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Lord Kit Aston #1
Una Tarjeta de Navidad Envenenada (Los Misterios de Kit Aston nº 1)
Si te gustó Downton Abbey y eres lector de novelas históricas, basadas en hechos reales y amante del misterio, esta saga de novelas te atrapará. Año 1919, lord Cavendish recibe una felicitación de Navidad un tanto extraña, "Feliz Navidad, Te he matado". Cuando Cavendish aparece muerto, Kit Aston, héroe de la Primera Guerra Mundial, espía del Servicio Secreto de Inteligencia y detective aficionado, investiga.
A medida que la nieve cae en Cavendish Hall, las tensiones aumentan para los aislados invitados a la fiesta cuando se dan cuenta de que uno de ellos puede ser un asesino. El pasado y el presente chocan para Kit Aston mientras intenta descubrir la verdad en este clásico misterio de asesinato. El primer misterio de Kit Aston rebosa romanticismo e hilaridad, pero capta la tristeza subyacente de una nación que se recupera del impacto de la Gran Guerra...
A medida que la nieve cae en Cavendish Hall, las tensiones aumentan para los aislados invitados a la fiesta cuando se dan cuenta de que uno de ellos puede ser un asesino. El pasado y el presente chocan para Kit Aston mientras intenta descubrir la verdad en este clásico misterio de asesinato. El primer misterio de Kit Aston rebosa romanticismo e hilaridad, pero capta la tristeza subyacente de una nación que se recupera del impacto de la Gran Guerra...
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
510 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Jack Murray
47 books32 followersBorn in Northern Ireland, Jack is an artist and writer.
His paintings are now in collections as far apart as the US, Australia and Europe (including Britain and Ireland).
There are now seven Kit Aston novels and also two shorter novellas: The French Diplomat Affair and Haymakers Last Fight. A new Kit Aston is in the pipeline, set in a theatre and will e out before summer 2023.
Jack has signed with Lume Books. They have published a new series to coincide with 80th anniversary of battle of El Alamein. The story looks at the battle for North Africa from the perspectives of an English boy and a German boy who are destined to confront and try to kill one another at El Alamein.
A popular character from the Kit Aston mysteries now has her own series. Set in the Victorian era, the new series features Aunt Agatha when she was a young woman.
A third detective series features the grandson of CI Jellicoe. This series is set in the 1950's. There are three titles with a fourth due in January.
Jack lives near London with his beautiful Italian wife and two children.
His paintings are now in collections as far apart as the US, Australia and Europe (including Britain and Ireland).
There are now seven Kit Aston novels and also two shorter novellas: The French Diplomat Affair and Haymakers Last Fight. A new Kit Aston is in the pipeline, set in a theatre and will e out before summer 2023.
Jack has signed with Lume Books. They have published a new series to coincide with 80th anniversary of battle of El Alamein. The story looks at the battle for North Africa from the perspectives of an English boy and a German boy who are destined to confront and try to kill one another at El Alamein.
A popular character from the Kit Aston mysteries now has her own series. Set in the Victorian era, the new series features Aunt Agatha when she was a young woman.
A third detective series features the grandson of CI Jellicoe. This series is set in the 1950's. There are three titles with a fourth due in January.
Jack lives near London with his beautiful Italian wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 2, 2024
Pleasantly Surprised and Delighted!!
So I wanted to read a Christmas story but was unsure which one to read as there are countless ones available. For some reason this one stood out - perhaps it was the 1920s date that appealed to me? Needless to say I was quite hooked once the regular story started.
I must say I did find the very first chapter, the one set during the war, rather confusing. I didn't understand why these two groups - the Germans and the English apparently - were in these deep ditches with barb wire strung out in the area between them? I am afraid I am not familiar with the combat style of WW1 so this odd scene was rather puzzling. BUT that is not really important. What is important is the identity of a few people in that scene.
And once that scene was over and the actual story started (set in December 1919) I was totally hooked!! There is just something about these characters and how they are written that drew me in. I honestly cannot say what it is. But I found myself caught up in their lives as they prepared for the holiday and the various guests that would be coming...
Normally I hate boring chitchat in books but this book never bored me at all. The plot is not especially fast yet it was never dull. And I must admit I wanted to see what would happen to young Henry - the Lord's young grandson that for strange reasons was seen as a sort of outcast? He definitely did not fit in.
Even at 90 % through I had no idea who the killer was...
I definitely enjoyed reading this. Its entertaining and I got caught up in the world the author had created.
So I wanted to read a Christmas story but was unsure which one to read as there are countless ones available. For some reason this one stood out - perhaps it was the 1920s date that appealed to me? Needless to say I was quite hooked once the regular story started.
I must say I did find the very first chapter, the one set during the war, rather confusing. I didn't understand why these two groups - the Germans and the English apparently - were in these deep ditches with barb wire strung out in the area between them? I am afraid I am not familiar with the combat style of WW1 so this odd scene was rather puzzling. BUT that is not really important. What is important is the identity of a few people in that scene.
And once that scene was over and the actual story started (set in December 1919) I was totally hooked!! There is just something about these characters and how they are written that drew me in. I honestly cannot say what it is. But I found myself caught up in their lives as they prepared for the holiday and the various guests that would be coming...
Normally I hate boring chitchat in books but this book never bored me at all. The plot is not especially fast yet it was never dull. And I must admit I wanted to see what would happen to young Henry - the Lord's young grandson that for strange reasons was seen as a sort of outcast? He definitely did not fit in.
Even at 90 % through I had no idea who the killer was...
I definitely enjoyed reading this. Its entertaining and I got caught up in the world the author had created.
December 9, 2021
I would have given this 3 stars if the author had bothered to do some research into how British titles work, and how their servants are addressed, etc. For example, none of the women in the book should have been called Lady before their first names. Emily was the wife of the future Viscount Cavendish. She would have to be the daughter of an earl, marquess or duke to be called Lady Emily. Same with Mary and Esther. They would have been addressed as Miss Mary and Miss Cavendish, and there's no way any of the men other than Lord Cavendish would have called them just Mary or Esther. Emily should have been called Mrs. Cavendish.
Also, Kit is the son of a viscount, and his father was still alive, from what I gathered. That would make his father Lord Aston, and Kit would be Mr. Aston until his father died. It irked me that all these people were being called lord or lady, when none of them actually were lords or ladies, with the exception of Lord Cavendish.
Housekeepers are always called Mrs. whether they've ever been married or not. So Miss Buchan should have been Mrs. Buchan. The same applied to the head cook, so Elsie should have gone by Mrs. whatever her last name was. Agnes should have been called her last name ala O'Brien and Baxter in Downton Abbey.
The mystery itself was slow going. No one died until halfway through, and then there were a lot of coincidences. The ending was fast paced, but maybe a bit rushed, and everyone suddenly changed--especially Henry and Emily. One thing I was confused about was the paring of Henry and Jane. It was implied that she was the result of an affair between Henry's father and Mrs. Edmunds, which would make them half siblings. Yet people were more concerned about her being a stable girl. ??? I mean, I know the British upper classes could be terribly snooty about things like that, but surely marrying your half-sister is worse than marrying a stable girl?
Also, Kit is the son of a viscount, and his father was still alive, from what I gathered. That would make his father Lord Aston, and Kit would be Mr. Aston until his father died. It irked me that all these people were being called lord or lady, when none of them actually were lords or ladies, with the exception of Lord Cavendish.
Housekeepers are always called Mrs. whether they've ever been married or not. So Miss Buchan should have been Mrs. Buchan. The same applied to the head cook, so Elsie should have gone by Mrs. whatever her last name was. Agnes should have been called her last name ala O'Brien and Baxter in Downton Abbey.
The mystery itself was slow going. No one died until halfway through, and then there were a lot of coincidences. The ending was fast paced, but maybe a bit rushed, and everyone suddenly changed--especially Henry and Emily. One thing I was confused about was the paring of Henry and Jane. It was implied that she was the result of an affair between Henry's father and Mrs. Edmunds, which would make them half siblings. Yet people were more concerned about her being a stable girl. ??? I mean, I know the British upper classes could be terribly snooty about things like that, but surely marrying your half-sister is worse than marrying a stable girl?
January 5, 2020
Classic Murder Mystery set in a Country House
What a captivating novel! I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the setting. I actually liked Lord Cavendish, so that made the whole story that much more intense for me. Many of the key players had motive for murder and the author did a great job of casting light, and shadows, on them all. So many side - stories, all woven together very nicely.
My only complaint is the editing - there were far too many errors, which can be quite distracting. I do plan to read more in this series, and hope the editing is much improved.
What a captivating novel! I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the setting. I actually liked Lord Cavendish, so that made the whole story that much more intense for me. Many of the key players had motive for murder and the author did a great job of casting light, and shadows, on them all. So many side - stories, all woven together very nicely.
My only complaint is the editing - there were far too many errors, which can be quite distracting. I do plan to read more in this series, and hope the editing is much improved.
February 4, 2020
Enjoyed the story but not the punctuation
This is very good storytelling but let down by poor punctuation and needs a good professional proof reader. That said the other thing that annoyed me was the way the male characters insisted on using their first names and even their servants first names which just wouldn't have happened. Men in the 1920's rarely used first names unless they were with immediate family members. Think of books written at the time e.g. Poirot and Hastings, Lord Peter Wimsey and Bunter (or Inspector Parker), Campion and Lugg or even Jeeves and Wooster.
Housekeepers were always Mrs whatever their marital status as were the cooks, but footmen and housemaids did use their first names. The only exception to these were the principal lady's maids to the mistress of the house and her adult daughters, who were always given their full title so Agnes would have been known as Miss Whatever even among the rest of the staff.
This is very good storytelling but let down by poor punctuation and needs a good professional proof reader. That said the other thing that annoyed me was the way the male characters insisted on using their first names and even their servants first names which just wouldn't have happened. Men in the 1920's rarely used first names unless they were with immediate family members. Think of books written at the time e.g. Poirot and Hastings, Lord Peter Wimsey and Bunter (or Inspector Parker), Campion and Lugg or even Jeeves and Wooster.
Housekeepers were always Mrs whatever their marital status as were the cooks, but footmen and housemaids did use their first names. The only exception to these were the principal lady's maids to the mistress of the house and her adult daughters, who were always given their full title so Agnes would have been known as Miss Whatever even among the rest of the staff.
January 4, 2020
Atmospheric
I found editing errors to be so irritating that it was hard to continue. I did, however, and found it to be a great story with wonderful descriptions of the House, Village and Christmas in a small village. The characters were well developed but the story jumped around quite a bit. I would probably have enjoyed it more of it weren’t for editing errors.
I found editing errors to be so irritating that it was hard to continue. I did, however, and found it to be a great story with wonderful descriptions of the House, Village and Christmas in a small village. The characters were well developed but the story jumped around quite a bit. I would probably have enjoyed it more of it weren’t for editing errors.
March 23, 2021
This was okay; I did feel the business with the photograph felt very laboured, very leaden. It was obvious that the photograph held clues because of the amount of times it was mentioned and several times Kit went to have a look at it he was stopped by circumstances but there were times when he could have looked at it but he just didn't and that felt very off and not true. It just felt wrong and that spoiled the story for me.
December 21, 2023
Christmas 1919 and Lord Cavendish invites a few friends and family to his estate for the season. When he's found dead, amateur sleuth and WW1 hero Kit Aston must investigate. It took a while for the death to take place but the author did a wonderful job of setting the scene and familiarising the reader with the characters. I enjoyed the mystery and the writing of this.
December 8, 2024
DNF @ 30%. supposed to be a murder mystery and still, nobody has died yet. could have been so good if it moved faster say… with a death before halfway through maybe?? found myself wondering ‘when is someone going to die please?’. sad bcos i thought this was going to be really good ☹️
January 19, 2025
Enjoyed ! A classic murder mystery, within a classic period setting. Very downtown abbey x poirot vibes.
A very easy read with a nice few twists - if you’re looking for something inspired by Agatha Christie, with a Christmas twist then you’ve got it !
A very easy read with a nice few twists - if you’re looking for something inspired by Agatha Christie, with a Christmas twist then you’ve got it !
January 12, 2023
Jolly, good fun. Great intro to the character of Lord Kit Ashton, looking forward to more. Think Downton Abbey or Gosford Park with Poirot or Agatha Christie.
November 27, 2019
Rather too formulaic for me. Murray has picked several elements from the genre and woven them into an unlikely tale. Stereotypical treatment of the female characters: the way Kit’s friends refer to them is distasteful. Although the novel is set in the post war period it’s written at the time of #me too. Certainly the comments are unnecessary to the plot(Chubby didn’t even find the relevant files for kit. He instructed miss Brooks to do it!)
The household staff were based almost entirely on those in Downton.
Two stars because I wanted to finish it although it was hardly worth it.
The household staff were based almost entirely on those in Downton.
Two stars because I wanted to finish it although it was hardly worth it.
August 18, 2023
Lamentablemente no he podido con esta novela.
Llevaba casi la mitad y no ha pasado nada.
Los personajes son planos, insulsos y la trama no aparece por ningún sitio.
La amalgama de personajes, tanto del servicio como de la casa principal es tal, que resulta difícil separar unos de otros.
Abandonada....
Llevaba casi la mitad y no ha pasado nada.
Los personajes son planos, insulsos y la trama no aparece por ningún sitio.
La amalgama de personajes, tanto del servicio como de la casa principal es tal, que resulta difícil separar unos de otros.
Abandonada....
February 23, 2019
I love this book and I would have given it 5 stars but there are so many spelling mistakes and mistakes in grammar that it’s just irritating!
I like the way this author writes but please get spellcheck and have someone check the book for other mistakes.
I like the way this author writes but please get spellcheck and have someone check the book for other mistakes.
December 29, 2025
Three and a half stars.
Lord Arthur Cavendish has invited his grandson (and heir) Henry and Henry's mother Mrs Emily Cavendish to Cavendish Hall for Christmas. Henry's father, Robert (Lord Cavendish's second son) is dead. Mrs Cavendish and Lord Cavendish do not get on well together but he is determined to make more of an effort to be pleasant to her and to get to know his grandson better. For his part, Henry hates Cavendish Hall and feels like he is both bullied by his mother and made to feel unworthy by his grandfather because he is not sporty or interested in joining the army like the other men in his family.
Lord Cavendish's eldest son John and daughter-in-law Katherine are also both dead and his two nieces Esther and Mary now live with him at Cavendish Hall. Esther is a more classical beauty, but Mary is more lively, and they are the greatest of friends.
Lord Cavendish has also invited two single, eligible bachelors to the party in the hope that one or both of them might fall in love with his nieces and provide for their future. The two single gentlemen are Lord Kit Aston and an explorer called Eric Strangerson, who was in Robert's battalion in WW1.
Lord Kit Aston was an officer in WW1, he is rumoured to have done some intelligence work, and has had some success in solving the murder of a French diplomat - very Lord Peter Wimsey. Kit is assisted by his manservant Harry Miller, a former thief, who rescued him from No Man's Land during the war. Besides his suitability as a potential spouse for one of his nieces, Lord Cavendish also wants to consult Kit about a number of cards he has received over the years saying 'Happy Christmas, I've killed you', Lord Cavendish is worried that the card sender might succeed and he wants to reconcile with his grandson and see his granddaughters settled before he does (succeed).
The party gets snowed in, and a locum doctor appears at the door. He'd been visiting a patient nearby and was unable to get back to the village in the snow. Trapped in a remote country house with secrets swirling and no access to the outside world it's a surprise to no-one when Lord Cavendish is found dead in his room. While there is no evidence of foul play, Kit is concerned because of the threatening cards, and the girls ask him to investigate until the police can take over.
Overall I enjoyed this. However, it wasn't without its faults, others have commented that the author has almost consistently mis-titled all the characters, some even said he clearly hasn't even watched Downton Abbey to know that Emily should be called Mrs Cavendish, Kit's father is alive so he can't be Lord Kit etc, etc. Also, Lord Cavendish's death literally comes 50% into the book which is way too late in the book. Generally there were way too many coincidences, which would only have worked if the characters had been deliberately invited because they were all connected by The Thing. And another thing, in 1919 I can't believe anyone would give an Englishman, particularly one who lost a leg during the war, a book written by a German, even if he was a famous chess player. There was a very strong anti-German feeling in England at that time.
However, I have a weakness for Golden Age mysteries and aristocratic sleuths so I will definitely continue reading the series.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Lord Arthur Cavendish has invited his grandson (and heir) Henry and Henry's mother Mrs Emily Cavendish to Cavendish Hall for Christmas. Henry's father, Robert (Lord Cavendish's second son) is dead. Mrs Cavendish and Lord Cavendish do not get on well together but he is determined to make more of an effort to be pleasant to her and to get to know his grandson better. For his part, Henry hates Cavendish Hall and feels like he is both bullied by his mother and made to feel unworthy by his grandfather because he is not sporty or interested in joining the army like the other men in his family.
Lord Cavendish's eldest son John and daughter-in-law Katherine are also both dead and his two nieces Esther and Mary now live with him at Cavendish Hall. Esther is a more classical beauty, but Mary is more lively, and they are the greatest of friends.
Lord Cavendish has also invited two single, eligible bachelors to the party in the hope that one or both of them might fall in love with his nieces and provide for their future. The two single gentlemen are Lord Kit Aston and an explorer called Eric Strangerson, who was in Robert's battalion in WW1.
Lord Kit Aston was an officer in WW1, he is rumoured to have done some intelligence work, and has had some success in solving the murder of a French diplomat - very Lord Peter Wimsey. Kit is assisted by his manservant Harry Miller, a former thief, who rescued him from No Man's Land during the war. Besides his suitability as a potential spouse for one of his nieces, Lord Cavendish also wants to consult Kit about a number of cards he has received over the years saying 'Happy Christmas, I've killed you', Lord Cavendish is worried that the card sender might succeed and he wants to reconcile with his grandson and see his granddaughters settled before he does (succeed).
The party gets snowed in, and a locum doctor appears at the door. He'd been visiting a patient nearby and was unable to get back to the village in the snow. Trapped in a remote country house with secrets swirling and no access to the outside world it's a surprise to no-one when Lord Cavendish is found dead in his room. While there is no evidence of foul play, Kit is concerned because of the threatening cards, and the girls ask him to investigate until the police can take over.
Overall I enjoyed this. However, it wasn't without its faults, others have commented that the author has almost consistently mis-titled all the characters, some even said he clearly hasn't even watched Downton Abbey to know that Emily should be called Mrs Cavendish, Kit's father is alive so he can't be Lord Kit etc, etc. Also, Lord Cavendish's death literally comes 50% into the book which is way too late in the book. Generally there were way too many coincidences, which would only have worked if the characters had been deliberately invited because they were all connected by The Thing. And another thing, in 1919 I can't believe anyone would give an Englishman, particularly one who lost a leg during the war, a book written by a German, even if he was a famous chess player. There was a very strong anti-German feeling in England at that time.
However, I have a weakness for Golden Age mysteries and aristocratic sleuths so I will definitely continue reading the series.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 29, 2024
Quest'anno avendo deciso di leggere più libri natalizi possibili ho fatto una ricerca su Amazon per cercare alcuni romanzi interessanti e questo romanzo mi è saltato all'occhio.
Appena ho letto la trama ne sono rimasta affascinata. Io adoro i libri di Agatha Christie e non potevo farmi scappare l'occasione di leggere un autore che me la potesse ricordare.
Appena l'ho iniziato mi sono proprio sentita come in uno dei suoi libri ma allo stesso tempo con il suo stile.
La storia come notiamo da subito è molto incentrata sulla guerra e sui soldati, sia quelli che sono sopravvissuti che quelli che non ce l'hanno fatta.
La storia infatti inizia subito con un prologo che ci mostra una scena successa anni prima durante la guerra, senza però rivelarci chi siano i protagonisti della scena, questo lo scopriamo poco a poco durante la storia e ci serve per far chiarezza su molte cose.
E poi nella storia la maggior parte dei personaggi sono ex soldati. Questo mi è piaciuto anche perché ha portato a storie interessanti su di loro. Fin da subito mi sono affezionata a Lord Cavendish ma allo stesso tempo l'ho odiato per come ha trattato sua nuora, certo lei non è una donna facile ma ognuno nel dolore ha il suo comportamento quindi capisco che lei si sia chiusa e sia diventata un po' più acida.
Ma di chi mi sono innamorata fin da subito è Lord Kit Aston, capisco perché entrambe le sorelle Cavendish ne rimangono affascinate fin da subito, come non farlo. Anche perché andando avanti con la storia mostra di essere un uomo dai mille talenti anche se hai suoi fantasmi a perseguitarlo.
La storia devo dire che è un po' lenta, l'autore si sofferma a descrivere molto i personaggi e le loro interazioni, ma anche se è lenta l'autore ha uno stile coinvolgente che non mi ha fatto pesare le molte descrizioni. Anche perché io non sono una fan delle storie con troppe descrizioni, preferisco l'azione. Ma qui è anche servita per creare la giusta suspense e per farmi sospettare di tutti, anche delle persone più improbabili.
Le indagini iniziano a metà libro, ma dato che si sa, dalla trama, chi sarà la vittima quindi ad ogni capitolo ero pronta, questo ha fatto sì che stessi più attenta ai dettagli.
Ma comunque fino alla fine non sono davvero riuscita a capire chi fosse stato e perché, anche perché bisogna ammettere che a differenza di Kit Aston, che con aiuto da Londra, che ha delle informazioni noi lettori abbiamo sospetti e possibili collegamenti ma niente di concreto. Quindi la rivelazione del colpevole è stata abbastanza scioccante e inaspettata.
E oltre a quello la storia alla fine ha una svolta interessante per quanto riguarda Lord Aston e il suo passato.
Spero di poter presto recuperare anche i seguiti, anche se ho visto, se non mi sbaglio, che in italiano ne sono stati tradotti solo 2 di volumi. Ma ho visto che in spagnolo ne sono stati tradotti un po' di più.
Appena ho letto la trama ne sono rimasta affascinata. Io adoro i libri di Agatha Christie e non potevo farmi scappare l'occasione di leggere un autore che me la potesse ricordare.
Appena l'ho iniziato mi sono proprio sentita come in uno dei suoi libri ma allo stesso tempo con il suo stile.
La storia come notiamo da subito è molto incentrata sulla guerra e sui soldati, sia quelli che sono sopravvissuti che quelli che non ce l'hanno fatta.
La storia infatti inizia subito con un prologo che ci mostra una scena successa anni prima durante la guerra, senza però rivelarci chi siano i protagonisti della scena, questo lo scopriamo poco a poco durante la storia e ci serve per far chiarezza su molte cose.
E poi nella storia la maggior parte dei personaggi sono ex soldati. Questo mi è piaciuto anche perché ha portato a storie interessanti su di loro. Fin da subito mi sono affezionata a Lord Cavendish ma allo stesso tempo l'ho odiato per come ha trattato sua nuora, certo lei non è una donna facile ma ognuno nel dolore ha il suo comportamento quindi capisco che lei si sia chiusa e sia diventata un po' più acida.
Ma di chi mi sono innamorata fin da subito è Lord Kit Aston, capisco perché entrambe le sorelle Cavendish ne rimangono affascinate fin da subito, come non farlo. Anche perché andando avanti con la storia mostra di essere un uomo dai mille talenti anche se hai suoi fantasmi a perseguitarlo.
La storia devo dire che è un po' lenta, l'autore si sofferma a descrivere molto i personaggi e le loro interazioni, ma anche se è lenta l'autore ha uno stile coinvolgente che non mi ha fatto pesare le molte descrizioni. Anche perché io non sono una fan delle storie con troppe descrizioni, preferisco l'azione. Ma qui è anche servita per creare la giusta suspense e per farmi sospettare di tutti, anche delle persone più improbabili.
Le indagini iniziano a metà libro, ma dato che si sa, dalla trama, chi sarà la vittima quindi ad ogni capitolo ero pronta, questo ha fatto sì che stessi più attenta ai dettagli.
Ma comunque fino alla fine non sono davvero riuscita a capire chi fosse stato e perché, anche perché bisogna ammettere che a differenza di Kit Aston, che con aiuto da Londra, che ha delle informazioni noi lettori abbiamo sospetti e possibili collegamenti ma niente di concreto. Quindi la rivelazione del colpevole è stata abbastanza scioccante e inaspettata.
E oltre a quello la storia alla fine ha una svolta interessante per quanto riguarda Lord Aston e il suo passato.
Spero di poter presto recuperare anche i seguiti, anche se ho visto, se non mi sbaglio, che in italiano ne sono stati tradotti solo 2 di volumi. Ma ho visto che in spagnolo ne sono stati tradotti un po' di più.
December 30, 2025
Set in snowy 1919, we follow amateur sleuth Kit Aston — a WWI hero as he’s drawn into a classic “locked-down” whodunnit when there’s a mysterious death during the festive get together held by Lord Cavendish.
The death happens halfway through the book and under normal circumstances I would say this wouldn’t work. However, I thought the writer built the tension wonderfully and I was constantly guessing who was going to be killed and by whom!
I loved the old world charm & atmosphere — the setting feels straight out of a Golden Age mystery, all fireside chats and simmering tensions.
I thought the characters were well written with engaging back stories and the romance element added another dimension which I really enjoyed.
I think the ending was slightly far fetched and you do need to suspend reality slightly but then I think that’s what reading is all about!
Overall, a delightful blend of cosy mystery and historical vibes — perfect for winter reads or Agatha Christie-fans looking for something with heart.
The death happens halfway through the book and under normal circumstances I would say this wouldn’t work. However, I thought the writer built the tension wonderfully and I was constantly guessing who was going to be killed and by whom!
I loved the old world charm & atmosphere — the setting feels straight out of a Golden Age mystery, all fireside chats and simmering tensions.
I thought the characters were well written with engaging back stories and the romance element added another dimension which I really enjoyed.
I think the ending was slightly far fetched and you do need to suspend reality slightly but then I think that’s what reading is all about!
Overall, a delightful blend of cosy mystery and historical vibes — perfect for winter reads or Agatha Christie-fans looking for something with heart.
December 12, 2021
Impossible to put down.
I was a bit hesitant in choosing to buy and download this book as I thought it would be all a 'spiffing' and 'what ho chaps' type of book (never judge a book in its cover) but I'm glad that I did as, for me, it turned out to be a riveting read.
The story moves between 1917 and 1919 featuring believable characters that are brought to life by excellent writing and a well constructed plot. Some of the writing I felt was really moving (not mushy, I hate mush!) and lifted what could have been an easy read up to something with real feeling.
Kit Aston is a great character and I shall be reading the rest of the series.
The author said that his brother had proofread the book, hmm really. There are a few errors but I did not let this detract me in my rating.
Highly recommended.
I was a bit hesitant in choosing to buy and download this book as I thought it would be all a 'spiffing' and 'what ho chaps' type of book (never judge a book in its cover) but I'm glad that I did as, for me, it turned out to be a riveting read.
The story moves between 1917 and 1919 featuring believable characters that are brought to life by excellent writing and a well constructed plot. Some of the writing I felt was really moving (not mushy, I hate mush!) and lifted what could have been an easy read up to something with real feeling.
Kit Aston is a great character and I shall be reading the rest of the series.
The author said that his brother had proofread the book, hmm really. There are a few errors but I did not let this detract me in my rating.
Highly recommended.
December 14, 2021
Interesting introduction to Lord Kit Aston murder mystery series. WW1 veteran, sleuth and possible spy, Kit is a complicated and interesting character. I liked him even if he did come across as a bit stuffy at times. The pace is a somewhat slow as the promised death took half the book to occur but once it did it was off to the races. I had a feeling I knew the identity of the murderer but there were several twists that I did not see coming which made for a very fun read. Additionally, well rounded supporting characters added color and interest. Overall, the whole experience reminded me of classic Agatha Christie mysteries, right down to the reveal in the drawing room. Despite never really delivering on the promised humor I will definitely be continuing on with the series.
January 23, 2023
Recommended Christmas read.
I was not familiar with this author so I didn't know what to expect. During Christmas I like to read novels set at this time of year, preferably a murder story. This author drew upon just about every trope available: an isolated country house, a Christmas house party, a snowstorm that prevented anyone getting in and out, set in 1919, a servant who saved the life of his master during the war, a hero with one leg, beautiful but feisty young women, a family feud, family secrets, downstairs staff - butler, cook, maid, chauffeur etc. However, the plotting was well structured with several twists and turns. It wasn't actually fast paced but some relationships developed and changed too quickly. Generally, an enjoyable read
I was not familiar with this author so I didn't know what to expect. During Christmas I like to read novels set at this time of year, preferably a murder story. This author drew upon just about every trope available: an isolated country house, a Christmas house party, a snowstorm that prevented anyone getting in and out, set in 1919, a servant who saved the life of his master during the war, a hero with one leg, beautiful but feisty young women, a family feud, family secrets, downstairs staff - butler, cook, maid, chauffeur etc. However, the plotting was well structured with several twists and turns. It wasn't actually fast paced but some relationships developed and changed too quickly. Generally, an enjoyable read
September 19, 2023
At first I wasn't that crazy about this book but I warmed up to it. I liked the characters, especially Lord Kit and Lady Mary, and, of course, the dog. I even kind of liked the one who ended up being the killer.
I would like to read more in the series.
It takes place in a country house, with strangers invited. Lord Cavendish may have had some acquaintance with some of these during the recent war. (This is in 1919.) Everyone seems to go to bed and in the morning Cavendish is dead. So Kit and his manservant take it on themselves to do some investigation as they are snowed in.
It turned out to be interesting.
I would like to read more in the series.
It takes place in a country house, with strangers invited. Lord Cavendish may have had some acquaintance with some of these during the recent war. (This is in 1919.) Everyone seems to go to bed and in the morning Cavendish is dead. So Kit and his manservant take it on themselves to do some investigation as they are snowed in.
It turned out to be interesting.
January 3, 2025
Entertaining mystery relationship listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of seven
I have listened 🎶 to a number of Jack Murray novels and enjoyed each.
Kit Aston is invited to a Christmas Party by the Lord of the manor. The Lord is hopeful his two granddaughters will find a husband. The Lord is found dead, natural causes of murder? The truth comes out leading to an arrest. Kit and Mary become a couple 💑.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2025 👒😀💘
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of seven
I have listened 🎶 to a number of Jack Murray novels and enjoyed each.
Kit Aston is invited to a Christmas Party by the Lord of the manor. The Lord is hopeful his two granddaughters will find a husband. The Lord is found dead, natural causes of murder? The truth comes out leading to an arrest. Kit and Mary become a couple 💑.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2025 👒😀💘
September 10, 2019
Fabulous. Definitely Recommend
I found this first book in the series while searching for something new to read in this genre. I am a huge fan of British historical mysteries and especially stories set in this time period (post WW I). What a great find. Mr. Murray wrote a story with interesting characters and some clever plot twists. Overall, the style, at times reminded me of A. Christie (not something I say lightly). I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy the same. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and more from this author.
I found this first book in the series while searching for something new to read in this genre. I am a huge fan of British historical mysteries and especially stories set in this time period (post WW I). What a great find. Mr. Murray wrote a story with interesting characters and some clever plot twists. Overall, the style, at times reminded me of A. Christie (not something I say lightly). I would definitely recommend to others who enjoy the same. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and more from this author.
November 11, 2019
2 1/2 stars. In the vane of other aristocratic detectives after WWI, Kit Aston has charm, good looks and bad memories of the war but that won't stop him when his host dies mysteriously during the Christmas holidays. The characters are good and it is an entertaining period piece (the death doesn't occur until half way through the book). Right before the big reveal, the author was a little heavy handed about pointing to the culprit and relied on some information that the reader was not privy to. But overall, enjoyable. And the dog was adorable.
November 29, 2019
Not bad.....
Came across this looking for a Christmas read as I do love a classic crime, especially at Christmas.
As a first novel it has huge potential to be a successful series, however and there is always a however ....I did feel a little disappointed towards the end as it seemed the author wanted to wrap things up quickly, which was a shame. To work and extend on these rather rushed episodes would, I believe, be beneficial to the story and the characters and would have got 5 stars and not 4 from me
Came across this looking for a Christmas read as I do love a classic crime, especially at Christmas.
As a first novel it has huge potential to be a successful series, however and there is always a however ....I did feel a little disappointed towards the end as it seemed the author wanted to wrap things up quickly, which was a shame. To work and extend on these rather rushed episodes would, I believe, be beneficial to the story and the characters and would have got 5 stars and not 4 from me
January 26, 2020
2.5 stars
There were most definitely editing issues, words missing and punctuation in the wrong place. While the author ends with excusing this by mentioning that the Constitution had, I believe, 65 errors, I would say that this is comparing apples and oranges. The founding fathers didn’t have a team of editors and a word processing program at their disposal. There were also a good many anachronisms, including attitudes and figures of speech that were too modern. Most importantly, I knew the killer from his first appearance. That was quite disappointing.
There were most definitely editing issues, words missing and punctuation in the wrong place. While the author ends with excusing this by mentioning that the Constitution had, I believe, 65 errors, I would say that this is comparing apples and oranges. The founding fathers didn’t have a team of editors and a word processing program at their disposal. There were also a good many anachronisms, including attitudes and figures of speech that were too modern. Most importantly, I knew the killer from his first appearance. That was quite disappointing.
January 3, 2022
It takes a very long time until this book gets to the killing and the background story to explain motives. Until then it's a 2019 rich people meeting for Christmas and the head of the family is setting up an event to pawn off his granddaughters to a suitable husband. the women are incredibly beautiful, the men heroic...
A lot less of that and it would be a good period mystery. The actual mystery is well constructed in multiple layers and the pain inflicted by WWI is woven into the fabric of the story well.
A lot less of that and it would be a good period mystery. The actual mystery is well constructed in multiple layers and the pain inflicted by WWI is woven into the fabric of the story well.
January 24, 2023
A cleverly crafted tale with insights into the horrors of WW1.
Loved the characters, so well defined. The inclusion with the recent conflict set the stage for possible suspects. Interspersed with the promise of romantic connections made it a full rounded plot. We even had a ghost story included at the Christmas season.
I had a suspicion who the murderer was but couldn’t make the connection. Sorry just look for the least obvious person!
My only annoyance was Kit who seemed unnecessarily jealous when he had two ladies to consider his attentions to.
Loved the characters, so well defined. The inclusion with the recent conflict set the stage for possible suspects. Interspersed with the promise of romantic connections made it a full rounded plot. We even had a ghost story included at the Christmas season.
I had a suspicion who the murderer was but couldn’t make the connection. Sorry just look for the least obvious person!
My only annoyance was Kit who seemed unnecessarily jealous when he had two ladies to consider his attentions to.
November 3, 2023
Dorothy L Sayers meets Agatha Christie
I really enjoyed this book. It had everything you want in a period mystery, the aristocratic injured war hero, the beautiful ladies, faithful servants, the country house murder. And Christmas and a dog thrown into the mix!
I think this would make a great Christmas tv drama and was envisioning what actors would play which characters.
I was kept guessing the culprit until the final pages, which true to form included a denouement in the library with the assembled cast.
A great read.
I really enjoyed this book. It had everything you want in a period mystery, the aristocratic injured war hero, the beautiful ladies, faithful servants, the country house murder. And Christmas and a dog thrown into the mix!
I think this would make a great Christmas tv drama and was envisioning what actors would play which characters.
I was kept guessing the culprit until the final pages, which true to form included a denouement in the library with the assembled cast.
A great read.
August 11, 2019
This is the first Jack Murray novel which I have read, it certainly will not be the last. An enthralling story from the start, thanks to a gripping intro. The story and plot builds at a terrific rate but is contained within sub stories, I was so engaged that I did not realise just how quickly I was getting through the pages.
Not your average country house whodunnit, this is on a much higher level. I recommend it to one and all.
Not your average country house whodunnit, this is on a much higher level. I recommend it to one and all.
September 6, 2021
Excellent!
Very well written, good plot, interesting characters, and historically accurate setting provide an exciting murder mystery set in 1919, the Christmas following the end of the Great War! Editor or proofreader needs a refresher course on the correct use of commas------- the lack of them is annoying. This seems to be the start of a new series, and this first entry is an wonderful start!
Very well written, good plot, interesting characters, and historically accurate setting provide an exciting murder mystery set in 1919, the Christmas following the end of the Great War! Editor or proofreader needs a refresher course on the correct use of commas------- the lack of them is annoying. This seems to be the start of a new series, and this first entry is an wonderful start!
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