Mistletoe and Murder: A Magpie Cottage Murder Mystery

by T.E. Harkins

It's beginning to look a lot like MURDER…

When Daniella “Dani” Harrington moved home to the quaint English village of Bramblewick to open a Pilates studio, she expected a cozy Christmas filled with mulled wine, holiday markets, and lots and lots of tinsel.

What she didn’t expect was murder.

While browsing the stalls at the Honeybee Market, Dani stumbles upon the dead body of Letitia Danvers—a woman whose knack for stirring up trouble is almost as well-known as Bramblewick’s famous honey.

As rumors fly and festive cheer starts to sour, Dani finds herself pulled into the investigation. With an eclectic lineup of suspects—from disgruntled vendors to a dangerous bookie and even a few footballers' wives—Dani has to work fast to piece together the truth.

If she can sift through the holiday gossip and keep herself out of harm’s way, she just might solve the case… before the killer strikes again.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was so good! And the one who did it?! Did NOT see that one coming. Alfie threw me off too. I had a feeling it wasn't as bad as Dani was making it out to be, but still. Lol. This one blew my mind. Oh so good. I hope there's another one coming soon! I would like to see some more of Sterling 🤣🤣

[Jane Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had enjoyed previous books by this author, but this one disappointed. The main characters launched into a murder investigation simply because she found the body. No real compelling reason to endanger her life and ignore her business. She also called her clients, “ lovelies” . Ick. Just didn’t care for her.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in the Magpie Cottage Murder Mystery series. I’ve read several of this author’s previous works – the Egret’s Loft series and the Raven’s Wing series – and I’ve seen the writing progress. I thought Egret’s Loft tales were good stories but not well told. I thought the Raven’s Wing stories were told much better and as in the first series, good stories. Mistletoe and Murder has good writing, good characters, and a good story, the trifecta! Dani Harrington is the primary character. She has spent time in the U.S. but has returned to the U.K., to Bramblewick, the small town where her parents and sister still live. She has a Pilates studio which is doing well, as far as this reader could tell, although not making Dani rich – just yet. We don’t get much backstory on Dani in this first volume. Why did she go to the States? Why did she come back? How did she come to own and run a Pilates studio? Hopefully we’ll get some answers to these questions in future books. The plot centers around the town’s Honeybee Market, which has evolved over centuries from selling local honey to selling all sorts of local merchandise. But there’s trouble in the market, as outsiders start to get booths before locals who have waited months for one. It’s just a few days before Christmas as the book starts, and before long there is murder (as one can surmise from the title). There are suspects galore as Dani, who discovered the body, finds out. I won’t say more about the plot, no spoilers here.

This story is told in 3rd person present tense, which makes for an interesting read. There is a lot of plot going on, so not much time for character development, but we get to know Dani, her Pilates clients, and her family well enough to like them. The description of the town and the market are adequate to set the scenes. The book is edited well, and doesn’t lag in pace. The story is complete, no cliffhangers. For those who want to know, there is no bad language and no romantic liaisons (although there is some romantic attraction). The ending is logical and satisfactory to this reader. All in all, a good start to a new series, although I hope that there are more books to come in the Raven’s Wing series also.

I received an advance review copy of Mistletoe and Murder for free. I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.

[Kathy Koester]

During the holidays, I love to read cozy mysteries relating to the season. In this first endeavor by the author, T. E. Harkins, we are introduced to Dani Harrington who owns and operates a Pilates studio in her hometown of Bramblewick outside Manchester, England. The town is well known for its Honeybee Market, which was originally established several hundred years ago to celebrate Honey produced locally. But the market now, in addition to honey, sells hand crafted foods, clothing, jewelry, art and household items which has increased the foot traffic by bringing out of town shoppers. While Dani is shopping, she sees a mysterious sign saying to follow the side street for additional shops. Dani decides to go down the quiet street and discovers a woman lying face down and apparently stabbed to death.

Dani has been an amateur sleuth in the past, but any sleuthing has to occur when she isn’t planning her studio’s Christmas party or assisting with family holiday preparation. Suddenly Camille, her friend and client, is arrested and is taken into custody. But, in no time, another woman is murdered (but good news, Camille has an alibi as she was in jail!) As we follow the storyline, Dani figures out the murderer and everyone has a merry Christmas (or as they say in England, Happy Christmas!)

I enjoyed reading this start of a great mystery series. I have lived in England and so it brought back memories. You won't be disappointed in reading this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Daniella Harrington moved back home to Bramblewick, a quiet little English town, to open her Pilates studio Pulse Pilates , she was expecting to get the local women in shape, instead while browsing through the Bramblewick Honeybee Market, she discovers the dead body of the Chief Operations Officer.

This book is a classic who done it and will keep you guessing as you sypher through clues and the suspects. I was given this advanced reader copy for free, and am giving my review voluntarily . T. E Harkins can spin a tale that captures your attention from the first page and keeps you wanting more when you finish the book. I read and get alot of cozy mysteries and fancy myself as not quite as good as Miss Marple at deducing the suspects and solving the mystery, but pretty close to the cardigan wearing legend. I adored this book and will read it again in the future. T. E. Hastings is the master of red herrings and fantastic writing. Although this was my first time reading this author's work, I assure you, it will not be my last. I look forward to more books in this series, as this one was a very easy 5 stars for me

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Murder by T.E. Harkins

I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy, Christmassy, mystery murder. All the way through I was stumped over who had done it. There are plenty of suspects to choose from — I lost count how many times I changed my mind who the evil murderer was, which is why when it was revealed I was shocked! Definitely did not see that coming!

The story line pulls you in, each chapter giving you a snippet from certain days, rolling up to Christmas (morning, afternoon, night etc). Every day the MC learns more new information about the murder. The MC has her own reasons why she must find out who the murderer is, her aim is to find out before Christmas.

The story is written well with great characters. There are many characters throughout the story all with their own unique voice. Brilliant plot.

I highly recommend this Christmassy book — I look forward to the second.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first sentences of the book, it gave me vibes of A Christmas Carol.

The prologue at first gives you a wrong idea of what is about to happen as the book starts somewhere along the story, after which there is a flashback, which is essentially the rest of the book. Something you sometimes see in movies, but seldom in a book (in my experience).

It is told in 3rd person present, which I found took a bit getting used to, but it reads nicely enough. Also there are a lot of people in this story, so sometimes you have to look back to see who that person was and sometimes I lost track of what linked those people to each other.

There were a few moments where I thought what Dani did was a little unbelievable or too much, but the book works toward a nice ending without a cliffhanger.
It was a satisfactory read and I think a nice start of the series.

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when a series spins off a good character. That is the case in the new series, Mistletoe and Murder, about a young woman, Dani, who returns home and opens a Pilates studio. It is Christmas time and the busiest time for the Honeybee Market. All kinds of goodies line the streets, and hundreds of people shop daily for Christmas delights. It is one of these days when Dani finds the body of the manager of the market. Not known for being the nicest person on earth, the list of possible suspects is very long. When one of Dani’s clients gets arrested for the murder, she takes it personally, and starts hunting for the culprit.

A great intro to what I hope will be a long and successful series. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many things to like about this mystery. The amateur sleuth was confident, independent and had a supportive family. She receives lots of clues from knowing everyone in a small town. I liked that there were so many suspects that I didn't actually guess the real murderer. I didn't like the prologue where you find out the ending and then are wondering the whole book how this is going to happen when she didn't even know the murdered woman. I found it distracting. And then it ended in a cliffhanger. I hate cliffhangers. But if you like cliffhangers this is a cozy new mystery series with empowering female characters and a hint of romance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series and it's off to a great start. I came across Dani recently as a character in another of this author's books. She has returned home from her work on the cruise ship to open up a new Pilates studio and immediately manages to find a dead body when out at the local Christmas market. When the police arrest one of her customers, she sets out to prove the lady's innocence.

This was a lovely pleasant read. Dani and her family are all nice characters and the whole setting felt quite wholesome, apart from the murder. I look forward to reading more in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the setting of a small village in England at Christmas time. There is such a picture in my mind before I even start reading! Dani moves back to this small village in time for Christmas and lo and behold, she finds a murdered woman from the village. Lots of interesting ins and outs with this woman, lots of suspects and Dani has to figure it out. Good storyline, kept me interested and guessing about who the murderer was. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Murder is book 1 from the Magpie Cottage Murder Mystery series. This is a good Christmas murder mystery book. The storyline covers coming back home to start over but end up solving a murder. The characters are well liked and developed where it feels like you are interacting with them on a daily basis. It brings family and friends closer together but also accusing or jealousy of others. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Feinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A fabulous Christmassy adventure with a very unexpected plot twist! Light hearted and an easy read.

Excellent British countryside setting, with a heroine who starts off reluctantly but then gets into her swing when she needs to right wrongs. (Just a note: cider in the UK is alcoholic, not like cider in the US which isn't, and is pressed apple juice.)

It also teaches us not to judge people by appearances, so nicely done there.

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to cry. This is an excellent cozy clean murder mystery.

Love the characters, dialogue, and action. Feel so deeply for these characters, and love that Dani was from one of the other murder mysteries written by T. E. Harkins. Every murder mysteries written by T. E. Harkins has been very entertaining.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Murder is Book 1 in the Maggie Cottage Murder Mystery by T E Harkins. I enjoyed this cozy mystery and I thought the characters were interesting and well developed. I thought the author unfolded the story slowly like a flower blooming. Mistletoe and Murder is an enjoyable holiday book where the story is a countdown to Christmas. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Carol J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, although more for the descriptions and the atmosphere it created than the mystery itself, which I had more or less figured out before the culprit was revealed. It made me nostalgic for England, especially at Christmas time. I recommend the book as a pleasant holiday diversion.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a welcome to your new village but by finding a dead body! I liked Dani. The story was entertaining. Bramblewick was an quaint English village with interesting characters. I definitely was not bored by any of it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written mystery with lots of suspects, motives, and opportunities. Small town market with history from the Hightower family. Pilates, film makers, reporters, medical examiner, football star, WAGs, baker, and shop owners all add a piece to the puzzle. The ending will surprise you. I would read more about these characters. Hope this becomes a series.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Mistletoe and Murder and I really liked the characters.  I liked her pilates business, as it isn't usually a business in a cozy mystery.  I received a review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I look forward to my next book by  T. E. Harkins. 

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun story Dani owns a Pilates business and while visiting the town market she stumbles onto a murder. The woman was not liked she was running the market and the local vendors had complaints. This was a exciting read and I recommend it.