Berk Worms 2026 - Murder Mystery

Welcome to our Berk Worms 🐛 book club. Each month we all aim to read the same book from a particular genre and then meet to discuss it. We also then talk about other books we are reading. All are welcome! Our book for discussion in February is a Murder Mystery by Samantha Harvey, called The Western Wind written in 2018. It runs at approximately 304 pages and is available in all formats including Kindle and Audio Book.

About the novel for Discussion:

15th century Oakham, in Somerset; when a man is swept away by the village's river, an explanation has to be found: accident, suicide or murder?

The village priest, John Reve, is privy to many secrets in his role as confessor. But will he be able to unravel what happened to the victim, Thomas Newman, the wealthiest, most capable and industrious man in the village? And what will happen if he can’t?

Moving back in time towards the moment of Thomas Newman’s death, the story is related by Reve – an extraordinary creation, a patient shepherd to his wayward flock, and a man with secrets of his own to keep. Through his eyes, and his indelible voice, Harvey creates a medieval world entirely tangible in its immediacy.

Critical views:

'A rich and sumptuous delight' DAILY TELEGRAPH

'Astonishing… A rollicking mystery and a profound meditation on faith and existence’ OBSERVER

Reading ahead with the BERKWORMS
10 March 2026: Current Bestseller to be selected in January

Happy reading, 🐛Cazza