Books by Debbie Young

Sophie Sayers’ plans for a cosy English country Christmas are quickly brought to an end when her ex-boyfriend storms onto the scene. And things are about to get messier when a baby, abandoned in the manger, disappears in plain sight. Before long, the whole village stands accused of murder. But Sophie knows there’s one man she most definitely suspects. Can she uncover the truth?Enjoy the fun of a traditional Cotswold festive season as Sophie seeks a happy ending for her latest village mystery – and for her new romance with charming local bookseller Hector Munro.Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Verity Bright and Ann Sutton.Debbie Young is a British writer of cosy mystery novels. She is the UK ambassador for ALLi and the founder of the annual Hawkesbury Upton Literary Festival. Her warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction is full of English humour, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been her home for over 30 years. Her bestselling ‘Sophie Sayers Village Mystery’ series includes the trailblazing ‘Murder Your Darlings’, which was shortlisted for the Selfies Award for best independently published fiction in 2021.

As Halloween approaches in the Cotswold village of Wendlebury Barrow, Sophie Sayers, new to the village, is suspicious of the fierce new vicar and his ban on the villagers' seasonal celebrations.Especially when he plans to replace them with a traditional Guy Fawkes' Night party, and invites everyone to bring a guy (scarecrow) to burn on his giant bonfire.Sophie thinks the vicar's not the only one with dark secrets to hide. What about her boss, the beguiling bookseller, Hector Munro? Whose body will be found outside his village bookshop? Not to mention the one secretly buried beneath the vicar’s bonfire...Just as Sophie had been starting to feel at home in Wendlebury, she must call on all her inner resources and trust her instincts to save the day before anyone else can come to harm - and to get Hector back on her side.For fans of cosy mysteries everywhere, Sophie’s second adventure will have you laughing out loud as you try to solve the mystery before she does, in the company of engaging new characters, as well as familiar favourites from "Best Murder in Show".Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Verity Bright and Ann Sutton.Debbie Young is a British writer of cosy mystery novels. She is the UK ambassador for ALLi and the founder of the annual Hawkesbury Upton Literary Festival. Her warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction is full of English humour, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been her home for over 30 years. Her bestselling ‘Sophie Sayers Village Mystery’ series includes the trailblazing ‘Murder Your Darlings’, which was shortlisted for the Selfies Award for best independently published fiction in 2021.

When a dead body appears on a carnival float at the village show, Sophie Sayers knows that a case of murder in plain sight ought to be easy to solve. But why do none of the villagers agree? And what dark secrets are they hiding? As she tries to investigate the crime, it’s clear that someone is desperately trying to stop her from unmasking the killer. Can Sophie unearth the clues before anyone else comes to harm?In Debbie Young’s ‘Best Murder in Show’, the ‘Sophie Sayers’ Village Mysteries’ is back with a new adventure, promising the comforting feelings of community, warmth and humour.Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Verity Bright and Ann Sutton.Debbie Young is a British writer of cosy mystery novels. She is the UK ambassador for ALLi and the founder of the annual Hawkesbury Upton Literary Festival. Her warm, witty, feel-good contemporary fiction is full of English humour, inspired by life in the Cotswold village which has been her home for over 30 years. Her bestselling ‘Sophie Sayers Village Mystery’ series includes the trailblazing ‘Murder Your Darlings’, which was shortlisted for the Selfies Award for best independently published fiction in 2021.

A wild bird's egg, a kitten and a sausage dog cause young Tommy to put the village on the map for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately Sophie is on hand to restore order, rekindle old friendships and foster new ones.

The first in a new series of short novellas (c. 13k words) set in the same world as Debbie Young's Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries, showing vignettes of village life in the Cotswolds. As well as featuring Sophie Sayers and friends, the series introduces new characters, situations and intrigue - but without the body count of the murder mysteries!

"Stocking Fillers" follows a cast of entertaining characters as they prepare for the festive season, from a small boy trying to teach Santa time management to the elderly lady celebrating what's likely to be her last Christmas Day. Unlike many Christmas-themed books, "Stocking Fillers" does not sugar-coat the festive experience, and not all of the characters are lovable. But ultimately it's a heartwarming celebration of all things festive.The tales form an entertaining catalogue of how characters of all ages respond to the anxieties that abound at this time of year, from a small boy who tries to give Santa lessons in time management to the elderly lady who is marking what's likely to be her last Christmas. Others tackle such important questions as: - Will you ever get everything ready in time? - Will everyone like their presents? - Will you like yours? - How will Father Christmas fit us all in? - And who is the real Santa, anyway?Here is the list of story titles, kicking off with a very funny parody of a Christmas round-robin letter: The Christmas Letter I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas Do You Believe? The Revolting Toys Park and Ride Christmas Time The Groundhog Christmas The True Cost of Christmas The Unexpected Guest The Unwanted Gift Good Christmas Housekeeping Past, Present, Yet to ComeUnlike many festive books, this collection does not sugar-coat every Christmas experience, and a few of the characters aren't exactly lovable, but they're certainly memorable. But ultimately it's a heartwarming collection and an easy, quick read to be enjoyed by anyone who loves the traditional Christmas, at any time of year.Many readers report that reading these stories has become an annual tradition in their household, a Christmas Carol for the modern era.