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Murder by Christmas: A Libby Sarjeant Murder Mystery
The twisting twenty-fifth instalment of Lesley Cookman's much-loved Libby Sarjeant series
Libby Sarjeant is deep into rehearsals for the annual pantomime when a body is found in a doorway two weeks before Christmas - and Libby and her friend Fran are called into action once again, when their investigation leads them to a local brewery and the sale of many of its pubs.
With the help of a team of local publicans, can Libby and Fran unravel the case before it's too late?
Praise for Lesley
'With fascinating characters and an intriguing plot, this is a real page turner' KATIE FFORDE
'Lesley Cookman is the Queen of Cosy Crime' PAUL MAGRS
'I've read all of the books in this series and love them all' 5* Reader Review
'Just can't get enough of reading about Libby and her friends' 5* Reader Review
'Libby's gang are like old friends and I was hooked from the start' 5* Reader Review
'Love this series, roll on the next one!' 5* Reader Review
'I adore the characters and the village. I wish I could live on All Hallows Lane and be a part of this gang. Hoping for a new novel soon. Highly recommend' 5* Reader Review
'The characters are so likeable. I would love to visit the mythical Steeple Martin!' 5* Reader Review
Libby Sarjeant is deep into rehearsals for the annual pantomime when a body is found in a doorway two weeks before Christmas - and Libby and her friend Fran are called into action once again, when their investigation leads them to a local brewery and the sale of many of its pubs.
With the help of a team of local publicans, can Libby and Fran unravel the case before it's too late?
Praise for Lesley
'With fascinating characters and an intriguing plot, this is a real page turner' KATIE FFORDE
'Lesley Cookman is the Queen of Cosy Crime' PAUL MAGRS
'I've read all of the books in this series and love them all' 5* Reader Review
'Just can't get enough of reading about Libby and her friends' 5* Reader Review
'Libby's gang are like old friends and I was hooked from the start' 5* Reader Review
'Love this series, roll on the next one!' 5* Reader Review
'I adore the characters and the village. I wish I could live on All Hallows Lane and be a part of this gang. Hoping for a new novel soon. Highly recommend' 5* Reader Review
'The characters are so likeable. I would love to visit the mythical Steeple Martin!' 5* Reader Review
- GenresMystery
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
51 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 12, 2023
I love a good mystery, and I especially love one set at Christmas time. The lights and trees always make such a great backdrop for committing crime. Murder by Christmas, the twenty-fifth book in Lesley Cookman's Libby Sarjeant Murder Mystery series, is a good mystery with a holiday background. What's not to love?
As someone new to this series, I immediately fell in love with Libby and Fran, the two women who must juggle Christmas festivities with the little thing of solving a murder. Having the crimefighters have to flit off and become pantomime fairies really made the pacing interesting in this novel, but it also added some touches of humor. I liked their relationship, and I liked the way they teased and snarked at each other, and with their friend Ian the policeman, the way good friends can, and do, even in the midst of serious work. I also liked the story involving local pub owners. Pubs are one of those quintessentially British institutions that really enhance the scene in a novel like this, and I was ready to pull up a chair and have a pint.
There are a ton of background characters, cameo characters, townspeople, and pub-goers in this novel, all grounding it with a real sense of place. It felt like some of this cast were familiar to the main characters, and likely recur throughout the series, but even without knowing their extended stories, I had no trouble following who was who.
If your idea of a perfect Christmas read involves horses doing tricks, performing in an annual production, and solving a murder, this book is perfect for your next fireside read. It has snappy dialogue, great pacing, and a plot that kept me guessing until the end.
I listened to the audio book as well as reading the text, and thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Patience Tomlinson. She really made this already-multidimensional story come alive.
Goes well with: mince pie and a piping hot cup of coffee laced with whisky.
As someone new to this series, I immediately fell in love with Libby and Fran, the two women who must juggle Christmas festivities with the little thing of solving a murder. Having the crimefighters have to flit off and become pantomime fairies really made the pacing interesting in this novel, but it also added some touches of humor. I liked their relationship, and I liked the way they teased and snarked at each other, and with their friend Ian the policeman, the way good friends can, and do, even in the midst of serious work. I also liked the story involving local pub owners. Pubs are one of those quintessentially British institutions that really enhance the scene in a novel like this, and I was ready to pull up a chair and have a pint.
There are a ton of background characters, cameo characters, townspeople, and pub-goers in this novel, all grounding it with a real sense of place. It felt like some of this cast were familiar to the main characters, and likely recur throughout the series, but even without knowing their extended stories, I had no trouble following who was who.
If your idea of a perfect Christmas read involves horses doing tricks, performing in an annual production, and solving a murder, this book is perfect for your next fireside read. It has snappy dialogue, great pacing, and a plot that kept me guessing until the end.
I listened to the audio book as well as reading the text, and thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Patience Tomlinson. She really made this already-multidimensional story come alive.
Goes well with: mince pie and a piping hot cup of coffee laced with whisky.
January 2, 2024
Readers who like their festive reads spiced with mystery, mayhem and merriment will love the latest whodunnit in Lesley Cookman’s Libby Sarjeant series, Murder by Christmas.
Christmas is just around the corner and Libby has got her hands full with rehearsals for the annual pantomime. With so much to do before the curtain goes up, Libby cannot afford any distractions, however, it looks like she will have far more to occupy her mind than irritable dames and wobbly scenery when a body is found in a doorway two weeks before Christmas.
Libby and her friend Fran both have a penchant for solving crimes, so when they are called in to lend their expertise and investigate, they find themselves turning detective again. When their investigation takes them to a local brewery and the sale of many of its local pubs, they soon realise that this case is far more complex than they initially thought. Luckily, help is at hand thanks to a trusty team of local publicans assisting them along.
Can Libby and Fran solve this case in time before more bodies are found? Or will a killer end up getting away with murder?
Fans of traditional British mysteries will not be able to put Murder by Christmas down. Lesley Cookman excels at writing fast-paced page-turners teeming with humour, tension, intrigue and suspense and in Murder by Christmas she has written a festive thriller that will surprise, shock, entertain and keep readers up way past their bedtime.
With Libby and Fran on fabulous form, Murder by Christmas is another Lesley Cookman crime novel that cannot fail to delight.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Christmas is just around the corner and Libby has got her hands full with rehearsals for the annual pantomime. With so much to do before the curtain goes up, Libby cannot afford any distractions, however, it looks like she will have far more to occupy her mind than irritable dames and wobbly scenery when a body is found in a doorway two weeks before Christmas.
Libby and her friend Fran both have a penchant for solving crimes, so when they are called in to lend their expertise and investigate, they find themselves turning detective again. When their investigation takes them to a local brewery and the sale of many of its local pubs, they soon realise that this case is far more complex than they initially thought. Luckily, help is at hand thanks to a trusty team of local publicans assisting them along.
Can Libby and Fran solve this case in time before more bodies are found? Or will a killer end up getting away with murder?
Fans of traditional British mysteries will not be able to put Murder by Christmas down. Lesley Cookman excels at writing fast-paced page-turners teeming with humour, tension, intrigue and suspense and in Murder by Christmas she has written a festive thriller that will surprise, shock, entertain and keep readers up way past their bedtime.
With Libby and Fran on fabulous form, Murder by Christmas is another Lesley Cookman crime novel that cannot fail to delight.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2023
I didn't realise this was part of a series when I picked it up (I really should look into that when I say yes to these fab-sounding books) but this is very much a series that can be read as stand-alone so I had none of the issues of not knowing what happened in the last book but I do get the joy of having another 24 of Libby's escapades to read about.
Wow is this a fast-paced book! A lot happened very quickly, I'm used to crime/thriller novels that are really paced out you get scraps of information drip-fed to you over a longer period but this was like you hit the ground running and never stopped. I was so glad we had a list of characters and how they were linked in the front of the book, it was helpful because we met everyone in quick succession and occasionally I lost who people were, to begin with, but I quickly was able to keep up to speed.
I found it such an easy book to read, because of its pace I got drawn in very quickly and found myself caught up in what Libby and Fran were up to, and boy do they work fast! They had leads and information for the police within minutes of taking the case on!
It's been a really enjoyable well-written book to have been able to get stuck into, I definitely will go back for more!
Wow is this a fast-paced book! A lot happened very quickly, I'm used to crime/thriller novels that are really paced out you get scraps of information drip-fed to you over a longer period but this was like you hit the ground running and never stopped. I was so glad we had a list of characters and how they were linked in the front of the book, it was helpful because we met everyone in quick succession and occasionally I lost who people were, to begin with, but I quickly was able to keep up to speed.
I found it such an easy book to read, because of its pace I got drawn in very quickly and found myself caught up in what Libby and Fran were up to, and boy do they work fast! They had leads and information for the police within minutes of taking the case on!
It's been a really enjoyable well-written book to have been able to get stuck into, I definitely will go back for more!
January 18, 2024
Book 25 in the Libby Sarjeant mystery series sees Libby preparing and playing in pantomime at the theatre in Steeple Martin. A very busy time of year, she could do without Ian (DCI Connell) asking for her and Fran's help.
The body of the CEO of a large local brewing company has been found in Canterbury. Usually, Ian would run the investigation, but he's been pulled off to run an investigation into his own team, under a whole local force initiative.
Ian asks for Libby and Fran's help as they often get information the police can't. Lots of places, linked prior cases were discussed in this book.
Whilst each book is a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have the othets in the series. The characters are well described, and if you've read the series from the beginning, it's like meeting up with old friends. There are lots of laughs in the book, too! I highly recommend this series, especially if you like murder mystery books.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this very readable murder mystery series.
The body of the CEO of a large local brewing company has been found in Canterbury. Usually, Ian would run the investigation, but he's been pulled off to run an investigation into his own team, under a whole local force initiative.
Ian asks for Libby and Fran's help as they often get information the police can't. Lots of places, linked prior cases were discussed in this book.
Whilst each book is a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have the othets in the series. The characters are well described, and if you've read the series from the beginning, it's like meeting up with old friends. There are lots of laughs in the book, too! I highly recommend this series, especially if you like murder mystery books.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this very readable murder mystery series.
August 10, 2025
I’ve loved all the Libby Sarjeant books up to this and the last one, they have always been great reads as part of a series and as stand alone mysteries- whatever you choose to class them as.
Unfortunately the increased social/ political comment that have entered the books has really started to put me off. Ms Cookman's clear dislike of the term ‘Cosy Crime’ that comes out through the character of Libby in this book is sad, I for one steer towards books described as this. I read these for light relief and to escape the everyday misery of the world, not to have my ‘social conscience’ pricked.
The cast of characters is becoming so huge now I regularly have to keep looking back to remind myself who people are and this severely restricts reading the books as stand alone mysteries.
I will give the next in the series a go just to see if it can go back to what they were, but if it’s not much better I’m afraid I will have to turn in my Libby’s Loonies membership.
Unfortunately the increased social/ political comment that have entered the books has really started to put me off. Ms Cookman's clear dislike of the term ‘Cosy Crime’ that comes out through the character of Libby in this book is sad, I for one steer towards books described as this. I read these for light relief and to escape the everyday misery of the world, not to have my ‘social conscience’ pricked.
The cast of characters is becoming so huge now I regularly have to keep looking back to remind myself who people are and this severely restricts reading the books as stand alone mysteries.
I will give the next in the series a go just to see if it can go back to what they were, but if it’s not much better I’m afraid I will have to turn in my Libby’s Loonies membership.
December 10, 2023
This is book 25 in the series and only the second book I had read so far but I already feel that I know the many established characters already. At the start we are greeted with a list of characters, which are many, so it helped me keep track of who is who.
We are back in steeple Martin and Libby is in the midst of getting the pantomime rehearsals underway when a body is found, not but her I might add, but she and Fran decide to get involved in finding out just why the member of a prominent Brewery family winds up dead weeks before Christmas. Interviewing publicans they begin to pace the puzzle together, which leads them down a many winding road until all is revealed.
This series gives me ‘Midsomer Murders’ meet ‘Murder She Wrote’ vibes and I loved the setting of Steeple Martin and I’m totally jealous Libby lives on Alls Hallows Lane. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
We are back in steeple Martin and Libby is in the midst of getting the pantomime rehearsals underway when a body is found, not but her I might add, but she and Fran decide to get involved in finding out just why the member of a prominent Brewery family winds up dead weeks before Christmas. Interviewing publicans they begin to pace the puzzle together, which leads them down a many winding road until all is revealed.
This series gives me ‘Midsomer Murders’ meet ‘Murder She Wrote’ vibes and I loved the setting of Steeple Martin and I’m totally jealous Libby lives on Alls Hallows Lane. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
December 13, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for sending me this FREE EBook as part of the Book Tour last week. Life got busy over the weekend so i wasnt able to get it up til now, My Apologies to Rachel and Lesley.
This was my first time reading a Mystery by Lesley so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one reminded me of a sweet Christmas Cozy.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I couldnt pick just one as my favorite since i seemed to like all of them.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Cantabury England while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 25 in this Mystery!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Lesley in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for sending me this FREE EBook as part of the Book Tour last week. Life got busy over the weekend so i wasnt able to get it up til now, My Apologies to Rachel and Lesley.
This was my first time reading a Mystery by Lesley so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one reminded me of a sweet Christmas Cozy.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I couldnt pick just one as my favorite since i seemed to like all of them.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Cantabury England while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 25 in this Mystery!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Lesley in the future!!
January 17, 2024
The latest in the Libby Sarjeant series and it does not disappoint. The only tricky thing is that, after so many stories, the characters are many and the back stories are complex. Fortunately Lesley Cookman provides a character list and summary of their story - this is helpful but tricky on a Kindle to go backwards and forwards - but that's a minor grumble and my choice for using a Kindle! It's Christmas, it's panto time, and Libby is on the case again, but with a less willing Fran this time (wonder what's going on there!), and also with a certain reluctance herself. Hardly surprising as she is surrounded by mayhem and murder and could probably do with a nice relaxing holiday...but murder would, no doubt, follow!
December 7, 2023
A Sigh of Contentment
There is nothing better than opening one's Kindle and seeing that there's a trip to Steeple Martin waiting to be taken. I love being back with the familiar characters, like visiting old friends.
I particularly liked the way Libby was drawn into the investigation this time. It wasn't just her being nosy. She was seconded into it.
I just wish that there was a panto near me....
There is nothing better than opening one's Kindle and seeing that there's a trip to Steeple Martin waiting to be taken. I love being back with the familiar characters, like visiting old friends.
I particularly liked the way Libby was drawn into the investigation this time. It wasn't just her being nosy. She was seconded into it.
I just wish that there was a panto near me....
January 6, 2024
A tough case for Libby
Murder by Christmas is the latest Libby Sarjeant murder mystery. She has to work hard to unravel this mysterious death but undeterred and with her fellow sleuth Fran at her side, she leaves no stone unturned, or pub unvisited, in her effort to find out who murdered Dickie Marsham. Another involving and far from cosy whodunnut from the talented Lesley Cookman.
Murder by Christmas is the latest Libby Sarjeant murder mystery. She has to work hard to unravel this mysterious death but undeterred and with her fellow sleuth Fran at her side, she leaves no stone unturned, or pub unvisited, in her effort to find out who murdered Dickie Marsham. Another involving and far from cosy whodunnut from the talented Lesley Cookman.
July 4, 2024
I have read all this series so far. I have become familiar with the characters and their personality traits. They seem like real people and are often annoying and yet we love them.
Libby's friend Fran seems to get annoyed by her so much! Maybe Libby is annoying but having taken part in the solving of 23 murders (at least), you think they would respect her skills.
I have started re-reading the first book as I wanted to be reminded how it all started.
Would I want to live in Steeple Martin? Probably not. I am not gregarious enough. But I do love visiting it every now and again.
Libby's friend Fran seems to get annoyed by her so much! Maybe Libby is annoying but having taken part in the solving of 23 murders (at least), you think they would respect her skills.
I have started re-reading the first book as I wanted to be reminded how it all started.
Would I want to live in Steeple Martin? Probably not. I am not gregarious enough. But I do love visiting it every now and again.
December 12, 2023
another great book in the series
I have read every book in this wonderful series by Leslie Cookman and it just keeps on being intensely readable. The characters are so lifelike and mostly likeable. The plot meanders a bit but that is the fun of it. Protagonist Libby never knows quite what’s going on until the end and neither does this reader
Chris Wallace
I have read every book in this wonderful series by Leslie Cookman and it just keeps on being intensely readable. The characters are so lifelike and mostly likeable. The plot meanders a bit but that is the fun of it. Protagonist Libby never knows quite what’s going on until the end and neither does this reader
Chris Wallace
December 16, 2023
Hangs head in shame...this is the 25th book in the Libby Sarjeant series, and the first I've read!
It's a great cozy type mystery set at Christmas that can easily be read as a standalone. I've added all the previous books to my wishlist as I'd like to know more about the central character Libby, I feel I've missed out on her characters development. I loved the dynamic between her and Fran, and found their relationship akin to several of my own friendships.
Snowy Canterbury set the scene perfectly and I could easily visualise the scenes playing out in front of me.
Highly enjoyable, entertaining and definitely one to while away a cold afternoon.
It's a great cozy type mystery set at Christmas that can easily be read as a standalone. I've added all the previous books to my wishlist as I'd like to know more about the central character Libby, I feel I've missed out on her characters development. I loved the dynamic between her and Fran, and found their relationship akin to several of my own friendships.
Snowy Canterbury set the scene perfectly and I could easily visualise the scenes playing out in front of me.
Highly enjoyable, entertaining and definitely one to while away a cold afternoon.
December 18, 2023
Another triumph for Libby
Another intriguing plot but I have to confess as the cast gets bigger I keep forgetting who everyone is. It’s great that reference is made to previous cases though, it makes it all more real. It’s good to see old friends as well new and when the book ends I’m always left feeling that I’m leaving old friends behind. Can’t wait for the next one.
Another intriguing plot but I have to confess as the cast gets bigger I keep forgetting who everyone is. It’s great that reference is made to previous cases though, it makes it all more real. It’s good to see old friends as well new and when the book ends I’m always left feeling that I’m leaving old friends behind. Can’t wait for the next one.
December 31, 2025
Easily the most drab book I've read this year out of 66. Libby and Fran make Rosemary and Thyme look like Luther and Dirty Harry. Way too many characters and random hangers on, and the book could have been about 80 pages shorter without the constant discussions of "where shall we go for lunch today?" or "which pub shall we pop into?". Not for me.
January 2, 2024
Another book from Lesley Cookman which highlights both homelessness and the problems of pubs being closed by breweries. This gives a moral edge to the story that some of her earlier books have lacked.
December 15, 2024
I'm afraid I didn't enjoy this, there were too many characters to keep track of, not to mention all the pubs and their managers! I also found the constant references to previous investigations irritating as I hadn't read them.
February 11, 2024
Oh dear. Just couldn't stick this one. I found it most boring and unlikely.
March 24, 2024
at it again Libby
Throughly enjoyed latest book, enough intrigue to keep you reading . Story line was interesting.Can’t wait for next instalment. Thanks
Throughly enjoyed latest book, enough intrigue to keep you reading . Story line was interesting.Can’t wait for next instalment. Thanks
June 27, 2025
A good little read. Easy going and a good story line.
November 2, 2025
Not my cup of tea at all. A nosey parker in rural England spends her life gossiping to find out info to solve a murder.
December 21, 2025
This was a mystery that never captured my attention. But I was totally interested in the characters lives. I was satisfied.
January 5, 2025
This is like a soap . So many characters and references from earlier stories.
Which you need to have read to remember who and what things reference. Better than the last to as no hobby horse's were mounted and ridden to death with the social commentary or topics .
None of the early sparkle .
Which you need to have read to remember who and what things reference. Better than the last to as no hobby horse's were mounted and ridden to death with the social commentary or topics .
None of the early sparkle .
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews