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Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #3
Murder at Midwinter Manor
Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Anita Davison's gripping cozy mystery series! Praise for Anita Davison
‘Wonderful!! I had high hopes for this novel and it did not disappoint. Once I began I could hardly put it down. I am excited to read Ms. Davison’s next installment.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I couldn’t put this book down, I just wanted to keep reading. The story kept me guessing all the time and the ending was unexpected. Can’t wait for the next book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a fabulous setting for a murder Aunt Violet's dusty bookshop is!… If I could have read it in one sitting, I would have done. A brilliant plot with some clever twists! I think I've found a new favourite series. I can’t wait for the next instalment. Highly recommended!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fabulous historical novel that entertained me from the start… Reminiscent of Miss Jane Marple… I loved the inclusion of Bartleby, the bookshop cat who was very much a character in his own right.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved this book. Hannah and Aunt Violet are wonderful characters and I liked them from the start. The surrounding characters are well imagined. The setting is interesting. I enjoyed the references to literature and the way books were a part of the story line… Very entertaining and I highly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful!! I had high hopes for this novel and it did not disappoint. Once I began I could hardly put it down. I am excited to read Ms. Davison’s next installment.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I couldn’t put this book down, I just wanted to keep reading. The story kept me guessing all the time and the ending was unexpected. Can’t wait for the next book.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a fabulous setting for a murder Aunt Violet's dusty bookshop is!… If I could have read it in one sitting, I would have done. A brilliant plot with some clever twists! I think I've found a new favourite series. I can’t wait for the next instalment. Highly recommended!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A fabulous historical novel that entertained me from the start… Reminiscent of Miss Jane Marple… I loved the inclusion of Bartleby, the bookshop cat who was very much a character in his own right.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved this book. Hannah and Aunt Violet are wonderful characters and I liked them from the start. The surrounding characters are well imagined. The setting is interesting. I enjoyed the references to literature and the way books were a part of the story line… Very entertaining and I highly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2024
206 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Anita Davison
24 books153 followersAuthor of the Flora Maguire Mysteries published by Aria Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 17, 2024
3.5⭐
I need this to be turned into a movie it would be so good, hope it gets picked up soon.
This book was such a fun cozy read and so bingable like I read the last 80% in three hours???I am not the one for cozy mysteries tbh but this changed my mind and I will definitely pick the other books in the series.Aunt violet was such a funny character so I would love to see more of her and the setting was just perfect like escaping into a cozy Christmas mystery instead of the August heat was just perfect,this was such a delightful read and I am so glad I gave cozy mystery a go!!!
Thank you for netgalley,the author and the publisher for the e-arc.
I need this to be turned into a movie it would be so good, hope it gets picked up soon.
This book was such a fun cozy read and so bingable like I read the last 80% in three hours???I am not the one for cozy mysteries tbh but this changed my mind and I will definitely pick the other books in the series.Aunt violet was such a funny character so I would love to see more of her and the setting was just perfect like escaping into a cozy Christmas mystery instead of the August heat was just perfect,this was such a delightful read and I am so glad I gave cozy mystery a go!!!
Thank you for netgalley,the author and the publisher for the e-arc.
October 22, 2024
Hannah, Violet and Bartleby are off to spend the holidays at the magnificent manor of Hannah’s sister and her husband. All the extended family is there as they try to enjoy the third Christmas of the war. But things are not all merry and bright. It seems there are nefarious deeds going on in the background that lead to murder and the theft of a valuable heirloom. The detective who is sent to investigate jumps to quick conclusions that neither Hannah, her aunt nor their two beaux think did the deeds. The only way to prevent a miscarriage of justice is to figure out what happened themselves.
I had figured out the who and the why fairly early but it was interesting to see how the characters peeled back the layers to uncover the truth. The story makes the reader feel like they are in a country manor in 1916 with a blizzard all around. Hannah and Violet are two thoroughly modern women stuck in a world where independence is not a valued trait in society. They have, however, chosen two men who both admire and respect their intelligence. It all makes for an enjoyable read. Four purrs and two paws up.
I had figured out the who and the why fairly early but it was interesting to see how the characters peeled back the layers to uncover the truth. The story makes the reader feel like they are in a country manor in 1916 with a blizzard all around. Hannah and Violet are two thoroughly modern women stuck in a world where independence is not a valued trait in society. They have, however, chosen two men who both admire and respect their intelligence. It all makes for an enjoyable read. Four purrs and two paws up.
December 3, 2025
Hannah and Violet escape London to stay with family at Midwinter Manor, where her sister lives, for Christmas. Hannah again runs into a murder and oh, yes, a family ruby is missing from her cousin’s family, as well. An arrogant and incompetent inspector jumps to the wrong conclusions, causing no end of grief. Another adventurous romp as Hannah and Darius plan to announce their engagement.
September 10, 2024
"Murder at Midwinter Manor (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery #3)" by Anita Davison is like Christmas at Downton Abbey mixed with Agatha Christie, though that's pretty much just a Christmas time Agatha Christie.
Miss Hannah Merrill is visiting family for the Christmas season when one of the guests is found dead in the study. Is it natural causes or something more? Especially with a valuable ruby also missing.
I had one particular suspect in mind. However, there was a second person I was thinking would have been a good suspect but was never really a suspect. My primary suspect ended up being the culprit. Though, there was a bit of a twist that I also had in the back of my mind regarding the ruby.
Miss Hannah Merrill is visiting family for the Christmas season when one of the guests is found dead in the study. Is it natural causes or something more? Especially with a valuable ruby also missing.
I had one particular suspect in mind. However, there was a second person I was thinking would have been a good suspect but was never really a suspect. My primary suspect ended up being the culprit. Though, there was a bit of a twist that I also had in the back of my mind regarding the ruby.
September 10, 2024
If you love historical novels, the Christmas atmosphere, and cozy mysteries, then Murder at Midwinter Manor is the right read for you. The third novel in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series, I can assure it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The story is told from the perspective of Hannah Merril, bookstore owner and occasional detective, who, together with her aunt Violet, arrives at Midwinter Manor, her sister’s house, to celebrate Christmas with her family. Invited is also her brother-in-law’s enlarged family and she is excited to see that even her beau Darius is there. Amid a bit of family drama and talk of war and its effects on soldiers who suffer from PTSD, things seem to go fairly well, until one of the guests turns up dead and a valuable family jewel goes missing. With the inept local detective loose in the house, Hannah and her aunt Violet have no choice, but to investigate on their own.
Murder at Midwinter Manor is my first novel by Anita Davison and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the cozy Christmas atmosphere, the snowbound setting, the mystery with quite a few surprises, and there are also some romance and a fun (although a bit dangerous) chase in the snow. The characters are intriguing and well-developed. Especially, I liked the character of Hannah who, like her aunt Violet, is considered unconventional for her independence and her ability to solve murders, but she is determined to live life on her own terms.
I will definitely keep reading the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series: it’s witty, entertaining, and immersive. Highly recommended!
Murder at Midwinter Manor is my first novel by Anita Davison and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the cozy Christmas atmosphere, the snowbound setting, the mystery with quite a few surprises, and there are also some romance and a fun (although a bit dangerous) chase in the snow. The characters are intriguing and well-developed. Especially, I liked the character of Hannah who, like her aunt Violet, is considered unconventional for her independence and her ability to solve murders, but she is determined to live life on her own terms.
I will definitely keep reading the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series: it’s witty, entertaining, and immersive. Highly recommended!
September 13, 2024
I like this cozy mystery series. The historical setting of WW I is presented well. It was a horrible war and some who witnessed devastation were overwhelmed, as is one of the characters in this novel. Shell shock was just beginning to be recognized and Davison gives a good account of one troubled by it. Others were so intimidated by the casualty reports they would do anything to keep from being conscripted.
The characters are what make this cozy mystery so entertaining. Aunt Violet is quite the woman, especially when she is speedily driving her car. I could just see Hannah hanging on for dear life. The relatives they visit are much more of the stately upper society style. It is interesting to see how Hannah's wealthy relatives relate to their servants and their friends. There is even an incompetent policeman trying to solve the murder.
This novel reads well on its own even though it is part of a series. There are a number of characters, however, and understanding who all of them are may require reading the previous books in the series. This is a good novel for readers who love historical cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The characters are what make this cozy mystery so entertaining. Aunt Violet is quite the woman, especially when she is speedily driving her car. I could just see Hannah hanging on for dear life. The relatives they visit are much more of the stately upper society style. It is interesting to see how Hannah's wealthy relatives relate to their servants and their friends. There is even an incompetent policeman trying to solve the murder.
This novel reads well on its own even though it is part of a series. There are a number of characters, however, and understanding who all of them are may require reading the previous books in the series. This is a good novel for readers who love historical cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 28, 2024
95% dialogue. No "events" happened other than the crimes so it was incredibly difficult to keep track of days. Every time the protagonist entered the room the author had to list off where every single one of the 90000000 other characters was in the room and what they were doing. The culprit(s) was so obvious, partly because over half of the characters are the protagonist's beloved friends and family so you knew they weren't murderers, but also because only one character had suspicion directed towards them, and for the theft of the ruby, if you really think about it, there are only two characters who could have stolen it so it's easy to deduce from there.
November 13, 2024
Had to stop reading before I was even halfway through, when for the third time she sent a character out of the room and then, a sentence or two later, had them magically reappear and make a completely pointless remark (always the same character, too).
The author seems to pay absolutely no attention to what she has already written. There were other instances of this in the first 36% of this book, and it happened in the first two books of this series, as well.
The author seems to pay absolutely no attention to what she has already written. There were other instances of this in the first 36% of this book, and it happened in the first two books of this series, as well.
October 15, 2024
It’s a 4star story but it needs a jolly good proofread. I know I do that for a job, so spot things others might not, but still, I think it matters!
November 3, 2024
I hope there's another volume of this series!
September 27, 2024
We're going full Agatha Christie in Murder at Midwinter Manor – a remote manor house, a snow storm, a valuable jewel, Christmas – and a murder!
This delightful story takes us to Hannah's sister's new home, Midwinter Manor. Set in sweeping English countryside, it's the perfect getaway from the city. But it's not only the adverse weather and her usual family issues Hannah has to worry about – such as, will her mother accept her fabulous new bob hair cut? But when a member of the small group of guests is found dead in the study, who could have done the deed? One of them? Or a stranger who found his / her way across snow drifts?
The murder certainly puts a damper on Iris' Christmas party plans, and when it transpired that a valuable jewel went missing the same night Mr Ellis was murdered, the case becomes more complicated.
For local Detective Sergeant Roper, the case is soon clear, and he is convinced he has his culprit. But Hannah, Iris, Darius, and the newly arrived paramour of Aunt Iris, Detective Inspector Aidan Farrell, are not so sure. They keep digging, and soon, they have found another suspect.
But will that be the end of it? And where is the missing jewel? And will Hannah and Darius finally announce their engagement? Well, read this fabulous novel to find out!
~~
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the new instalment in this riveting series. The characters are wonderfully drawn, with their hidden secrets and personal agendas. The setting is perfect. And Aunt Violet is her usual, irreverent self. She is fast turning into one of my favourite sleuths.
Hannah is torn between her love and loyalty to Darius, but still worries about losing her independence. Her sister, Iris, has her own problems. With four young children, she barely finds time to look after the estate – a task she loves and which exasperates her in equal measure. I feel for Iris, as she has a real dilemma.
Their parents, Hector and Madeleine, are perfectly of their own social background, but here, Madeleine's actions surprise Hannah at times. A nice development.
As for the secondary characters, they are as sweet as they are shifty. As you can expect, not everything is as it seems, and the quartet of Hannah, Darius, Violet and Aidan make for a great investigative team. The lack of condescension from the men towards the women – still deemed delicate enough not to hear the cruel realities of war, even though Hannah volunteers in a hospital – is refreshing, and indicative of the slow social change that happened as a result of WWI.
Murder in Midwinter Manor is another delightful whodunit with all the right ingredients: a lingering sense of suspense, a plethora of suspects, and some intriguing, illegal shenanigans. Well worth checking out!
This delightful story takes us to Hannah's sister's new home, Midwinter Manor. Set in sweeping English countryside, it's the perfect getaway from the city. But it's not only the adverse weather and her usual family issues Hannah has to worry about – such as, will her mother accept her fabulous new bob hair cut? But when a member of the small group of guests is found dead in the study, who could have done the deed? One of them? Or a stranger who found his / her way across snow drifts?
The murder certainly puts a damper on Iris' Christmas party plans, and when it transpired that a valuable jewel went missing the same night Mr Ellis was murdered, the case becomes more complicated.
For local Detective Sergeant Roper, the case is soon clear, and he is convinced he has his culprit. But Hannah, Iris, Darius, and the newly arrived paramour of Aunt Iris, Detective Inspector Aidan Farrell, are not so sure. They keep digging, and soon, they have found another suspect.
But will that be the end of it? And where is the missing jewel? And will Hannah and Darius finally announce their engagement? Well, read this fabulous novel to find out!
~~
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the new instalment in this riveting series. The characters are wonderfully drawn, with their hidden secrets and personal agendas. The setting is perfect. And Aunt Violet is her usual, irreverent self. She is fast turning into one of my favourite sleuths.
Hannah is torn between her love and loyalty to Darius, but still worries about losing her independence. Her sister, Iris, has her own problems. With four young children, she barely finds time to look after the estate – a task she loves and which exasperates her in equal measure. I feel for Iris, as she has a real dilemma.
Their parents, Hector and Madeleine, are perfectly of their own social background, but here, Madeleine's actions surprise Hannah at times. A nice development.
As for the secondary characters, they are as sweet as they are shifty. As you can expect, not everything is as it seems, and the quartet of Hannah, Darius, Violet and Aidan make for a great investigative team. The lack of condescension from the men towards the women – still deemed delicate enough not to hear the cruel realities of war, even though Hannah volunteers in a hospital – is refreshing, and indicative of the slow social change that happened as a result of WWI.
Murder in Midwinter Manor is another delightful whodunit with all the right ingredients: a lingering sense of suspense, a plethora of suspects, and some intriguing, illegal shenanigans. Well worth checking out!
August 15, 2024
This book combines three of my favorite things: Christmas, a cozy mystery, and history. In this case, Hannah and her suffragette Aunt Violet are spending the holiday at the home of Hannah's sister, Iris. Hannah is delighted to discover that her beau, Darius, is there. She's far less than excited when one of the guests is found murdered. Christmas is about to take a backseat to a murder investigation. Some of the classic holiday tropes are there, like being snowed in, a not particularly experienced investigator, family tensions, eccentric family members, romance, and, oh, yes, there's a war on. This is Christmas, 1916. One of the guests, in fact, is home on leave, suffering from what we'd today call PTSD, an unexpected topic and the reasons for it. And, oh, I almost forgot, not only are there missing gems, but besides related children, there's a cat on hand, too, as well as some rowdy pups. The setting is beautifully described and sounds enchanting.
I won't detail the plot. I'll simply say it was intriguing to see author Davison weave in historical events and impacts to a probably typical family event. Well, typical for those with social status. Hannah has been on her own for a time, working in the London bookstore where I first met her, but finds it rather nice to be spoiled again....briefly. Aunt Violet's romantic interest, with his ties to Scotland Yard even makes an appearance. Seems neither Hannah nor Aunt Violet, not to mention Darius, are confident of the small town detective's investigative skills. By the way, make sure you read the historical note at the end for more info on what Darius' job involved and its importance to the war effort.
It was fun to see the interactions of these characters, including Hannah's parents, who we get to know better as the book goes along.Unfortunately, I found myself having a hard time sorting out and keeping track of the rest of the assembled cast. Although we got a bit of info on them as the story progressed, I never felt like I connected with them. Even at the end, sigh, I was still fuzzy on who was who and who was connected to who and why it mattered. Thus, I found myself largely focusing on the main cast, with a particular focus on what surprise Hannah and Darius had in store for the rest of the family. Nope. Not telling. Read the book. Honestly, even with my confusion over characters, I did enjoy the story and found the mystery nicely played with some unexpected twists. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at Christmas with Hannah and her family and friends. I'm definitely looking forward to what is next.
I won't detail the plot. I'll simply say it was intriguing to see author Davison weave in historical events and impacts to a probably typical family event. Well, typical for those with social status. Hannah has been on her own for a time, working in the London bookstore where I first met her, but finds it rather nice to be spoiled again....briefly. Aunt Violet's romantic interest, with his ties to Scotland Yard even makes an appearance. Seems neither Hannah nor Aunt Violet, not to mention Darius, are confident of the small town detective's investigative skills. By the way, make sure you read the historical note at the end for more info on what Darius' job involved and its importance to the war effort.
It was fun to see the interactions of these characters, including Hannah's parents, who we get to know better as the book goes along.Unfortunately, I found myself having a hard time sorting out and keeping track of the rest of the assembled cast. Although we got a bit of info on them as the story progressed, I never felt like I connected with them. Even at the end, sigh, I was still fuzzy on who was who and who was connected to who and why it mattered. Thus, I found myself largely focusing on the main cast, with a particular focus on what surprise Hannah and Darius had in store for the rest of the family. Nope. Not telling. Read the book. Honestly, even with my confusion over characters, I did enjoy the story and found the mystery nicely played with some unexpected twists. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at Christmas with Hannah and her family and friends. I'm definitely looking forward to what is next.
November 4, 2024
Book Review: Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison
Rating: 4 Stars
So, I just finished Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison, and let me tell you, it was such a delightful cozy mystery that I couldn’t put it down! I ended up reading it in one sitting because it was just that good. Seriously, I would rate it a solid four stars!
Quick Summary
Set in 1916, the story follows Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet as they escape the chaos of war-torn London for a charming Christmas getaway at Hannah's sister's country estate. The picturesque Midwinter Manor is bursting with friends and family, all ready to celebrate the holiday season. But things take a dark turn when a fellow guest is found murdered in the library, and a precious ruby goes missing. With heavy snow trapping everyone inside and the local police seemingly at a loss, it's up to Hannah and Aunt Violet to solve the mystery before more "gifts" show up under the tree—or worse!
My Thoughts
First off, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is? It’s just so inviting and perfectly captures that cozy vibe! I can totally envision this being turned into a movie (think CLUE); it would be such a hit! The setting of Midwinter Manor felt so immersive, making me feel like I was actually there in the 1916 countryside with the snow swirling outside.
Aunt Violet absolutely stole the show for me. Her witty remarks added so much humor to the mix. Plus, I loved how Hannah and Violet are portrayed as these modern women navigating a world that often doesn’t appreciate their independence. Hannah’s character development is really impressive; you can see her grow into her investigative role while still being true to herself.
The backdrop of World War I adds an extra layer of depth to the story, reminding us of the harsh realities faced by those on the frontlines. It really makes you think about how life was during that era. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, each bringing their own quirks and tensions to this already complicated holiday gathering.
Overall, Murder at Midwinter Manor is a delightful blend of historical mystery and cozy charm that kept me engaged from start to finish. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a historical twist, this one's definitely worth checking out! I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this series.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
So, I just finished Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison, and let me tell you, it was such a delightful cozy mystery that I couldn’t put it down! I ended up reading it in one sitting because it was just that good. Seriously, I would rate it a solid four stars!
Quick Summary
Set in 1916, the story follows Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet as they escape the chaos of war-torn London for a charming Christmas getaway at Hannah's sister's country estate. The picturesque Midwinter Manor is bursting with friends and family, all ready to celebrate the holiday season. But things take a dark turn when a fellow guest is found murdered in the library, and a precious ruby goes missing. With heavy snow trapping everyone inside and the local police seemingly at a loss, it's up to Hannah and Aunt Violet to solve the mystery before more "gifts" show up under the tree—or worse!
My Thoughts
First off, can we talk about how gorgeous the cover is? It’s just so inviting and perfectly captures that cozy vibe! I can totally envision this being turned into a movie (think CLUE); it would be such a hit! The setting of Midwinter Manor felt so immersive, making me feel like I was actually there in the 1916 countryside with the snow swirling outside.
Aunt Violet absolutely stole the show for me. Her witty remarks added so much humor to the mix. Plus, I loved how Hannah and Violet are portrayed as these modern women navigating a world that often doesn’t appreciate their independence. Hannah’s character development is really impressive; you can see her grow into her investigative role while still being true to herself.
The backdrop of World War I adds an extra layer of depth to the story, reminding us of the harsh realities faced by those on the frontlines. It really makes you think about how life was during that era. The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, each bringing their own quirks and tensions to this already complicated holiday gathering.
Overall, Murder at Midwinter Manor is a delightful blend of historical mystery and cozy charm that kept me engaged from start to finish. If you’re into cozy mysteries with a historical twist, this one's definitely worth checking out! I’m already looking forward to the next installment in this series.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
November 19, 2024
*3.75 Stars*
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the next entry in this delightful series, and I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Hannah and Violet are visiting family for the Christmas season, the magnificent manor house of Hannah’s sister and her husband. In the midst of WWI, they just want to have some time to spend with family and maybe get some cherished time away from London and the horrors of the war. Unfortunately, death still finds them as one of the guests is murdered and it is up to Hannah and Violet to investigate.
This Christmas, 1916, and one of the things I loved about this book was the consequences of the war on its soldiers, in particular the discussion around shell shock, something that was just being discussed and acknowledged although there was still a stigma on those who suffered. I thought the author did a great job weaving not only the impacts of shell shock on families, but the war in general from food shortages to an interesting discussion around servants and lack of ‘good help’. When you strip away the themes, the actual plot was predictable and it was quite easy to figure out the culprit, but I still had a good time reading about the motives. Despite the predictability, it was still fun to see how Hannah and Violet figured things out.
I enjoyed the interactions between the main characters and was happy to get to know Hannah’s parents a bit better, but realistically, there were a lot of characters in this book and as a result, I didn’t really connect with most of them or feel any empathy for them due to this. When something happens, I want to feel something, and this just didn’t work for me. I wasn’t confused over the characters, but sometimes, when there is a lot going on, I find the character development becomes more one-dimensional which is what happened in this book.
Murder at Midwinter Manor was a fun story, and I definitely like the ambiance. Who doesn’t like a Christmas murder mystery set in the country with a blizzard happening around you? The author took the time to explore some themes integral to the war effort and I was very appreciative of those. And while I found it hard to connect to the character and thought the mystery was easy to figure out and predictable, there was a lot to like in this book.
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the next entry in this delightful series, and I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Hannah and Violet are visiting family for the Christmas season, the magnificent manor house of Hannah’s sister and her husband. In the midst of WWI, they just want to have some time to spend with family and maybe get some cherished time away from London and the horrors of the war. Unfortunately, death still finds them as one of the guests is murdered and it is up to Hannah and Violet to investigate.
This Christmas, 1916, and one of the things I loved about this book was the consequences of the war on its soldiers, in particular the discussion around shell shock, something that was just being discussed and acknowledged although there was still a stigma on those who suffered. I thought the author did a great job weaving not only the impacts of shell shock on families, but the war in general from food shortages to an interesting discussion around servants and lack of ‘good help’. When you strip away the themes, the actual plot was predictable and it was quite easy to figure out the culprit, but I still had a good time reading about the motives. Despite the predictability, it was still fun to see how Hannah and Violet figured things out.
I enjoyed the interactions between the main characters and was happy to get to know Hannah’s parents a bit better, but realistically, there were a lot of characters in this book and as a result, I didn’t really connect with most of them or feel any empathy for them due to this. When something happens, I want to feel something, and this just didn’t work for me. I wasn’t confused over the characters, but sometimes, when there is a lot going on, I find the character development becomes more one-dimensional which is what happened in this book.
Murder at Midwinter Manor was a fun story, and I definitely like the ambiance. Who doesn’t like a Christmas murder mystery set in the country with a blizzard happening around you? The author took the time to explore some themes integral to the war effort and I was very appreciative of those. And while I found it hard to connect to the character and thought the mystery was easy to figure out and predictable, there was a lot to like in this book.
May 2, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the third historical cozy featuring Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet by Anita Davison. Released 10th Sept 2024 by Boldwood Books, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is an engaging and well written historical cozy set in 1916. MC Hannah is visiting her sister Iris and her family for the Christmas holiday. She's soon drawn into another amateur investigation when an inconvenient murder occurs alongside a jewel theft. Hannah and her inimitable Aunt Violet are once again called on to get to the bottom of things.
The plotting is tight and well engineered. The author does a good job with the period dialogue and characterization. The writing is clean and there is no bad language or on-page objectionable content. There are several threads, murder, disappearance, malfeasance in wartime, and more.
The denouement and resolution were twisty and satisfying with some bonus surprises.
Four stars. This is definitely one for historical cozy fans. There are 3 books extant in the series with a 4th due out in 1st quarter 2025. It would be a good choice for a binge/buddy read. It's not derivative, but fans of Lydia Travers, Carola Dunn, and Catriona McPherson (the Dandy Gilver series, although the Last Ditch ones are hysterically funny and not to be missed, totally different vibe) will likely enjoy this one as well.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the third historical cozy featuring Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet by Anita Davison. Released 10th Sept 2024 by Boldwood Books, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is an engaging and well written historical cozy set in 1916. MC Hannah is visiting her sister Iris and her family for the Christmas holiday. She's soon drawn into another amateur investigation when an inconvenient murder occurs alongside a jewel theft. Hannah and her inimitable Aunt Violet are once again called on to get to the bottom of things.
The plotting is tight and well engineered. The author does a good job with the period dialogue and characterization. The writing is clean and there is no bad language or on-page objectionable content. There are several threads, murder, disappearance, malfeasance in wartime, and more.
The denouement and resolution were twisty and satisfying with some bonus surprises.
Four stars. This is definitely one for historical cozy fans. There are 3 books extant in the series with a 4th due out in 1st quarter 2025. It would be a good choice for a binge/buddy read. It's not derivative, but fans of Lydia Travers, Carola Dunn, and Catriona McPherson (the Dandy Gilver series, although the Last Ditch ones are hysterically funny and not to be missed, totally different vibe) will likely enjoy this one as well.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 4, 2024
It's Christmas, 1916. Hannah Merrill and her wonderful Aunt Violet leave London (taking Bartleby the cat) to be a part of the festive house party hosted by Hannah's sister, Iris. Hannah expects some tension with her mother, because there always is, but she's looking forward to having a good time in spite of the sometimes uncomfortable family dynamics. As it turns out, she's got more than differing family attitudes to deal with when one of the guests doesn't make it to Christmas, having been murdered in the study. On the same morning the body is discovered, another guest realizes that a family heirloom is missing. Are the two related? The lone policeman who can make it through the snow doesn't inspire confidence, but luckily, Aunt Violet and Hannah are there to get to the bottom of things.
I've got quite a soft spot for good Christmas cozies, so I was excited to see this book. I love this series--Aunt Violet is particularly wonderful. I was not disappointed. The setting is classic--manor house at Christmas, snowstorm, incompetent police officer, familial discord, missing family jewel, and the murder. The historical time period, which plays a part in the mystery, is well observed and the historical note at the end fleshes out one aspect of a main character's job a bit. Once I started, I didn't want to put the book down and I read it in one sitting, thoroughly enjoying every minute. This is the third book in the series, but you don't have to have read the first two to enjoy this one. It's a great series, though, and it's definitely worth reading all three if you're a historical cozy mystery fan. I highly recommend them all.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
I've got quite a soft spot for good Christmas cozies, so I was excited to see this book. I love this series--Aunt Violet is particularly wonderful. I was not disappointed. The setting is classic--manor house at Christmas, snowstorm, incompetent police officer, familial discord, missing family jewel, and the murder. The historical time period, which plays a part in the mystery, is well observed and the historical note at the end fleshes out one aspect of a main character's job a bit. Once I started, I didn't want to put the book down and I read it in one sitting, thoroughly enjoying every minute. This is the third book in the series, but you don't have to have read the first two to enjoy this one. It's a great series, though, and it's definitely worth reading all three if you're a historical cozy mystery fan. I highly recommend them all.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
August 19, 2024
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot...there are already some reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for!
Having read the previous books in this series (Murder in the Bookshop, and Murder in the Library) I was delighted to be invited to read this, the third in the series.
This novel is set at the country home of Hannah's sister and brother-in-law (Iris and Mycroft). This time, the family (including Aunt Violet, Darius, Hannah's parents, and others) are gathering in the run up to Christmas, and the guests include wider family and friends.
After dinner on the first evening, snow falls, effectively cutting off the household from the wider area, and giving a pushy neighbour the excuse of staying overnight. In the morning however, the body of one of the guests is discovered, and the Police are called...eventually naming the cause of death as murder! A valuable family heirloom (jewel) has also vanished mysteriously. Aunt Violet decides to invite Inspector Farrell along as a guest...
There are plenty of red herrings - both regarding the murder and the missing jewel - and a few other twists in the tale that add to the enjoyment.
The main characters were very well written and well rounded, and there is a good cast of supporting characters each with their part to play in the mystery. There are some fairly sterotypical characters (eg the overbearing bumptious policeman, the pushy Mama) but they are all well described and fit in perfectly.
The book is in the "cosy" mystery genre, but with other threads running through the story, which adds dimension.
Looking forward to further adventures of Hannah and Aunt Violet!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Having read the previous books in this series (Murder in the Bookshop, and Murder in the Library) I was delighted to be invited to read this, the third in the series.
This novel is set at the country home of Hannah's sister and brother-in-law (Iris and Mycroft). This time, the family (including Aunt Violet, Darius, Hannah's parents, and others) are gathering in the run up to Christmas, and the guests include wider family and friends.
After dinner on the first evening, snow falls, effectively cutting off the household from the wider area, and giving a pushy neighbour the excuse of staying overnight. In the morning however, the body of one of the guests is discovered, and the Police are called...eventually naming the cause of death as murder! A valuable family heirloom (jewel) has also vanished mysteriously. Aunt Violet decides to invite Inspector Farrell along as a guest...
There are plenty of red herrings - both regarding the murder and the missing jewel - and a few other twists in the tale that add to the enjoyment.
The main characters were very well written and well rounded, and there is a good cast of supporting characters each with their part to play in the mystery. There are some fairly sterotypical characters (eg the overbearing bumptious policeman, the pushy Mama) but they are all well described and fit in perfectly.
The book is in the "cosy" mystery genre, but with other threads running through the story, which adds dimension.
Looking forward to further adventures of Hannah and Aunt Violet!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
September 12, 2024
I received this ARC and didn’t realize it was part of a series so of course I had to go and read the first two books before I even attempted this one. I am so glad this series found me! I LOVE a good early 1900’s cozy mystery! I love this series even more because it doesn’t just have the typical FMC and love interest. I mean there is that BUT this series has an eccentric aunt in the mix!
A bit about the series as a whole:
First, Aunt Violet and Hannah own and run a bookstore during WWI. Absolute perfection!
Second, there is not only a love interest for Hannah but also for her aunt!
Lastly, there is always a murder and in book three a missing family heirloom! I really enjoyed that there was more than just a murder happening.
If you love a good cozy historical holiday mystery then you’ll love this book. Think Agatha Christie meets Downtown Abby. Anita Davidson does an amazing job of bringing each character to life as well as focusing on some of the major issues during this time period. PTSD during that time being called shell shock and how families and the military handled that. There are the upper-class verses the servants of the house and how the servants are viewed by others who feel themselves above them. And of course, how men feel woman should behave and act. I particularly love the banter between characters! Several times I found myself grinning like a fool at something someone said or thought.
Murder at Midwinter Manor has Hannah and her Aunt Violet off to visit family for Christmas to escape the war-torn London and murders that seem to follow them. Alas they wake up to find someone has died. Was it murder? Accident? What about the missing family heirloom!? Are these two possible crimes connected or are there two criminals on the loose in the house. There are several twists and turns throughout this book that you will constantly change your mind on who you believe the criminal might be.
I will say, this book has a lot of characters and at times I had to go back and find who was who and who was related to whom. Other than that I adored this book and cannot wait for the next one to release in February 1, 2025.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author Anita Davison for my ARC of Murder at Midwinter Manor in exchange for an honest review.
A bit about the series as a whole:
First, Aunt Violet and Hannah own and run a bookstore during WWI. Absolute perfection!
Second, there is not only a love interest for Hannah but also for her aunt!
Lastly, there is always a murder and in book three a missing family heirloom! I really enjoyed that there was more than just a murder happening.
If you love a good cozy historical holiday mystery then you’ll love this book. Think Agatha Christie meets Downtown Abby. Anita Davidson does an amazing job of bringing each character to life as well as focusing on some of the major issues during this time period. PTSD during that time being called shell shock and how families and the military handled that. There are the upper-class verses the servants of the house and how the servants are viewed by others who feel themselves above them. And of course, how men feel woman should behave and act. I particularly love the banter between characters! Several times I found myself grinning like a fool at something someone said or thought.
Murder at Midwinter Manor has Hannah and her Aunt Violet off to visit family for Christmas to escape the war-torn London and murders that seem to follow them. Alas they wake up to find someone has died. Was it murder? Accident? What about the missing family heirloom!? Are these two possible crimes connected or are there two criminals on the loose in the house. There are several twists and turns throughout this book that you will constantly change your mind on who you believe the criminal might be.
I will say, this book has a lot of characters and at times I had to go back and find who was who and who was related to whom. Other than that I adored this book and cannot wait for the next one to release in February 1, 2025.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author Anita Davison for my ARC of Murder at Midwinter Manor in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2024
I do enjoy time with Hannah and Aunt Violet, not to mention Darius and the good Chief Inspector, and the humor and camaraderie shared among these characters. One of the benefits of reading a series is watching the development of the characters and their relationships, and this series does not disappoint on that front This visit includes more of Hannah's family that was interesting and sometimes heartwarming. There is more than one mystery playing out in the story, and it is unclear if they are intertwined or completely separate crimes, increasing the number of suspects and red herrings. Bringing in the Chief Inspector, incognito, as it were, was a unique twist. While I had a good idea who did what in the story, the reasons and methods were not clear and so kept me guessing on several fronts.
Given that we are in England in 1916, the war is at the heart of much of what is happening, but not all. During this time of war and social upheaval, Ms. Davison pulls back the curtain to allow us a look at the last vestiges of a way of life that will soon vanish, or at least be greatly diminished. She does so with what I can only describe as realistic gentility. The large house parties and beautiful dresses are seen side by side with shortages of food and servants, as the war progresses and more men are headed to Europe and more women choose to replace them in factories. None of this is done with a heavy-handed approach. It is all just part of the story, not THE story, thus maintaining the cozy quality.
I appreciated the historical note at the end that tied back to Darius and the work he does.
Oona Beeson did her usual excellent job of bringing these characters to life with her narration.
I look forward to my next visit with Hannah and the gang.
Given that we are in England in 1916, the war is at the heart of much of what is happening, but not all. During this time of war and social upheaval, Ms. Davison pulls back the curtain to allow us a look at the last vestiges of a way of life that will soon vanish, or at least be greatly diminished. She does so with what I can only describe as realistic gentility. The large house parties and beautiful dresses are seen side by side with shortages of food and servants, as the war progresses and more men are headed to Europe and more women choose to replace them in factories. None of this is done with a heavy-handed approach. It is all just part of the story, not THE story, thus maintaining the cozy quality.
I appreciated the historical note at the end that tied back to Darius and the work he does.
Oona Beeson did her usual excellent job of bringing these characters to life with her narration.
I look forward to my next visit with Hannah and the gang.
October 21, 2024
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the third book in Anita Davison’s Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series. I didn’t feel you had to have read the first two to get the gist of this one. Set during the First World War, this “cozy mystery” is a fun read. It has Agatha Christie overtones and kept me guessing until the end.
Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet arrive at Midwinter Manor for the Christmas celebration. This is the stately home that belongs to Hannah’s sister, Iris, her brother-in-law Mycroft, and their family. With wartime rationing going on, everyone is contributing something to the festivities which will also be attended by Hannah and Iris’ parents, Hannah’s clandestine fiancee Darius, and various other extended family members and friends.
Iris’ niece Minnie has recently become engaged and now has possession of the Calhoun ruby, a family heirloom that’s passed down from mother to daughter. It’s quite an ungainly gem, but her mother Norah seems to prize it above all else. On the same snowy night, Minnie’s future father-in-law is murdered and the ruby goes missing.
With a fairly insular house, the culprit or culprits must have been one of the people in the house that night. The local police seem intent on creating a narrative and finding evidence to support it, rather than investigating with an open mind. Hannah, Aunt Violet, and Darius work together to investigate on their own while trying not to draw attention to what they are doing.
To read my full review, please go to Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison – Cozy Mystery Set During WWI
Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet arrive at Midwinter Manor for the Christmas celebration. This is the stately home that belongs to Hannah’s sister, Iris, her brother-in-law Mycroft, and their family. With wartime rationing going on, everyone is contributing something to the festivities which will also be attended by Hannah and Iris’ parents, Hannah’s clandestine fiancee Darius, and various other extended family members and friends.
Iris’ niece Minnie has recently become engaged and now has possession of the Calhoun ruby, a family heirloom that’s passed down from mother to daughter. It’s quite an ungainly gem, but her mother Norah seems to prize it above all else. On the same snowy night, Minnie’s future father-in-law is murdered and the ruby goes missing.
With a fairly insular house, the culprit or culprits must have been one of the people in the house that night. The local police seem intent on creating a narrative and finding evidence to support it, rather than investigating with an open mind. Hannah, Aunt Violet, and Darius work together to investigate on their own while trying not to draw attention to what they are doing.
To read my full review, please go to Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison – Cozy Mystery Set During WWI
February 2, 2025
A page turner from Anita Davison
This is the third in the Hannah and Aunt Violet series, and my favourite so far.
The action takes place in a country mansion at Christmas. In many ways it is reminiscent of Agatha Christie. Unlike the two earlier books there is a Mr. Plod. Our esteemed Inspector is also featured as are the other familiar characters.
I found this book much more satisfying. There are several layers of interaction between the characters with varying themes related to WW1 woven into the lives of the families gathered to celebrate Christmas in a snow bound landscape.
A murder is committed and a theft. Are they related? What is the motivation for murder?
In a tightly written, plausible plot there are many interesting scenarios. It is fascinating to step inside this highly structured English mansion in 1916 and get a bird's eye view of how the other half live. Our female protagonists are ahead of their time, however it isn't difficult to see why we needed a feminist movement.
There is a lot of subtle wit and humour in this book. The dialogue is very skillful as you'd expect in a book worthy of five stars.
The description of the Christmas decorations and a white Christmas is magical. In this day and age it is hard to imagine a Christmas house party with servants and formal dining. Ms Davison certainly brings this period of English history to life.
As usual I learnt something new in this book; in
this case, that MI5 stands for Military intelligence.
If you are an aficionado of British war history you will enjoy this novel, especially if you are an Anglophile. And if you are wondering will the young lovers finally stop pussy footing around? Read it to find out.
This is the third in the Hannah and Aunt Violet series, and my favourite so far.
The action takes place in a country mansion at Christmas. In many ways it is reminiscent of Agatha Christie. Unlike the two earlier books there is a Mr. Plod. Our esteemed Inspector is also featured as are the other familiar characters.
I found this book much more satisfying. There are several layers of interaction between the characters with varying themes related to WW1 woven into the lives of the families gathered to celebrate Christmas in a snow bound landscape.
A murder is committed and a theft. Are they related? What is the motivation for murder?
In a tightly written, plausible plot there are many interesting scenarios. It is fascinating to step inside this highly structured English mansion in 1916 and get a bird's eye view of how the other half live. Our female protagonists are ahead of their time, however it isn't difficult to see why we needed a feminist movement.
There is a lot of subtle wit and humour in this book. The dialogue is very skillful as you'd expect in a book worthy of five stars.
The description of the Christmas decorations and a white Christmas is magical. In this day and age it is hard to imagine a Christmas house party with servants and formal dining. Ms Davison certainly brings this period of English history to life.
As usual I learnt something new in this book; in
this case, that MI5 stands for Military intelligence.
If you are an aficionado of British war history you will enjoy this novel, especially if you are an Anglophile. And if you are wondering will the young lovers finally stop pussy footing around? Read it to find out.
August 14, 2024
Davison's Escape to Midwinter Manor offers readers a cozy, historical mystery set against the backdrop of a snowy Christmas in 1916. As the third installment in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series, this novel invites readers to a grand country estate where a festive gathering turns sinister when a murder occurs.
The author skillfully evokes a classic country house mystery atmosphere, complete with a diverse cast of characters, a secluded setting, and a touch of gothic undertones. The historical context of World War I Britain adds depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop of societal tensions and personal challenges.
Hannah Merrill and her eccentric Aunt Violet are endearing protagonists, and their dynamic adds a layer of charm to the story. However, the secondary characters, while serving their purpose in the plot, often feel somewhat underdeveloped.
The mystery itself is intricate, with numerous potential suspects and a well-crafted plot. While the pacing is generally steady, there are moments where the narrative can feel somewhat leisurely. Additionally, the large cast of characters can occasionally be confusing, making it difficult for readers to keep track of everyone's motivations and relationships.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Escape to Midwinter Manor is a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction. The novel successfully transports readers to a bygone era, and the mystery, though perhaps not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep readers turning the pages.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
The author skillfully evokes a classic country house mystery atmosphere, complete with a diverse cast of characters, a secluded setting, and a touch of gothic undertones. The historical context of World War I Britain adds depth to the narrative, providing a backdrop of societal tensions and personal challenges.
Hannah Merrill and her eccentric Aunt Violet are endearing protagonists, and their dynamic adds a layer of charm to the story. However, the secondary characters, while serving their purpose in the plot, often feel somewhat underdeveloped.
The mystery itself is intricate, with numerous potential suspects and a well-crafted plot. While the pacing is generally steady, there are moments where the narrative can feel somewhat leisurely. Additionally, the large cast of characters can occasionally be confusing, making it difficult for readers to keep track of everyone's motivations and relationships.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Escape to Midwinter Manor is a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction. The novel successfully transports readers to a bygone era, and the mystery, though perhaps not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep readers turning the pages.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
August 23, 2024
Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries, Book 3
1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah's sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside. The huge house is full of relatives, friends, and merrymakers, and everyone's excited to have a Christmas to remember. But then, when a fellow-guest's body is found in the library - apparently bludgeoned to death - and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah, and her Aunt Violet, realise that once again it's going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.
This is a really good cosy murder mystery. Aunt Violet and Hannah are both endearing characters, and Aunt Violet is also quite funny. Set in 1916. Hannah and Violet go to Hannah's sister's for Christmas to escape war-torn London for a few days. What they didn't expect to get was a murder. Then another guest realises that a family heirloom is missing. Are the two crimes connected? It's been snowing, so only one policeman makes it through to Midwinter Manor, but he's not the most competent. There are plenty of twists and red herrings to try and keep us off the right track. This is an enjoyable read.
Published 10th September 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaDavison for my ARC of #MurderAtMidwinterManor in exchange for an honest review.
1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah's sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside. The huge house is full of relatives, friends, and merrymakers, and everyone's excited to have a Christmas to remember. But then, when a fellow-guest's body is found in the library - apparently bludgeoned to death - and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah, and her Aunt Violet, realise that once again it's going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.
This is a really good cosy murder mystery. Aunt Violet and Hannah are both endearing characters, and Aunt Violet is also quite funny. Set in 1916. Hannah and Violet go to Hannah's sister's for Christmas to escape war-torn London for a few days. What they didn't expect to get was a murder. Then another guest realises that a family heirloom is missing. Are the two crimes connected? It's been snowing, so only one policeman makes it through to Midwinter Manor, but he's not the most competent. There are plenty of twists and red herrings to try and keep us off the right track. This is an enjoyable read.
Published 10th September 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaDavison for my ARC of #MurderAtMidwinterManor in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison is a smart golden age style whodunit. I've not yet read the earlier books in the series but there was plenty of explanation and I was able to enjoy this one without any previous knowledge. Hannah Merrill is a modern heroine, for the time, and she and Aunt Violet make an interesting pair of sleuths. Their warmth and camaraderie shine through as does their talent for detecting. The timeframe of the book is interesting, rather than having a between-the-wars timeline which I've found to be more common in golden age cozies, it features some stark references to the still-waging Great War.
The setting of the book, Midwinter Manor, is decadently described, inside and out, with the snow setting the tone and many luxurious descriptions of the grand house dressed for Christmas. There is a house full of suspects for both crimes, and there are many characters to keep track of and all their relationships to one another. Hannah and Aunt Violet find themselves up against an intransigent local policeman who doesn't appear to welcome their particular brand of assistance.
The story is an enjoyable read and the duo's investigations are very entertaining. There is also time for some romance amongst the crime and Christmas cake, with both Hannah and Violet dallying with handsome suitors. The conclusion is exciting and satisfying and leaves the path open for future instalments. I will definitely read more from Anita Davison.
With huge thanks to the publisher for my copy of Murder at Midwinter Manor and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
The setting of the book, Midwinter Manor, is decadently described, inside and out, with the snow setting the tone and many luxurious descriptions of the grand house dressed for Christmas. There is a house full of suspects for both crimes, and there are many characters to keep track of and all their relationships to one another. Hannah and Aunt Violet find themselves up against an intransigent local policeman who doesn't appear to welcome their particular brand of assistance.
The story is an enjoyable read and the duo's investigations are very entertaining. There is also time for some romance amongst the crime and Christmas cake, with both Hannah and Violet dallying with handsome suitors. The conclusion is exciting and satisfying and leaves the path open for future instalments. I will definitely read more from Anita Davison.
With huge thanks to the publisher for my copy of Murder at Midwinter Manor and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot on the blog tour.
September 7, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read "Murder at Midwinter Manor" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is the third book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series and a very intriguing addition it is.
Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet Edwards are visiting Hannah's older sister Iris and her husband Mycroft Atherton at their home Midwinter Manor in Surrey at Christmas 1916. Everyone in their family is there - Madeleine and Hector Merrill - Hannah and Iris' parents, Mycroft's younger brother Selwyn and his wife Norah, along with their daughters Maura and Millie. Millie's fiance Captain Lynford Ellis is there with his parents Basil and Rose Ellis. Hannah's friend (whom her mother hopes to marry her off to) Darius Clifford has also been invited.
When one of the guests doesn't appear for breakfast, it starts a well plotted mystery by the author that involves many different secrets and plots. Along with the murder, there is also the theft of a ruby necklace that is the obsession of Norah - and she's quite an annoying character to be so worried about a necklace when someone has been murdered. Aunt Violet and Hannah can't resist helping Detective Sergeant Roper. Aunt Violet secretly phones DI Aidan Farrell to come to the manor and help investigate, even though it's far from his jurisdiction.
There are some very exciting scenes, and some surprises along the way. It will be interesting to see what everyone gets up to in upcoming books.
This is the third book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series and a very intriguing addition it is.
Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet Edwards are visiting Hannah's older sister Iris and her husband Mycroft Atherton at their home Midwinter Manor in Surrey at Christmas 1916. Everyone in their family is there - Madeleine and Hector Merrill - Hannah and Iris' parents, Mycroft's younger brother Selwyn and his wife Norah, along with their daughters Maura and Millie. Millie's fiance Captain Lynford Ellis is there with his parents Basil and Rose Ellis. Hannah's friend (whom her mother hopes to marry her off to) Darius Clifford has also been invited.
When one of the guests doesn't appear for breakfast, it starts a well plotted mystery by the author that involves many different secrets and plots. Along with the murder, there is also the theft of a ruby necklace that is the obsession of Norah - and she's quite an annoying character to be so worried about a necklace when someone has been murdered. Aunt Violet and Hannah can't resist helping Detective Sergeant Roper. Aunt Violet secretly phones DI Aidan Farrell to come to the manor and help investigate, even though it's far from his jurisdiction.
There are some very exciting scenes, and some surprises along the way. It will be interesting to see what everyone gets up to in upcoming books.
September 11, 2024
Murder at Midwinter Manor by Anita Davison
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Escaping the city doesn’t mean escaping the criminals…
1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.
The huge house is full of relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.
But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realise that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.
Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?
My Opinion
I have actually read this series order, although each book can be read as a standalone. Aunt Violet and Hannah are visiting a manor house for Christmas. This was such a cosy festive mystery. At less than 300 pages this was a quick read and easy to finish in one evening. With plenty of twists this was an entertaining read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Escaping the city doesn’t mean escaping the criminals…
1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.
The huge house is full of relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.
But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realise that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.
Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?
My Opinion
I have actually read this series order, although each book can be read as a standalone. Aunt Violet and Hannah are visiting a manor house for Christmas. This was such a cosy festive mystery. At less than 300 pages this was a quick read and easy to finish in one evening. With plenty of twists this was an entertaining read.
Rating 4/5
September 19, 2024
Hannah, Mr Bartleby, the cat and her aunt Violet, are going to Hannah's sister Iris's house for Christmas. Everyone is feeling the festive cheer until a fellow guest is found murdered in the library, and another guest has their precious ruby stolen. The local police are quick to jump to conclusions, so it is down Hannah and Violet to find out whodunnit.
The plot moved at a gentle pace while subtly suggesting culprits for both the murder and the theft! When I first started reading this book and I found out about the theft, I hoped it wasn't going to follow a similar format to previous books I read about a jewel theft. However, I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.
I did not guess who had stolen the ruby or who the murderer was. The ending felt a bit rushed and didn't take many turns. I was expecting a big twist at the end and for the sleuths to be proven wrong, but this didn't happen as Hannah and her family's suspicions seemed to fall too neatly into place. I also didn't fully understand what made Hannah undertake a search for the missing item, the link to earlier seemed a bit tenuous. I enjoyed the romance element to the book and I would have liked to learn more about Hannah and Aunt Violet's previous sleuthing adventures as this was book three. In this book, I felt Hannah did more of the sleuthing and her aunt was a little in the background. There was some good historical knowledge displayed, and the book did well to incorporate some of the issues of the day into the narrative. What a cute name for a cat too! 3.5 stars
The plot moved at a gentle pace while subtly suggesting culprits for both the murder and the theft! When I first started reading this book and I found out about the theft, I hoped it wasn't going to follow a similar format to previous books I read about a jewel theft. However, I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong.
I did not guess who had stolen the ruby or who the murderer was. The ending felt a bit rushed and didn't take many turns. I was expecting a big twist at the end and for the sleuths to be proven wrong, but this didn't happen as Hannah and her family's suspicions seemed to fall too neatly into place. I also didn't fully understand what made Hannah undertake a search for the missing item, the link to earlier seemed a bit tenuous. I enjoyed the romance element to the book and I would have liked to learn more about Hannah and Aunt Violet's previous sleuthing adventures as this was book three. In this book, I felt Hannah did more of the sleuthing and her aunt was a little in the background. There was some good historical knowledge displayed, and the book did well to incorporate some of the issues of the day into the narrative. What a cute name for a cat too! 3.5 stars
August 20, 2024
Book Title: Murder at Midwinter Manor
Series: Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery Series #3
Author: Anita Davison
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 10, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 283
It's Christmas, 1916. Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet along with Bartleby their cat leave London for a Christmas holiday party at Hannah’s sister Iris.
Hannah’s family has a surprise for her at the party as on-again off-again boyfriend Darius is there. Hannah and Darius are actually a make for each other couple but Hannah just isn’t sure it will work!
Although there is nasty snow storm the party guest still have an enjoyable time.
Unfortunately the next morning they fine Mr. Ellis in one of the study chair and a broken crystal vase smashed on the floor. The dear is Mr. Ellis had a heart attack and when he fell he knocked over the vase. However, when they find the family heirloom ruby missing, there is obviously more to this. It turns out Mr. Ellis was murdered.
Due to the bad weather only detective available is not very experienced.
Therefore Hannah, Aunt Violet, Darius and Inspector Farrell need to find out whodunit.
I am a cozy mystery fan and this story was an enjoyable read and yes exactly what I expect when I pick up a cozy!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me this enjoyable early eGalley!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 10, 2023.
Series: Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery Series #3
Author: Anita Davison
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pub Date: September 10, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 283
It's Christmas, 1916. Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet along with Bartleby their cat leave London for a Christmas holiday party at Hannah’s sister Iris.
Hannah’s family has a surprise for her at the party as on-again off-again boyfriend Darius is there. Hannah and Darius are actually a make for each other couple but Hannah just isn’t sure it will work!
Although there is nasty snow storm the party guest still have an enjoyable time.
Unfortunately the next morning they fine Mr. Ellis in one of the study chair and a broken crystal vase smashed on the floor. The dear is Mr. Ellis had a heart attack and when he fell he knocked over the vase. However, when they find the family heirloom ruby missing, there is obviously more to this. It turns out Mr. Ellis was murdered.
Due to the bad weather only detective available is not very experienced.
Therefore Hannah, Aunt Violet, Darius and Inspector Farrell need to find out whodunit.
I am a cozy mystery fan and this story was an enjoyable read and yes exactly what I expect when I pick up a cozy!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me this enjoyable early eGalley!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 10, 2023.
October 25, 2024
1916, Hannah travels to her sister's home of Midwinter Manor with Aunt Violet to spend Christmas. But it isn't the relaxing family Christmas they were expecting as one guest dies and a priceless ruby goes missing...
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the 3rd book to feature bookshop owners Hannah and Violet as they act as amateur sleuths during WW1.
As well as the usual stresses caused by a family gathering, Hannah is anxious to save her sister's Christmas by finding the killer and the ruby. She is ably assisted as usual by her beau Darius, delightfully obtuse aunt Violet, and of course Bartleby the cat. The snowed in country house means that there is a limited number of suspects, motives and opportunities. Hannah needs to investigate to uncover links between the two crimes in order to solve them.
The family dynamic was enjoyable, however I was a little overwhelmed by the number of guests and their relationships, and felt that this could have been reduced slightly. The historical elements had been well researched and I liked the references to the war, suffragettes and fashion which all added an authenticity to the plot and characters. There is also commentary on social, class and gender norms of the era, adding depth to the narrative. I enjoyed the romantic threads for both Hannah and Violet, possibly because they are such fantastic characters that I want them to be happy!
Murder at Midwinter Manor is an enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.
Murder at Midwinter Manor is the 3rd book to feature bookshop owners Hannah and Violet as they act as amateur sleuths during WW1.
As well as the usual stresses caused by a family gathering, Hannah is anxious to save her sister's Christmas by finding the killer and the ruby. She is ably assisted as usual by her beau Darius, delightfully obtuse aunt Violet, and of course Bartleby the cat. The snowed in country house means that there is a limited number of suspects, motives and opportunities. Hannah needs to investigate to uncover links between the two crimes in order to solve them.
The family dynamic was enjoyable, however I was a little overwhelmed by the number of guests and their relationships, and felt that this could have been reduced slightly. The historical elements had been well researched and I liked the references to the war, suffragettes and fashion which all added an authenticity to the plot and characters. There is also commentary on social, class and gender norms of the era, adding depth to the narrative. I enjoyed the romantic threads for both Hannah and Violet, possibly because they are such fantastic characters that I want them to be happy!
Murder at Midwinter Manor is an enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.
September 1, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Anita Davison for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Midwinter Manor coming out September 10, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrilland her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.
The huge house is full of relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.
But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realise that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.
Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?
I really love this series! Hannah Merrilland her Aunt Violet are really fun characters for me. I’m obsessed with historical cozy mysteries and I loved this one was set during Christmas in a manor. 1916 was an important year and I love books set during WWI. I love locked room mysteries, so this was just perfect for me. The mystery was really fun. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!
1916, Midwinter Manor: Desperate for a Christmas weekend break from war-torn London, Hannah Merrilland her Aunt Violet take Bartleby the cat and themselves off to visit Hannah’s sister, in her beautiful country estate, deep in the English countryside.
The huge house is full of relatives, friends and merrymakers, and everyone’s excited to have a Christmas to remember.
But then, when a fellow-guest’s body is found in the library – apparently bludgeoned to death – and a precious ruby is stolen from another guest, it appears that it’s going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
With the house snowed in, and the rural police force completely incapable of finding a single credible suspect, Hannah and Aunt Violet realise that once again it’s going to be down to them to get to the bottom of it.
Because whoever’s behind the crimes must be at Midwinter Manor… And if they’re not found, who knows what their next ‘gift’ will be?
I really love this series! Hannah Merrilland her Aunt Violet are really fun characters for me. I’m obsessed with historical cozy mysteries and I loved this one was set during Christmas in a manor. 1916 was an important year and I love books set during WWI. I love locked room mysteries, so this was just perfect for me. The mystery was really fun. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!
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