A seemingly idyllic village is shattered by a murder, drawing an unlikely amateur detective into a web of deceit. Dorothy Martin, a retired American woman living in England, finds herself compelled to investigate when a local woman is found dead under suspicious circumstances. She must navigate the close-knit community's secrets and lies, facing resistance from both the official police and those who wish the truth to remain buried.

The Dorothy Martin Mysteries series, including 'Malice in Miniature,' is generally appreciated for its cozy mystery elements and historical setting. Readers often enjoy Dorothy Martin as a protagonist, finding her intelligence and persistence engaging as she solves crimes in her English village. The books are typically characterized by their gentle pacing and focus on character interactions within a traditional mystery framework. The series offers a comforting yet intriguing reading experience for fans of classic detective fiction.