The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor – Lucy Connelly’s New Welsh Village Series

Last Updated on August 6, 2026

Every now and then I read the first book in a new cozy series and feel that little spark of comfort that tells me I am in safe hands.

That is exactly how I felt with The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor, the first book in Lucy Connelly’s new Welsh Village Mystery Series.

From the moment Dr Gwen Griffith arrives in the charming town of Dillynaidd, I felt like I had stepped into a place I wanted to spend more time in.

Gwen is a former investigative journalist who has crossed the Atlantic for a fresh start. She takes up a new role at the local university in a town that feels both peaceful and full of stories waiting to be uncovered.

I warmed to her right away. She has the kind of natural curiosity that suits a sleuth, but she also has a gentle way with people that makes her easy to follow as a main character.

I also liked how quickly the book sets up Gwen’s new life. Her assistant Ellis, who meets her at the train station, is instantly likable.

Their early scenes have a warm tone and set the stage for a partnership that already feels promising.

The setting shines too. Dillynaidd is presented with soft detail and charm, and it is easy to imagine the cobbled streets, the cosy shops, and the close-knit feel of the village.

The book delivers that comfortable, cozy mystery balance. There is a murder, of course, but it does not overwhelm the feel of the story.

The focus stays on character, community and the small moments that make Gwen’s new life both interesting and at times complicated.

A Mystery That Pulls Gwen In

In The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor, Gwen arrives in Wales, from Texas, ready to begin again, but her peaceful plan is interrupted almost at once.

After attending a small welcome gathering arranged by her best friend and university dean, Gwen returns to her flat and soon hears a loud knock on the door.

When she opens it, she finds Dr Alice Rice, a colleague she had only met that evening, who collapses right on top of her. Gwen tries everything she can to save her, but Dr Rice dies moments later.

It is a gripping scene that changes the pace of the story and pulls Gwen into something far darker than she had expected when she stepped off the train that morning.

Detective Gareth Jones arrives to investigate, and although he is calm and methodical, Gwen quickly realises he sees her as a possible suspect.

She barely knew Dr Rice, yet the fact that the woman died on her doorstep places her right in the middle of a situation she cannot ignore.

This is where Gwen’s background becomes such a strong part of the storytelling. She has years of investigative work behind her, from war reporting to chasing major news stories.

It gives her an eye for detail and a sense of fairness that makes her want to help the police, even when she is tired, shaken, and unsure what to do next.

The story makes good use of this. She is not a bumbling amateur sleuth. She pays attention, asks questions, and notices what people are not saying as much as what they do say.

The supporting characters give the mystery an extra lift. Ellis is quietly becoming her trusted right hand, and their bond feels natural and warm.

There is also a hint of romance with Detective Jones. It is slow and subtle, the kind of early spark you expect in the first book of a cozy series. Nothing feels rushed. It simply lays the groundwork for something that might grow later on.

A Strong Start With Only One Small Flaw

I really enjoyed this book. It has a comfortable pace, a clear mystery, and characters who feel like they will grow with each new instalment.

Gwen in particular has a strong presence on the page. She is smart, calm under pressure, and easy to root for.

Her scenes with Ellis bring a nice touch of humour and warmth. He feels like the perfect sidekick for a cozy series, young, eager, and very loyal.

My favourite part is how naturally Gwen falls into the role of sleuth. It suits her so well that by the second half of the book, I forgot she had only just moved to the village.

If I have one small criticism, it is something that happens around three-quarters of the way through the book.

A single sentence stands out, and as soon as I read it, I knew exactly who the killer was.

Up until that point, the story had done a good job of keeping several people in the frame, but that one line pulls the curtain back a bit too early.

From there, I found myself wondering why Gwen, with her background in war reporting and her natural instincts, did not sense something was off.

She dismisses her own doubts in a way that feels a little out of character for someone so experienced.

When the final reveal comes, the motive is clear enough but feels a bit light, simply because the surprise was already gone.

I wish that final stretch had held its cards a little closer. Cozy mysteries do not need huge twists, but the satisfaction of the final reveal is always stronger when you get to it with the sleuth, not ahead of her.

Even with that said, I still had a really good time Lucy Connelly’s first outing to Wales. The cast is strong, the village feels alive and Gwen is a character I want to spend more time with.

The early hint of romance with the detective adds another soft thread that I think will please many readers.

Thumbs Up For Gwen

The Curious Case of the Poisoned Professor is a warm, engaging start to a new cozy series.

It has a likable lead, a strong supporting cast, and a mystery that builds the right tone for future books. Even with the early giveaway near the end (if you spot it!), it is still a solid and enjoyable read, and I will happily pick up the next book when it arrives.

If you love cozy stories with smart women at the centre, small communities full of character and mysteries that feel grounded and readable, then this one is well worth adding to your list.