deal of fascinating information within the novel, especially about bats and badgers.

I definitely will be looking forward to reading more of this ecological-themed mystery series.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
17 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A good thriller!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 March 2024
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Lots of characters that COULD have been the murderer....kept in the dark for most of the tale, which is just how I like a murder/mystery. Very readable.
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janeymacreads
4.0 out of 5 stars A great combination of mystery and ecology
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 November 2022
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Thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Nell Ward series where the author severely combines sleuthing with ecology. There didn't seem to be so many references to ecology in this book so I was glad to see how Nell and Rav use their ecology expertise to eventually solve the crime.
It was good to meet some familiar characters from the first book as well as some new ones to keep it fresh. And although some of the murder descriptions are are from cosy it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

T Roderick
5.0 out of 5 stars A Murder of Crows is a true gem 💎
Reviewed in the United States on 22 May 2024
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I have been meaning to start this series for ages, but the "cozy mystery" label kept stopping me. Then, the Kindle Spring reading challenge popped up with "read the first book in a popular series," and this series was one of those on the list. Imagine my surprise and joy when I started reading, and discovered that it *wasn't* a particularly cozy mystery at all. I adore Nell, Adam, Sylvia, and James. Oh, and I know that I will feel the same for Percy. Such interesting & excellent characters. I enjoyed this book so much!

So, on to book two, I'm curious about the love triangle. Which man will it be??? I can't wait to find out!
3 people found this helpful
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Zalewski Valerie
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting
Reviewed in France on 11 October 2023
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I enjoyed finding a main character with a profession that was very different from what I was used to in cosy books. Nell is a strong, determined person with too much emotional baggage due to her origins and past experience. I was totally drawn to her and her fight to prove her innocence of murder. The plot was intricate and absorbing and the characters so interesting. I am definitely going to read the next book in the series.
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belinda joan kemp
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy reading
Reviewed in Australia on 29 August 2023
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Read if a fan of self solving crime
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Richard E Sepcic
4.0 out of 5 stars A Tour de Force
Reviewed in the United States on 8 April 2023
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This mystery is very full of compelling characters and provides some truly fascinating insights on the role of ecologists in researching, observing, and preserving endangered species in the UK (in this case, bats). This information alone made this book a very worthwhile read, and I would rate that with 5 stars.

The main character, Dr Nell Ward, is a strong, independent woman with a complex background with elements that often clash in her life. Not all of it fit together for me as a reader and left me wondering if Nell is a scientist, a wannabe (if reluctant) detective, or something else entirely. This will absolutely be more fully developed in follow up books.

The mystery itself was not my favorite and seemed drawn out mostly as a vehicle through which to more fully develop Nell Ward as a character. I would rate that as 3.5 stars.

Overall, I believe that the author is developing a strong, compelling, and somewhat unique female detective, and I recommend it to readers who are looking for something a little different.
12 people found this helpful
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#EmptyNestReader
3.0 out of 5 stars A light mystery. Fun, but not a real cliff-hanger.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 April 2024
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In Great Britan, Dr. Nell Ward is a PhD ecologist specializing in protecting the ecology of established areas by checking for evidence of protected species in residence. She is a “hands on” scientist who doesn’t shy away from climbing under bushes and through tunnels looking for bat nests, badger homes, etc. Privately, she is known by her given name: Lady Eleanor Ward-Beaumont, heiress. This is something she tries to keep private both because she wants to be taken seriously in her work and because she fears people will judge her based on her family’s wealth.

While tending to bats nests in an overgrown tunnel leading to a country estate and manor house Nell hears some strange sounds. Later she learns that a young woman was murdered in that same tunnel, on the same evening. Was it the poor woman’s murder that Nell overheard?

When the police begin investigating the murder they quickly narrow down their suspects to Dr. Nell Ward. After all, she admits to being in the tunnel at the same time. It quickly becomes apparent that the police are more than happy to arrest Nell with little or no additional investigation. It will be up to Nell to use her forensic skills to clear her name.

A Murder Of Crows is a who-done-it that is a light, enjoyable read although not a cliff-hanger. It is book one in the Nell Ward Mystery series by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 people found this helpful
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