G. B. Ralph author header text with confetti.
Murder on Milverton Square (The Milverton Mysteries Book 1) by G. B. Ralph. Book cover image.

Murder on Milverton Square

Addison Harper is abruptly summoned to Milverton at the behest of an abrasive lawyer. He plans to be in and out, back to the city lickety-split. Instead, he finds himself charmed by the small town with its delightful and eccentric residents, not to mention the rather easy-on-the-eye Sergeant Jake Murphy.

Despite the rocky start, Addison admits he’s had a pleasant day out. That is, until returning to find the prickly old lawyer on the floor, and very much dead. Worse, it looks like murder, and Addison’s fingerprints are all over the crime scene.

Murder on Milverton Square is the first in a wonderful new cosy mystery series set in an enchanting small town nestled amongst stunning New Zealand scenery. The Milverton Mysteries features a chaotic cast of local busybodies, delicious baked treats, a demanding and disdainful ginger cat, a very slow-burn romance with a rather appealing policeman, and of course… murder!

Buy Murder on Milverton Square

Kindle / ebook

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon AU (NZ)

Also available in Kindle Unlimited.

Paperback

Order online:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon AU (NZ)
Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Waterstones | Foyles | Blackwell’s | Alibris | Powell’s | BAM! (Books-A-Million) | Dymocks | Mighty Ape | Fishpond

Order online or browse in store:
Bruce McKenzie Booksellers (Palmerston North, NZ)
Wardini Books (Hawke’s Bay, NZ)
Huck & Puck Books (Los Angeles, USA)

Can’t find your preferred store? Ask your local bookseller to order a copy for you.

Audiobook

Audible US | Audible UK | Audible CA | Audible DE | Audible AU (NZ)

Spotify | Audiobooks.com | Kobo | Libro.fm | Google Play | Apple Books | Chirp | OverDrive | Hoopla

Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Philip Battley

What you’ll find inside…

💀
Murder		🔍
Mystery		🍰🧁
Tasty treats
🕵️‍♂️
Amateur sleuth		👵💬
Sly sidekick		👮‍♂️
Appealing policeman
🏡
Cosy small town		🌈👬
Slow-burn romance		🤭
Shocking gossip
😼
Cheeky cat		😊
Quirky locals		☕
Questionable coffee

The numbers…

📃
Print pages:
282		📂
Chapters:
39		✍
Word count:
66,000
⏳
Reading time:
~5–6 hours		📚
The Milverton Mysteries
Book 1		✅
Published:
November 2022

📋 ISBN-13
Paperback POD: 9781991182906
Ebook EPUB: 9781991182913
Ebook Kindle: 9781991182920
Audiobook: 9798350873641

Book description / blurb

Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and description / blurb. Addison Harper is abruptly summoned to Milverton at the behest of an abrasive lawyer. He plans to be in and out, back to the city lickety-split. Instead, he finds himself charmed by the small town with its delightful and eccentric residents, not to mention the rather easy-on-the-eye Sergeant Jake Murphy. Despite the rocky start, Addison admits he’s had a pleasant day out. That is, until returning to find the prickly old lawyer on the floor, and very much dead. Worse, it looks like murder, and Addison’s fingerprints are all over the crime scene.

What readers are saying…

Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Audiobook. Orange badge indicating Number 1 New Release in LGBTQ+ Mysteries.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and email newsletter mention. Delightfully light-hearted cosy mystery. This is set in a fictionalised small town in central New Zealand, near where I grew up. The local references had me chuckling, although it's also written to be accessible to an international audience, so do not fear, non-Kiwis! Featuring a cast of quirky locals, a mysterious inheritance, a ginger cat with a large personality, and of course, murder, this was a perfect book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. A cosy mystery for a modern audience. Great characters. 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book, it’s a cosy mystery for a modern audience. The characters are fresh and fun. I found Addison relatable and easy to root for. I also liked the slow burn romance side plot. Looking forward to book 2 already. - Angela C Nurse, author of the Rowan McFarlane Detective Mysteries
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Delightful Cozy Mystery. 5 stars. This was a surprise as I have never read this author before and; therefore, didn't know what to expect. It was an even bigger surprise to find that this book is every bit as engaging as well known m/m cozy mysteries from the likes of Josh Lanyon or S.C. Wynne. Like those, there are no sexy times, but there are great characters, dialogue, and insights into New Zealand. Definitely give it a try if you like cozy mysteries. - Amazon CA review, November 2022
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Cozy, sweet and fun. 5 stars. I loved this book, properly cozy and delightful, but kept me turning the pages. The old house, the delicious local food and the funny and genuine characters, were exactly what I needed to curl up with in front of the fire. Then, the mystery stuck it’s claws into me and I couldn’t put it down. Murder on Milverton was one of those books I was sad to finish because I knew I would miss the main character when I had to return to real life. Really looking forward to the rest of this series. - Amazon UK review, November 2022
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. I thoroughly enjoyed this series opener. 5 stars. Addison Harper is a slightly uptight, schedule-driven gay man with a job that doesn't challenge him. He is so deeply immersed in his comfort zone, he can't even see it. An unexpected inheritance forces this city boy to the small town of Milverton, where the town and its quirky characters work their charm on him to hold him fast. But it takes becoming a suspect in a murder to prevent him from bolting back to the city at the first opportunity. That, and a handsome police sergeant, that is! I thoroughly enjoyed this series opener. Milverton is nearly as important a character as anyone else we meet, and clearly, the town wants Addison to stay. So do I, so I can have the pleasure of visiting them both again. - M.K. Dean, author of the Ginny Reese Mysteries
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. New setting / new life? 5 stars. I really enjoyed the New Zealand setting & the new (to me) words. It's been a long time since I've had to look up a word. It's great that the main character is not perfect. I could relate to his stumbles. He and the other characters were very relatable. They seemed to be people that I would enjoy spending time with. - Amazon US review, November 2022
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Sassy puss and cake, what more could you want?? 5 stars. A really lovely novel with some addictive characters (including a very sassy puss) and unexpected twists! For a first murder mystery novel by Mr Ralph, I’m incredibly impressed and absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment. Also puts me in the mood for cake… - Amazon UK review, November 2022
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Lovely little cosy. Four stars. Sweet, fun, with delightful characters and the best cat. I'm in love with the ridiculous decor of Harper House, I hope it never changes. - Amazon US review, November 2022.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. "I've been curled up in a comfy chair reading with a mug or two of tea." Four stars. This was a great series starter. The small town is quaint and has fun locals. Addison is a pretty chill protagonist. There's a hunky police sergeant. Some quirky residents reveal some red herrings. Some gay romance may be brewing. There's a cat. It's all great fun. I enjoyed this book a bunch. I think I might go and pre-order the next one! - Chad C (Goodreads review, December 2022)
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Refresh with something a bit lighter. 5 stars. This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Sometimes my reading can become too much anguish. Need to refresh with something a bit lighter even if it still involves murder. Can't wait for the next one! Amazon US review, December 2022
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Excellent! 5 stars. This is a great story: a tightly woven mystery, just the right amount of tension, and agreeable characters. New Zealand is a small country but a powerhouse producer of good entertainment, like this author. Buy this book and pre-order the next installment - you'll be surprised at how good an investment you made. I got the book through Kindle Unlimited but decided to buy it anyway to support the talented scribe. (And if you like to see what kind of great television mysteries NZ produces, try "My Life is Murder" or The Brokenwood Mysteries - on Acorn - both great at telling stories with just the right amount of cheek and subtle humour.) This book is highly recommended. Amazon US review, December 2022.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review, screenshot from TikTok and review transcript. Here's a quick review of an absolutely adorable book. Unaliving on Milverton Square. This book was a refreshing break from my norm. It was a pool noodle as I tread water in a sea of smutty books. It was a nice little break. It was a ray of sunshine. Now there is like this [murder] going on, and it's sort of a whodunit. But it keeps you guessing, I love that part of it. The romance, the spice, it's not a spicy book. The author described it to me as a flickering candle in the corner of the room. And I'm not even sure if it's that much, but the love interest that's going on is the kind that sort of teases you through the whole book, and at the end when they're, you know, like in a coffee shop and their hands graze each other – instant swoon. You're rooting for them the whole time. I love that about it. If you're looking for something different to read, go check this one out. - Dimitra Rose
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Fun read. 5 stars. Always like a cozy mystery and this book didn’t disappoint. Enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author. Amazon US review, January 2023.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Fun cozy murder mystery. 4 stars. A fun read with quirky characters, a charming location, and a slow burn romance. Amazon US review, January 2023.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. What's not to love? 5 stars. Delightful small-town New Zealand, wonderful characters including all the supporting ones, the hint of a relationship to come, and all wrapped into a murder mystery. The banter and interactions had me smiling and laughing, and when the tension kicked up a notch I was racing to the end. - Mel Harding-Shaw, Author of the Soul Court Ascension trilogy
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review, screenshot from Instagram. There is something enjoyable about a murder mystery story where the case is solved without the use of forensic science. This novel, while set today, is a throwback to that era where murders were solved by civilians using local town gossip. The story felt like what would occur if Murder, She Wrote had a crossover event with Midsomer Murders but for some reason they wanted to film in New Zealand. I’m so grateful for the TikTok algorithm throwing a video for @gbralph_ onto my FYP so I could discover this little gem of a story. So keen for the second story, especially to see what’s going to happen with the slow burn romance that the main character Addison finds himself in while trying to prove he didn’t kill the lawyer overseeing the estate of Addison’s long lost uncle. #murderonmilvertonsquare #gbralph #bookstagram #books #book #booklover #instabook #booksofinstagram #reading #booklovers #readersofinstagram #bookreview #instabooks #bookrecommendations #gaybookstagram #gay #gaybooks #newzealand @dishingoutreviews
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Cozy and sweet. 4 stars. If you are looking for a bit of fluff then you'll enjoy this cozy mystery à la Christie or Marsh. - Amazon US review, January 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Enjoyable and fun. 5 stars. Can't wait for the next book. - Hooked on Mysteries, January 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. TikTok screenshot and review by Sarah's World of Books. Review transcript: Hey guys. So I've literally just finished Murder on Milverton Square by G B Ralph. And oh my god, you guys need to read this. It is light-hearted. It is fun. It's quick to read. It's just such a cosy little murder mystery. And if you've ever known people to be very nosy in a small little town, like nosy biddies all around knowing everyone's business, this the one for you. It had me hooked from the first chapter, the first page. I absolutely adored it. It was just what I needed. And what can I say? The cat is just amazing in it. You'll understand when you read it. But please please please go read this. Go support him. And I'll be reading the next one.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Love love love this book!!!! 5 stars. I adore all the funny and quirky characters who pop up in Milverton. It has a good quick pace to the whole story and the flow of dialogue was superb. Absolute 5 star. - Goodreads review, April 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review excerpts from Dear Author, for readers by readers. Star. Recommended read. This book was a wonderful surprise for me. If you like cozy mysteries with potential m/m romance thrown in, I highly recommend it. One of the best books I have ever read on Kindle Unlimited. I could see the small New Zealand town in my head so clearly and that does not happen often for me, so when I can see pictures drawn with words, I am very happy. Sirius, DearAuthor review excerpts, March 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Fun read. 5 stars. Can’t wait for more romance and adventures in Milverton. Fun characters with easy to read style that keeps you tuned in. - Amazon US review, May 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review. Milverton, visit again soon! 5 stars. I love this little town. When an author creates a slew of side characters that feel like real life members of a small town, I say, "Well done." - Amazon US review, April 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Paperback held up at white, sandy beach. Great read. - Donna, from a beach in Rarotonga.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. TikTok screenshot and review by T E Scott. Review transcript: Review transcript: I'm jumping on quickly, while I'm making some food to put in the slow cooker, to recommend this book: Murder on Milverton Square by G B Ralph. I've been trying to get my cosy fix at the moment. Obviously I write cosies so I read them for research as well as for pleasure, but I just wanted to recommend this one because I absolutely loved it. I raced through it in a couple of days. It's fast paced, it's fun. The main character, Addison, is very adorable and loveable and there's a little bit of romance between him and the policeman. And yeah, it's all good. I would recommend this if you want a quick, cosy fix. Set in New Zealand, so it's interesting to learn about New Zealand culture as well. So, go check it out.
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. Cover image and review excerpts. Warm-hearted, funny and a great slow burn romance to go with a cosy mystery Absolutely marvelous. A charming, well plotted mystery. The dialogue is quite well done, the characters are beautifully executed, and the place so visually rich in its descriptions that it’s easily seen in the mind. Enough chaotic town dynamics to fill a TV drama. I loved the cast of characters. They’re what make a cosy so warm-hearted as well as funny. I can’t wait to get to know them all further. I’m definitely recommending Murder on Milverton Square. - Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review excerpts, May 2023
Murder on Milverton Square (A Milverton Mystery) by G. B. Ralph. TikTok screenshot and review by D Alexander. Review transcript: Hey, unicorns! It's author D. Alexander, and I have a book recommendation for you. Now, I saw this author on TikTok. He was fun, he was engaging. I read the synopsis of this book and I was like OK, I'm gonna give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did. This book was so cozy, so heartwarming, so queer in all the best ways. I picked it up last night, finished it this morning. Wonderful job. 4 out of 5 stars. Totally would recommend. The book is Murder on Milverton Square. So good, so much fun. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a cozy Sunday coming up. Check out the book. I've tagged the author here. Can't wait for Book 2, well done!

Buy Murder on Milverton Square

Kindle / ebook

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon AU (NZ)

Also available in Kindle Unlimited.

Paperback

Order online:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon DE | Amazon AU (NZ)
Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble | Waterstones | Foyles | Blackwell’s | Alibris | Powell’s | BAM! (Books-A-Million) | Dymocks | Mighty Ape | Fishpond

Order online or browse in store:
Bruce McKenzie Booksellers (Palmerston North, NZ)
Wardini Books (Hawke’s Bay, NZ)
Huck & Puck Books (Los Angeles, USA)

Can’t find your preferred store? Ask your local bookseller to order a copy for you.

Audiobook

Audible US | Audible UK | Audible CA | Audible DE | Audible AU (NZ)

Spotify | Audiobooks.com | Kobo | Libro.fm | Google Play | Apple Books | Chirp | OverDrive | Hoopla

Publisher: Tantor Audio
Narrator: Philip Battley

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