A Case of Mice and Murder

The Trials of Gabriel Ward, Book 1

By: Sally Smith

Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies

The trials of Gabriel Ward continue in A Case of Life and Limb.

Bloomsbury presents A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith, read by Matthew Lloyd Davies.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 BRITISH BOOK AWARD, CRIME & THRILLER

Named a Best Book of the Year by The Wall Street Journal, Library Journal, and Christian Science Monitor

"I was immediately besotted . . . Brilliant." —Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal

When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms at exactly two minutes to seven on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case—the disputed authorship of bestselling children’s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse—that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep.

But even he cannot fail to notice the judge’s dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest. In the shaded courtyards and ancient buildings of the Inner Temple, the hidden heart of London’s legal world, murder has spent centuries confined firmly to the casebooks. Until now . . .

The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn’t answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple’s heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he’d ever imagined . . .

©2024 Sally Smith (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Adorable, fascinating

What a surprise! I loved the characters, their Englishness, the weaving of two mysteries, and the humor that cloaks the tragedies of several female characters in the Edwardian setting. I eagerly await Sally Smith’s next episode with Gabriel Ward KC.

Such a Delightfully Rich World

Great layered mystery. Wonderful historic setting. Diverse and distinctive characters. I was guessing about the crime to the last. A beloved new amateur sleuth for me to follow.

Perfect for lovers of English detectives

Perfect for lovers of English detectives, legal dramas and historical novels. The story follows a murder and legal drama, as well as a variety of interesting characters who move around The Temple, the place reserved for legal matters in England. It's a very good story. It starts a bit slowly, but it draws you in, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. I would read more by this same detective. The acting and voice of the narrator are impeccable.

charming

WOW! I love it when I start a book with no expectations and pow! you find its an absolute masterpiece. That's what happened when I started this book. The story is fluid, clear, heartwarming, and of course with a great mystery. So well written, it captures the spirit and soul of the golden age of detective fiction. The language is formal and beautiful to listen to. The narrator was brilliant every step of the way. Truly a marriage of two artists, the writer and performer. I look forward to more, thank you.

Excellent start to a new mystery series.

Intriguing, interesting and well written mystery, with the perfect narrator too. Totally worth a credit, I loved it!