‘Till Death Us Do Part’ by Reverend Penny Stephens

Published by Quercus,
17 July 2025.  
ISBN: 978-1-52944-142-0 (HB)

The scene is set for a beautiful wedding. Trees line the long drive to the Queen Anne Mansion.  Reverend Clare Brakespear has been invited to the wedding by her husband's, boss David. Their daughter Anna is a bridesmaid for David’s daughter, Jess, who is marrying Ahmed in Dorset. 

It all sounds idyllic. However, it is no spoiler to say that we learn immediately that there is a dead body in the corner of the tree house, stabbed. Oh! Dear

As the guests begin to assemble, Clare finds herself talking with Celeste, the bride’s aunt, who is clearly family but says she hasn’t seen Jess for years, Family problems you see, but let’s not dwell on those, she says.  It’s wonderful to be here, but I feel nervous about today. There’s someone who I think may have been invited and he reminds me of the worst time in my life….

Clare being a Vicar is a keen observer and as she mingles with the guests, she begins to notice that there are tensions between the family members. Leaving her daughter with wedding party and making for the stairs, she sees through an open door the bride’s-stricken face as she shouts, ‘I wish he was dead’.

As the day moves on a banner is seen trailing across the sky, pulled by a light aircraft, on one side ‘Congratulations’ and on the other side, not so friendly.  David contacts the police to have the matter dealt with quickly.  For DCI Jackie Carter it’s a day she hoped would come. A chance to see her old boyfriend for whom she still holds a torch. Of course, Clare is not so pleased.

Then the dead body is discovered, and DCI Jackie Carter is the investigating officer.  She quickly sets her sights on a suspect. The trouble is, Clare is convinced that she has the wrong person.  She might not understand forensic testing and finger-tip searches, but if there's one thing Clare does know, it's people and the complexities of their emotional lives. So, she decides to find the killer herself. But is she in way over her head?

With terrific characterisation. The solution to this complex family mystery is skilfully revealed.  Recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

Reverend Penny Stephens was a vicar in a village parish before working as a hospice chaplain in East London and Kent. She now takes services in the Diocese of Rochester, where she is an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral. Till Death Us Do Part is Penny's debut novel.