There used to be shown on the BBC here in the states a series called "Midsummer Murders"...Chief Inspector Barnaby was the lead character. There are books that this series was based on...the Chief Inspector Barnaby Series (imagine that). They are written by Carolyn Graham.
http://www.fictfact.com/series.aspx?series_id=5786
That page has the links to Amazon for the books (and no, I'm not the author or associated with her in any way LOL!)
Anyway, these are fairly modern mysteries all set in small English villages. You won't have heart palpitations or anything reading them, but they are a pretty good light read.