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Honeychurch Hall Mystery #10
Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall
'Just the thing to chase the blues away' M. C. BeatonIs it a question of turn the other cheek... or an eye for an eye?At last St Mary's church is going to have its own vicar! Not only that, the gorgeous Reverend Pritchard is sixty, single... and in need of a wife.But when he spearheads a campaign to restore a derelict chapel - rumoured to be haunted by a German Luftwaffe pilot- in a far-flung corner of the Honeychurch estate, the Dowager Countess puts her foot down. But nobody quite understands why...Meanwhile, a fierce bidding war at an auction of military memorabilia ends in Kat's female adversary being murdered and Kat being held as the prime suspect. And then it turns out that several of the auctioned items are connected to Operation Tiger, a doomed rehearsal for the D-Day landings that took place in nearby Slapton Sands all those years ago. And Kat begins to realise that the vicar, the Luftwaffe ghost and all the World War II weaponry may all somehow be related...Praise for Hannah 'The perfect classic English village mystery but with the addition of charm, wit and a thoroughly modern touch' Rhys Bowen' Downton Abbey was yesterday. Murder at Honeychurch Hall lifts the lid on today's grand country estate in all its tarnished, scheming, inbred, deranged glory' Catriona McPherson'Will delight fans and new readers alike' People's Friend'A fun read' Carola Dunn'Sparkles like a glass of Devon cider on a summer afternoon' Elizabeth Duncan
320 pages, ebook
First published November 2, 2023
12 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Dennison
43 books508 followersBritish born, Hannah originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. She has been an obituary reporter, antique dealer, private jet flight attendant and Hollywood story analyst. After twenty-five years living on the West Coast, Hannah returned to the UK where she shares her life with two high-spirited Hungarian Vizslas. She enjoys all country pursuits, movies, and theatre, reading and seriously good chocolate.
Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)
Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.
Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)
Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 29, 2024
Another great read in this series … well worth starting these books
September 19, 2024
The best Honeychurch Hall ever.
August 13, 2024
7.5/10
For a random book at £2 found on the shelves at The Works, this was quite the read. It’s a cleverly written, layered, murder mystery with lots of pretty intriguing side-plots. I loved a lot of the characters and the dialogue in this; but I really loved how each side-plot was carefully woven into the main plot, meaning a lot of loose ends were tied up succinctly.
Definitely enjoyed this read and would be open to more from this Author as apparently this book is one of a ten-part series? Interesting.
For a random book at £2 found on the shelves at The Works, this was quite the read. It’s a cleverly written, layered, murder mystery with lots of pretty intriguing side-plots. I loved a lot of the characters and the dialogue in this; but I really loved how each side-plot was carefully woven into the main plot, meaning a lot of loose ends were tied up succinctly.
Definitely enjoyed this read and would be open to more from this Author as apparently this book is one of a ten-part series? Interesting.
December 2, 2023
Hannah Dennison's series in and around Honeychurch Hall is all that you could want in a cozy, British mystery. Not quite a "house party" mystery ... too much of it occurs throughout the village and on the property of Honeychurch Hall rather than in it ... it still maintains the feel of a proper British house party mystery. However, it is properly referred to as a "village mystery" ... and by its vast cast of characters, it is that, too. And, by now ... in Book 10 ... we know all the characters, chapter and verse, if they are closely related to Honeychurch Hall. (I admit to wanting more from Master Harry but he IS almost 10 so I suspect that we will hear from him again.)
This particular "chapter" in the Honeychurch Hall saga, however, is very satisfying. It answers a lot of questions, deals with a lot of issues, and to say more would be to spoil this terrific book's thoughtful ... but always funny ... developments. Funny, yes ... even when there is a murder a-foot. And I hope you love the ending ... I did and I'm usually a tough room!
While I can't say that I identify with Kat ... our "heroine" ... I can say that her explanations are those of "everywoman" and do resonate with me. I mean, how many of us can be antique dealers who were former tv personalities. But we can struggle with mothers, despite the mom's checkered past ... and present; the significant others in our lives; and, the friends who are only some time friends. These common themes bolster the underlying charge to all readers ... whodunnit.
One of the many aspects of this book is the amount of information about D-Day ... and its surrounding disinformation campaign. I have read some about the efforts made to mislead the Germans as to where the attack would originate ... and where the Allies would land. But presented as it was in a modern day mystery was nothing short of inspired. And the description of the dagger ... well, again to say more would spoil the surprise but you will enjoy Hannah Dennison's descriptive abilities!
A significant PS ... if this is the first of the Honeychurch books that you've read ... go right ahead. But I hope it will make you want to go back and learn more about Honeychurch Hall, its inhabitants, and Kat and her mom, Iris.
While I received an advanced copy of this book, nothing influenced me in my review other than my love of Hannah Dennison's writing!
This particular "chapter" in the Honeychurch Hall saga, however, is very satisfying. It answers a lot of questions, deals with a lot of issues, and to say more would be to spoil this terrific book's thoughtful ... but always funny ... developments. Funny, yes ... even when there is a murder a-foot. And I hope you love the ending ... I did and I'm usually a tough room!
While I can't say that I identify with Kat ... our "heroine" ... I can say that her explanations are those of "everywoman" and do resonate with me. I mean, how many of us can be antique dealers who were former tv personalities. But we can struggle with mothers, despite the mom's checkered past ... and present; the significant others in our lives; and, the friends who are only some time friends. These common themes bolster the underlying charge to all readers ... whodunnit.
One of the many aspects of this book is the amount of information about D-Day ... and its surrounding disinformation campaign. I have read some about the efforts made to mislead the Germans as to where the attack would originate ... and where the Allies would land. But presented as it was in a modern day mystery was nothing short of inspired. And the description of the dagger ... well, again to say more would spoil the surprise but you will enjoy Hannah Dennison's descriptive abilities!
A significant PS ... if this is the first of the Honeychurch books that you've read ... go right ahead. But I hope it will make you want to go back and learn more about Honeychurch Hall, its inhabitants, and Kat and her mom, Iris.
While I received an advanced copy of this book, nothing influenced me in my review other than my love of Hannah Dennison's writing!
November 19, 2023
Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall, book 10 in the series, was the first I'd read. The Honeychurch Hall series has always been on my TBR list, but for some reason I never got around to it. After having read book 10, I've now added books 1 - 9 to my Christmas list! Even though part of a series, Dagger of Death can easily be read as a standalone, partly because there is an introduction to all the characters at the front of the book.
Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall is the story of a missing dagger with a history, a history that no one seems to be aware of even though everyone knows everything about anyone in the village! The dagger has a quite interesting history that links together many of the characters, and it takes careful reading figuring out what actually happened long ago in the village's history, and what certain villagers wish to keep buried in the past. The ending is quite a surprise as the story unfolds, and it kept me guessing until the end.
There are several stories intertwined, all leading to the final conclusion of the mystery and the identification of the murderer. This is a complex story, very well written and one that keeps you engrossed from page 1. The story includes everything from the sale of teddy bears at an auction, an archivist of old chapels, a caterer using locally foraged greens, a new vicar, his reclusive mother with a story that connects her to Little Dipperton, and the main character's mother who secretly writes romance novels, among other things. Lots of interesting moving parts.
The main character, Kat Stanford, seems to be juggling many balls - attending the auction, running an appraisal/antiques business, keeping her mother Iris out of trouble, trying to work out her relationship with Detective Inspector Shawn Cropper and fitting together the puzzle pieces surround the murders that have been committed. In addition to Iris, the book has many quirky characters, and through their lives and Kat's one can easily imagine life in Honeychurch Hall. By the end of the book, one becomes quite attached to some of the villagers and their stories.
Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall is a delight to read and I strongly recommend it, even if it is the first book the reader picks up in the series!
Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall is the story of a missing dagger with a history, a history that no one seems to be aware of even though everyone knows everything about anyone in the village! The dagger has a quite interesting history that links together many of the characters, and it takes careful reading figuring out what actually happened long ago in the village's history, and what certain villagers wish to keep buried in the past. The ending is quite a surprise as the story unfolds, and it kept me guessing until the end.
There are several stories intertwined, all leading to the final conclusion of the mystery and the identification of the murderer. This is a complex story, very well written and one that keeps you engrossed from page 1. The story includes everything from the sale of teddy bears at an auction, an archivist of old chapels, a caterer using locally foraged greens, a new vicar, his reclusive mother with a story that connects her to Little Dipperton, and the main character's mother who secretly writes romance novels, among other things. Lots of interesting moving parts.
The main character, Kat Stanford, seems to be juggling many balls - attending the auction, running an appraisal/antiques business, keeping her mother Iris out of trouble, trying to work out her relationship with Detective Inspector Shawn Cropper and fitting together the puzzle pieces surround the murders that have been committed. In addition to Iris, the book has many quirky characters, and through their lives and Kat's one can easily imagine life in Honeychurch Hall. By the end of the book, one becomes quite attached to some of the villagers and their stories.
Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall is a delight to read and I strongly recommend it, even if it is the first book the reader picks up in the series!
July 10, 2024
I adore reading Cozy Mysteries set on English Estates, so I couldn’t wait to dive into Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall. It’s been awhile since I visited Hannah Dennison’s world of Honeychurch Hall and Little Dipperton, so I was happy for the chance to read and review the book.
There’s a lot going on in the quiet little village: a new sixty-something vicar is in town, and Kat Stanford’s mum has set her cap for him, but he seems to be hiding something from everyone. At an auction Kat attends, there’s a bidding war for a box of bears she wants to win to donate to a children’s hospital, and someone tries to run her off the road later to possibly try and steal them. From the same auction, a dagger is stolen from the lot of war memorabilia. A stranger visits, and keeps asking where a WWII German plane crashed and asking if anyone knows someone nicknamed “Fudge”. OH, and there are a couple of murders in the village, not to mention secrets coming to light.
There are plenty of fun, quirky characters in this series, plus a lot of shenanigans, which make for a great read. The way the author writes about the world of Honeychurch Estate and Little Dipperton comes alive in my mind, and makes me want to live in a village just like this.
I’ve always enjoyed books by Hannah Dennison, so I need to go back and read what I’ve missed. And I’m definitely looking forward to the next in the series!
There’s a lot going on in the quiet little village: a new sixty-something vicar is in town, and Kat Stanford’s mum has set her cap for him, but he seems to be hiding something from everyone. At an auction Kat attends, there’s a bidding war for a box of bears she wants to win to donate to a children’s hospital, and someone tries to run her off the road later to possibly try and steal them. From the same auction, a dagger is stolen from the lot of war memorabilia. A stranger visits, and keeps asking where a WWII German plane crashed and asking if anyone knows someone nicknamed “Fudge”. OH, and there are a couple of murders in the village, not to mention secrets coming to light.
There are plenty of fun, quirky characters in this series, plus a lot of shenanigans, which make for a great read. The way the author writes about the world of Honeychurch Estate and Little Dipperton comes alive in my mind, and makes me want to live in a village just like this.
I’ve always enjoyed books by Hannah Dennison, so I need to go back and read what I’ve missed. And I’m definitely looking forward to the next in the series!
November 26, 2023
Wow! Once a number of plot threads started to be exposed the story took off until the unexpected and explosive ending. The “dagger of death” was a constant theme through the book, as was the clock tower. Both seemed very scary to experience in person and both provided important clues at the reveal of a multitude of lies, and evil, that had been dormant for decades. The author effectively used a number of red herrings that kept this reader guessing right until the end.
It is always fun to visit Little Dipperton and its “mothership,” Honeychurch Hall, and this book did not disappoint. The story was a bit slow to start as there are a number of new people to introduce. My thanks to the author for providing a handy list of who’s who to keep every one straight at the start.
I do hope that Ms. Dennison is already at work on the next story in this series. What will happen in Little Dipperton now that an important character has finally been exposed?
“Funny how a villager can’t keep a secret but a village can.”
It is always fun to visit Little Dipperton and its “mothership,” Honeychurch Hall, and this book did not disappoint. The story was a bit slow to start as there are a number of new people to introduce. My thanks to the author for providing a handy list of who’s who to keep every one straight at the start.
I do hope that Ms. Dennison is already at work on the next story in this series. What will happen in Little Dipperton now that an important character has finally been exposed?
“Funny how a villager can’t keep a secret but a village can.”
December 8, 2023
This is the tenth book in this series; I’ve only read book 9 in this series, but I loved it also and am still planning to read the series from the beginning. This book stands alone very well though. I adore the authentic setting of a small English village and the main character, Kat, is likable and capable, both in her business ventures and also as an amateur sleuth. The mystery in this book is rather convoluted, in a way that is very fun to unravel; in the end, all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together just so and it all makes sense. It was challenging to solve it along with Kat, but the story was engaging and absorbing. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an arc, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
December 5, 2025
Murder, Mayhem and the Fifth Column!
World War II was a horrific situation. Life is not a Cabaret. Had family in Czechoslovakia. I really don't like talking about it. I'm not fond of Socialism and her two daughters. There is no Heaven on Earth and the reason you trust in Christ isn't about how good or righteous you are. It's about how righteous Christ is. Even vicars have secrets. Sigh! Grandma Budka said: "Marek, you need to go to the Old country. The United States is so uncivilized." She was talking about the Margravate of Moravia in 1912. The world has changed, but old ethnic and racial hatreds don't die so easily. I wish people would learn that. Love thy neighbor as thyself. Great book! Thank you!
World War II was a horrific situation. Life is not a Cabaret. Had family in Czechoslovakia. I really don't like talking about it. I'm not fond of Socialism and her two daughters. There is no Heaven on Earth and the reason you trust in Christ isn't about how good or righteous you are. It's about how righteous Christ is. Even vicars have secrets. Sigh! Grandma Budka said: "Marek, you need to go to the Old country. The United States is so uncivilized." She was talking about the Margravate of Moravia in 1912. The world has changed, but old ethnic and racial hatreds don't die so easily. I wish people would learn that. Love thy neighbor as thyself. Great book! Thank you!
November 27, 2023
I love this series because it reminds me of the the cozy British murder mysteries that I love to stream.
A new handsome vicar has arrived in the village, and the ladies of certain age are vying for his attentions. His mother is agoraphobic and mysterious.
A man also arrives who is interested in preserving historic chapels. Why is Lady Edith so intent on keeping him away from that part of the estate.
Does it all certain around a mysterious knife that has gone missing? And as always, it seems like Kat's love life is up in the air.
I really enjoyed the book and learned a little bit about World War II as well. The resolution of the mystery was a shocker!
A new handsome vicar has arrived in the village, and the ladies of certain age are vying for his attentions. His mother is agoraphobic and mysterious.
A man also arrives who is interested in preserving historic chapels. Why is Lady Edith so intent on keeping him away from that part of the estate.
Does it all certain around a mysterious knife that has gone missing? And as always, it seems like Kat's love life is up in the air.
I really enjoyed the book and learned a little bit about World War II as well. The resolution of the mystery was a shocker!
December 11, 2023
Number 9 in this fun series is winner! An long ago WWII incident that many villagers are aware of but have stayed close-mouthed about for more that 50 years is exposed when an item offered for auction sets off a series of revealing incidents . Murders ensue, past tragedies are exposed and Kat and Iris find themselves in the middle of the action. the plot is skillfully handled and will keep readers guessing to the end. Kat is having second thoughts about her realtionship with Shawn and Iris is torn between the new vicar and a mysterious visitor. A fun and intriguing read for Honeychurch Hall fans.
September 27, 2024
I love this whole series. Kat Stanford is such an interesting choice of protagonist as an antiques expert and I love how much she protects her mother, Iris, no matter how silly her mother gets. This particular book kept my attention and I managed to read it in a weekend. I got a little lost in the characters and all the interconnected relationships. Fortunately, there is a cast of characters at the beginning that lists everyone and their relationship to others. The author also included a love triangle in the course of the books that ends satisfactorily, in my opinion, in this book. I highly recommend.
December 6, 2024
There is a new vicar in the village and he really has people talking. He is sixty and single and many of the ladies are interested. This just adds to the fun in this entertaining mystery. The mystery itself had many layers and was full of twists. This series has been on my TBR list, but this is the first one that I've read. It was a very good British cozy mystery with plenty of quirky characters and I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this E-book from Cozy Mystery Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this E-book from Cozy Mystery Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 26, 2023
In the latest visit to Honeychurch Hall, long held secrets, hidden identities and an auction lead to murder. Kat must use her antiques appraisal skills as well as her unusual connection to Inspector Mallory to reveal the killer before the murder count rises.
I always enjoy the visit and insight to the life in a small English village with all the connections of the recurring characters. Kat's sense of humor always keeps me laughing. The mystery has plenty of twists. I did not see the resolution coming at all. Dagger of Death is a page turner and throughly enjoyable read.
I always enjoy the visit and insight to the life in a small English village with all the connections of the recurring characters. Kat's sense of humor always keeps me laughing. The mystery has plenty of twists. I did not see the resolution coming at all. Dagger of Death is a page turner and throughly enjoyable read.
December 7, 2023
The Honeychurch Hall mystery series continues to be one of my favorites with the addition of book 10, Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall. Once again, Hannah Dennison has woven a delicious mystery around a delightful cast of characters in a wonderful village. Whether this is the first book you've read in the series, or you've followed all along, you'll feel right at home with "who is who". You'll move swiftly through the pages, entertained by not only the main story, but the backstories of the characters and their development throughout. Highly recommend!
December 8, 2023
I love a good British mystery and this one is so well written that I could hear the British accents, loved the classic English village vibe and the great cast of quirky characters. I enjoyed Kat's dynamic with everyone and felt like I was with her through this page turner with secrets, lies, twists and turns. I just couldn't put the book down and was sad when I got to the end. If you enjoy a charming and witty cozy, don't miss Dagger of Death at Honeychurch Hall. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 29, 2023
Another mysterious visit to Honeychurch Hall. What is going with the new Reverend? Does he need a wife and who will fit the bill. What is up with the chapel in the Honeychurch estate. The new Reverend wants to restore it, but the Countess is adamantly against it. And who will wind up the winner in the auction. All of these things including a murder are there for the reader as well as Kat to figure out. Another great installment of the series.
January 2, 2024
I have read all the books in the series and enjoy Hannah Dennison’s style and the way she makes the characters come alive. To me this is the best book in the series so far. There are interesting twists and the ending - at least to me - was unexpected. The war background is really interesting.
I am looking forward to finding out what is going to happen to Iris. I think Hannah Dennison told the story of how she was exposed as a secret writer really well.
I am looking forward to finding out what is going to happen to Iris. I think Hannah Dennison told the story of how she was exposed as a secret writer really well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2024
A light, bright, quick read. Nothing too taxing in this and a good book to while away the time with. It put me in mind, (although it isn't set by the sea) of the TV series, 'Beyond Paradise'. I think it was the way the characters interacted with each other, in particular, Kat and her mum. I enjoyed the quicker paced ending to the book when the significance of the dagger is revealed and also the author's notes that followed the ending of the story.
November 21, 2023
Great addition to the series. The author skillfully weaves a WWII mystery/murder into a modern day series of crimes. The darker side of the village comes to light in unexpected characters who are revealed as the murderer in both times. I am happy with the way the series is further developing Kate’s love life and Iris’s writing career.
December 2, 2023
I absolutely love this series. In this installment, there are secrets and a murder. Can Kat solve the case before there are more murders? There are plenty of twists in this story and I love the small English village setting. This is an excellent read and I am hoping there are many more books coming in this series!
September 5, 2024
Rounded up from 3.5 stars as half stars aren't an option. Nicely written and engaging but frustrating in parts; supposedly intelligent characters are frequently surprised by the most obvious 'revelations' and shocked to the core by every piece of inane gossip. Still an enjoyable comfort read with a satisfying ending.
April 21, 2025
Fun weekend read, very much in the spirit of M.C. Beaton—Murder in the English countryside. Complete with a listing of the cast of characters and a fun hand-drawn map of the Honeychurch Hall Estate. Village secrets dating back to 1940’s are coming to light. I plan to read more in the Honeychurch Hall series and hope my favorite (Surviving) characters do what they do best.
November 28, 2023
I love the droll humor in the Honeychurch series, and how the line between hijinks and high jinx often blurs for Kat. Beyond the madcap pacing and plot, there is a gem of a historical mystery hidden within this contemporary cozy.
March 26, 2024
Wow. I didn’t realize I skipped a lot of the books in between. Humorous mystery involving a missing dagger, a sale of teddy bears, someone checking out old chapels in England, quirky people, a foraging caterer, poisonings, and more! Fun change of pace from serious mysteries.
March 6, 2024
Hannah never disappoints! This continues to be one of favorite cozy mystery series.
March 10, 2024
Loved it. This is a great series .
May 13, 2024
A solid, enjoyable 3 stars — just like the rest of this fun, light series
May 13, 2024
I'm always sad when one of these ends. I love the relationship between Kat and her Mom. In my mind I picture Kat's mom as Bridget Jones' Mom :)
June 26, 2024
Good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews