A Poppy Mystery Tale by Leigh Russell 4 Books Collection Set-Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Barking Up the Right Tree
Barking Mad
Poppy Takes The Lead
Poppy's Christmas Cracker

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780857305435 (Barking Up the Right Tree), 9780857305688 (Barking Mad), 9780857305725 (Poppy Takes The Lead), 9780857306005 (Poppy's Christmas Cracker)

Overview:
Discover a heartwarming quartet of cozy mysteries that center on Emily, her lovable rescue dog Poppy, and the enchanting village of Ashton Mead. This four-book collection follows Emily from a life-disrupted start to a community-filled new chapter, where dogged investigation, gentle wit, and a loving cast of villagers keep the pages turning. Leigh Russell’s Poppy Mystery Tale blends charm with light suspense, inviting readers who enjoy character-driven sleuthing and satisfying near-pastoral settings. The set collects Barking Up the Right Tree, Barking Mad, Poppy Takes The Lead, and Poppy’s Christmas Cracker, each delivering warmth, small-town atmosphere, and clever, dog-friendly mystery solving. Perfect for fans of traditional British crime and readers seeking a comforting, page-turning book collection to companions through cozy evenings or weekend reading binges. Leigh Russell—known for a sharp, accessible voice and a knack for memorable canine sidekicks—delivers four adventures that blend heart, humor, and a touch of mischief into one irresistible set.

What This Collection Covers:
This collection builds a charming continuity: a village mystery series anchored by Emily’s evolving life, her bond with Poppy, and a cast of trustworthy friends who help uncover secrets. Across the four titles, themes of community resilience, trust, and the gentle tension of small-town intrigue emerge. The series leans into cozy crime: the investigations feel accessible, with pacing designed for steady enjoyment rather than hard-edged suspense. Each entry deepens Emily’s attachment to Ashton Mead while expanding the world through recurring locations like the Sunshine Tea Shoppe and familiar neighbours. Readers will appreciate the balance between lighthearted character moments and the puzzle-solving heartbeat of the mysteries. This set is ideal for those seeking a complete, comforting reading experience—an entertaining gift set for mystery lovers and a satisfying way to start or expand a bookshelf of classic, family-friendly crime fiction.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Barking Up the Right Tree begins the Poppy Mystery Tale with Emily’s sudden life change after the loss of her job and partner, and an inheritance that comes with a quirky condition: take care of a mystery-puppy. In a picturesque Wiltshire village, Emily finds friendship, some initial misgivings, and a canine co-star who nudges her toward uncovering a local puzzle. This opening novel establishes the warm, village-centered tone, the endearing relationship between Emily and Poppy, and the gentle suspense that invites readers to join the amateur sleuthing without being overwhelmed by danger. The narrative blends heart, humor, and small-town charm as Emily navigates new loyalties, suspicious whispers, and a mystery that feels both intimate and inviting.
Barking Mad moves the action into the village’s alleys and riverside haunts, where Emily’s settled life—cottage, job, and friends—faces a stark test when a neighbor is implicated in a drowning. The community’s swift judgments and the tension between old and new residents add depth to the mystery. As Emily and Poppy dig deeper, the danger escalates, testing trust and courage. This installment reinforces the series’ signature mix of cozy atmosphere and accessible mystery, while expanding the ensemble of villagers who care about one another—and about truth. The bond between Emily and Poppy remains central, guiding readers through twists, red herrings, and a satisfying reveal that stays true to the series’ warm, homely spirit.
Poppy Takes The Lead deepens the stakes as Silas Strang’s toxic presence looms large over Ashton Mead. When Silas is found dead, Emily becomes a key figure in the investigation—yet the police suspect her. With the support of friends Hannah and Toby, she pursues the truth while protecting Poppy from further harm. The story sharpens the sense of place and the community’s undercurrents, offering sharper suspense within the familiar village framework. The dog’s keen instincts and Emily’s determination create a compelling dynamic that keeps the pace lively while preserving the series’ approachable, character-driven style. It’s a strong middle entry that enriches the overarching arc and deepens readers’ attachment to the duo and their world.
Poppy’s Christmas Cracker brings a festive twist to the village, as a French patisserie opens amid Christmas cheer—and suspicion falls on Hannah when the patisserie owner is killed. Emily’s resolve to clear a friend’s name drives the plot, and Poppy once again becomes an essential partner in sleuthing. The seasonal setting adds warmth, community spirit, and a satisfying puzzle that channels classic Christie-esque vibes with a modern, cozy twist. This closing chapter of the four-book collection rounds out the set with a balanced blend of holiday charm, community dynamics, and clever detection, leaving readers with a comforting sense of closure and a desire to revisit Ashton Mead’s inviting streets.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This complete set is ideal for readers who love cozy English village mysteries, pet-centric protagonists, and steady, character-driven plots. It appeals to adults and older teens who enjoy accessible whodunits with warmth, wit, and a touch of whimsy. It also makes a thoughtful gift set for book clubs seeking engaging, discussion-friendly mysteries, families looking for shared reading experiences, and fans of similar favourites in the cozy crime genre. If you’re building a personal library of comforting thrillers or searching for a reliable, heartwarming series to revisit during crisp evenings, this Poppy Mystery Tale collection is a reliable companion that invites repeated reading and easy sharing with friends and fellow collectors.

Key Benefits:

• Complete four-book set for a seamless reading journey
• Charming, dog-centered mysteries with village atmosphere
• Ideal gift set for fans of cozy crime and traditional whodunits
• Each title is a standalone mystery with continuing characters for continuity
• Paperback editions offer accessible, comfortable reading
• Engaging for book clubs and shared reading experiences

About the Author:
Leigh Russell is a celebrated author of crime fiction, known for her approachable, page-turning storytelling. The Poppy Mystery Tale series—beginning with Barking Up the Right Tree—has been highlighted as a brand-new cozy crime line that demonstrates her versatility beyond her established Geraldine Steel novels. The author’s knack for creating a warm village ambiance, relatable protagonists, and clever plot twists is evident throughout this four-book collection. On her official site, Russell is presented as a million-copy-selling writer who crafts accessible, character-driven mysteries with wit and heart. Readers familiar with her broader crime-writing career will recognize her tradition of tight plotting, contrasts between light moments and suspense, and the enduring appeal of small communities solving big puzzles.

Why You’ll Love This Set
If you adore immersive, heartwarming mysteries with a trusty canine sidekick and a close-knit community, this set delivers. You’ll enjoy the consistent voice, the gentle suspense that keeps you turning pages, and the comforting sense of familiarity as you revisit Ashton Mead, Emily, and Poppy across four adventures. This collection offers great value for fans building a classic bookshelf of giftable, engaging reads—perfect for gifting, sharing with friends, or curling up with on a cozy weekend. The combination of memorable characters, village charm, and clever deductions makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a complete series you can binge read from start to finish.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.