The Barton & Brooks Cosy Mystery Series, Set in Devon
Written by Ned Hoste, the stories are set in and around Exeter in the county of Devon in the United Kingdom. The series follows a number of cases investigated by Detective Inspector Whipton Barton, assisted by Detective Sergeant Saxon Brooks. There are other recurring characters for the reader to get to know, including Lydia Barton (Whipton Barton’s wife), Miranda Jones, a friend of Lydia’s, among many others.
Then there is Pip the Golden Retriever, Whipton Barton’s local dog who lives his best life in a town by the river Exe and does all the things a retriever should: eat, sleep and be merry and sometimes digs up vital clues.
The Antiquarian is the first book in the series was published as an ebook, print edition and audiobook in April 2025.
The Publisheris the second book in the series, was published in May 2026 in paperback and ebook. The audiobook will be out in Summer 2026.
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Author & Designer
Ned Hoste
With over 40 years in publishing and design, I have designed more than 4,000 book covers and 250 complete titles. I began my professional design career at 15 and went on to work in-house at Sphere Books before founding my own studio, 2H Design, in 2007 I founded The Big Ideas Collective. I have spoken at literary festivals, universities, and TEDx workshops on publishing, creativity, and communication. I am a Fellow of the RSA and an ILM-endorsed trainer. I also write about publishinghere.
I am delighted to say that now, when I am asked, “Have you ever written a book yourself?” Since April 2025, I can now say yes, I am the author of the Barton & Brooks Cosy Mystery series.
