A village roiling with secrets bubbles over the body of the quiet doctor is discovered and the newest village resident, their detective inspector, Craig Monroe, isn't convinced that it was suicide. As a lover of the darker village murder mysteries, I was well primed to try out a new author and narrator and it wasn't long before I was so engaged in The Secrets of Mead that I didn't want to interrupt my listening pleasure.

Craig thought to leave big city crime behind and enjoy the bucolic countryside. He is curious about the villagers and particularly a certain sunny, cheeky midwife. Little does he know that the whole village is keeping secrets and they are layers deep.

I enjoyed encountering all the village characters and getting to know both Craig and Syd as the narrators. Craig has good policing and people skills and he needs it to deal with this case, but I loved how things sparkled when he and Sydney got to spend time together even though I was so curious what she was keeping from him.

I thought it was fascinating getting to know the murder victim entirely through the witness statements and memories of others. There are plenty of suspects and just as many motives it seems. Then the reveals start and it was interesting getting my early impressions turned on their ear and my opinions of some of the characters went through drastic changes. The author did great hiding the solution until the end. The motive and what lay behind so many secrets was something I hadn't encountered more than peripherally so I was fascinated and learned a great deal while appreciating a well-written murder mystery.

The narrator, Agnes McCreath, did a delightful job with the story and the characters. She enhanced what was already good. I got to know the characters more intimately and engaged with their backstories and the current situation so much more. I definitely want to listen to more of her work. The production was first class as well.

All in all, The Secrets of Mead was fabulous and I want to experience more of the author and the narrator's works. Mystery fans who love village settings should definitely give this one a go.