What do you think?
Rate this book
Kitty Worthington Mysteries #11
Murder in the Mistletoe Shoppe: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery
Kitty Worthington’s joyous Christmas season spirals into a deadly mystery when a holiday shop owner is murdered, and a dear friend is blamed for the crime.
London. 1924. Kitty Worthington, newly married to the love of her life, Chief Detective Inspector Robert Crawford Sinclair, is eagerly anticipating spending Christmas with her family at Wynchcombe Castle. But when the health of Robert’s brother takes a turn for the worse, their holiday plans change.
Hoping to make their Christmas in London as merry as possible, she visits the city’s famous Mistletoe Shoppe to buy festive decorations. When she arrives at the store, she discovers a chilling scene—the body of the shop owner, a marionette carved with the name of someone dear to her clutched in his hand.
In no time at all, her treasured acquaintance becomes the main suspect, leaving Kitty with no choice but to investigate. Soon, she discovers the victim was a spy during the Great War. But was he working for the British or the Germans? And how is her friend connected to it all?
With each revelation, Kitty uncovers hidden motives, deceptive alliances, and long-buried betrayals, all set against the backdrop of a snowy London during the holiday season. Can she untangle the truth before her beloved friend pays a horrible price?
Join Kitty Worthington on a journey of suspense and intrigue in this gripping Christmas historical cozy mystery. Murder in the Mistletoe Shoppe, Book 11 in the Kitty Worthington Mysteries, is sure to please fans of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
London. 1924. Kitty Worthington, newly married to the love of her life, Chief Detective Inspector Robert Crawford Sinclair, is eagerly anticipating spending Christmas with her family at Wynchcombe Castle. But when the health of Robert’s brother takes a turn for the worse, their holiday plans change.
Hoping to make their Christmas in London as merry as possible, she visits the city’s famous Mistletoe Shoppe to buy festive decorations. When she arrives at the store, she discovers a chilling scene—the body of the shop owner, a marionette carved with the name of someone dear to her clutched in his hand.
In no time at all, her treasured acquaintance becomes the main suspect, leaving Kitty with no choice but to investigate. Soon, she discovers the victim was a spy during the Great War. But was he working for the British or the Germans? And how is her friend connected to it all?
With each revelation, Kitty uncovers hidden motives, deceptive alliances, and long-buried betrayals, all set against the backdrop of a snowy London during the holiday season. Can she untangle the truth before her beloved friend pays a horrible price?
Join Kitty Worthington on a journey of suspense and intrigue in this gripping Christmas historical cozy mystery. Murder in the Mistletoe Shoppe, Book 11 in the Kitty Worthington Mysteries, is sure to please fans of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers.
170 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2025
669 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 16, 2025
another in a fine series of murder mystery set , in the 1920's london,
February 12, 2025
This Magda Alexander book featuring Kitty Worthington centers around one of my favorie characters from the series - Hollingsworth. He is full of intrigue and has all the bad boy characteristics loved by most women. He is at the heart of the latest crime Kitty and her friends are faced with solving. Not a Ladies of Distinction case, but it calls on all the usual friends in her intimate circle to save a dear friend from a false accusation!
I first met Kitty on the Golden Arrow and have been in love with her ever since! Murder in the Mistletoe Shoppe is filled with all the good things. Murder, intrigue, national security, family, and friends. Kitty has evolved so much from the first book. She has found her place among her family, met the man of her dreams, created a circle of trusted friends, and did what these books do best - show a strong female lead in a time where women were being allowed to stand on their own. If you love 1920's British murdery mysteries, this series is one of the best. Truly a great series with good dialogue and crimes and solutions that make sense.
Highly Recommend! 5 Stars!
I first met Kitty on the Golden Arrow and have been in love with her ever since! Murder in the Mistletoe Shoppe is filled with all the good things. Murder, intrigue, national security, family, and friends. Kitty has evolved so much from the first book. She has found her place among her family, met the man of her dreams, created a circle of trusted friends, and did what these books do best - show a strong female lead in a time where women were being allowed to stand on their own. If you love 1920's British murdery mysteries, this series is one of the best. Truly a great series with good dialogue and crimes and solutions that make sense.
Highly Recommend! 5 Stars!
February 3, 2025
Festive fatality
When Kitty and Robert are required to stay in London over the Christmas holidays Kitty sets out to make it as festive and joyful as possible. Unfortunately in her quest she stumbles upon a dead shopkeeper. When Hollingsworth is named as chief suspect the investigative crew must set aside holiday celebrations and get to work. A stubborn and biased detective with a grudge against Robert, a network of spies and national security concerns all stack up against them but that won’t deter them from finding the truth.
What a wonderful, charming story. Heartwarming holiday celebrations and festive investigations with all the wit and determination that we’ve come to expect and live from this familiar crew of intrepid sleuths. Fast paced and full of twists this is a great read for any season!
When Kitty and Robert are required to stay in London over the Christmas holidays Kitty sets out to make it as festive and joyful as possible. Unfortunately in her quest she stumbles upon a dead shopkeeper. When Hollingsworth is named as chief suspect the investigative crew must set aside holiday celebrations and get to work. A stubborn and biased detective with a grudge against Robert, a network of spies and national security concerns all stack up against them but that won’t deter them from finding the truth.
What a wonderful, charming story. Heartwarming holiday celebrations and festive investigations with all the wit and determination that we’ve come to expect and live from this familiar crew of intrepid sleuths. Fast paced and full of twists this is a great read for any season!
February 6, 2025
Best Historical Mystery Series Ever!!
I rarely review books and I read many! My favorites are historical mysteries, especially those set in the 1920s. Magda Alexander has provided an outstanding series in this genre with the Kitty Worthington Mysteries! The setting is post-war Europe, mostly in Great Britain. We get to know the characters and their relationships intimately and, unlike many books in this category, I never see the repetition that makes me think the author is just trying to increase page numbers. In this book, a dear friend of Kitty's is implicated in a seemingly senseless murder. World War 1 entanglements become involved as Kitty and her friends attempt to make sense of the murder and hopefully prove their friend's supposed innocence. I recommend reading the books in order to really understand the characters' interactions with one another. Enjoy!!!!!
I rarely review books and I read many! My favorites are historical mysteries, especially those set in the 1920s. Magda Alexander has provided an outstanding series in this genre with the Kitty Worthington Mysteries! The setting is post-war Europe, mostly in Great Britain. We get to know the characters and their relationships intimately and, unlike many books in this category, I never see the repetition that makes me think the author is just trying to increase page numbers. In this book, a dear friend of Kitty's is implicated in a seemingly senseless murder. World War 1 entanglements become involved as Kitty and her friends attempt to make sense of the murder and hopefully prove their friend's supposed innocence. I recommend reading the books in order to really understand the characters' interactions with one another. Enjoy!!!!!
July 15, 2025
Hollingsworth is a deeply troubled man and whatever is troubling him was further enhanced when he was accused of murder. It started when Kitty found the body with the dead man clutching a marionette with his name printed on it. Given that Robert is Kitty's husband and his best friend, Robert was taken off the case and Bolton (with an ax to grind against Robert) was put on it. It turned out that Awkwright's death had something to do with matters of National Security, highly sensitive stuff. First Spy Master, Salverton asked for Kitty's help then he rescinded it. That left the motley crew of close Worthington family and friends to investigate and solve Awkwright's murder and free Hollingsworth given that now both Kitty and Robert were off the case.
Yet Hollingsworth unresolved and unvoiced issues still nagged at him. A MYSTERY.
Yet Hollingsworth unresolved and unvoiced issues still nagged at him. A MYSTERY.
October 31, 2025
London, Christmas 1924. Kitty and her new husband Robert are looking forward to spending their first Christmas as newlyweds with her family at Wynchcombe Castle, but when Robert's elderly brother's health takes a bad turn, they decide to stay at their London townhouse instead. While shopping at the famed London Mistletoe Shoppe for holiday decorations, she is shocked to find the proprietor has been murdered, holding a toy inscribed with the name of Robert's dear friend, Holllingsworth. Before long, puzzling evidence has Scotland Yard convinced that Hollingsworth is the murderer, but as Kitty and Robert start exploring, their focus is shifted toward matters of national security and a network of spies. As the inquiry is wrapped up, the family gathers to celebrate the warmth of the Christmas season and the promise of the New Year.
February 3, 2025
Absolutely Charming!
I enjoyed this very entertaining and interesting cozy mystery. A first by this author but definitely not my last. I love mysteries set in London, especially ones set in the 1920's. Such an intriguing time in history. This novel had in all, a female detective who is part of the Ladies of Distinction agency, members of the aristocratic upper crust society and a mystery to solve. The main character is a newly wed so there is a bit of romance as well. Fast paced, well written and very charming and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next book with this same very interesting cast of characters.
I enjoyed this very entertaining and interesting cozy mystery. A first by this author but definitely not my last. I love mysteries set in London, especially ones set in the 1920's. Such an intriguing time in history. This novel had in all, a female detective who is part of the Ladies of Distinction agency, members of the aristocratic upper crust society and a mystery to solve. The main character is a newly wed so there is a bit of romance as well. Fast paced, well written and very charming and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next book with this same very interesting cast of characters.
August 27, 2025
I really love these characters and seeing them grow. And I like the writing. Makes me feel like I’m there. Unfortunately, the lack of good editing is a spoiler. I’ve never read a series with as many errors. I mean in Brighton she mixed up names, calling Harrington, Hollingsworth, and vice versa. I’ve never heard of chief deceive inspector. Always detective chief inspector, DCI. Maybe I’m just not aware of the accuracy of that title. Even though the awful editing, or lack thereof, is off putting, I still enjoy following the characters and enjoy the writing.
February 8, 2025
Another Romp for Kitty and Company
Kitty and Robert have to rescue another friend from the hangman’s noose. Their committee, of course, helps out and it’s all set around Christmas festivities and a toy shop. I would like to see the group investigate something that doesn’t involve one of their nearest and dearest sometime. I feel like some innocent person must have been accused of murder in 1920’s London. The Committee could use their well-honed skills further afield.
Kitty and Robert have to rescue another friend from the hangman’s noose. Their committee, of course, helps out and it’s all set around Christmas festivities and a toy shop. I would like to see the group investigate something that doesn’t involve one of their nearest and dearest sometime. I feel like some innocent person must have been accused of murder in 1920’s London. The Committee could use their well-honed skills further afield.
February 27, 2025
The 52 Book Club's 2025 Challenge - Prompt #41 - Cover Font in Primary Color
This is one of my favorite series. Just a great read.
The only thing I would say is on the kindle book a character's name changed from - Arkwright to Wainwright - to Cartwright - then back to Arkwright at the end of the book. The editors need to pay attention. He was Mr. Arkwright through the whole book except the last chapter.
This is one of my favorite series. Just a great read.
The only thing I would say is on the kindle book a character's name changed from - Arkwright to Wainwright - to Cartwright - then back to Arkwright at the end of the book. The editors need to pay attention. He was Mr. Arkwright through the whole book except the last chapter.
May 17, 2025
Espionage leads to murder.
When Kitty and Robert’s good friend Hollingsworth is arrested for the murder of a shopkeeper, their little band of sleuths reunites to prove his innocence. Because both the victims and the suspects are members of the intelligence community, the investigation takes on more stealth than usual. There is the usual witty banter among the group, making it a pleasant read.
When Kitty and Robert’s good friend Hollingsworth is arrested for the murder of a shopkeeper, their little band of sleuths reunites to prove his innocence. Because both the victims and the suspects are members of the intelligence community, the investigation takes on more stealth than usual. There is the usual witty banter among the group, making it a pleasant read.
September 10, 2025
love the Shakespeare quotes
I really should have highlighted them all (well, all that I recognize).
Once again, a member of the inner circle is accused of murder. Past experiences in the Great War are a major component of the murder, and who can be involved in solving it. Robert, Kitty, and a few others miss Christmas celebrations at the home if Sebastian and the glowing Margaret. And, of course, a proposal is included in the festivals and murder solutions.
I really should have highlighted them all (well, all that I recognize).
Once again, a member of the inner circle is accused of murder. Past experiences in the Great War are a major component of the murder, and who can be involved in solving it. Robert, Kitty, and a few others miss Christmas celebrations at the home if Sebastian and the glowing Margaret. And, of course, a proposal is included in the festivals and murder solutions.
November 26, 2025
Recently married, Kitty and her husband Robert plan to spend the Christmas holidays with Kitty's family at her brother-in-law's country estate. But the illness of Robert's older brother keeps them in Town. While shopping for gifts for the staff Kitty makes a gruesome discovery—the shopkeeper, dead! Another case begins in which Robert's best friend is the prime suspect, leading Kitty into a maze of secrets.
June 14, 2025
cosy murder mystery
Interesting mystery, enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Relationships too good to be true but as you wish they could be. The dog seems to have disappeared, he was a cute character. Surprised the family didn’t invest in the chauffeurs auto business.
Interesting mystery, enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Relationships too good to be true but as you wish they could be. The dog seems to have disappeared, he was a cute character. Surprised the family didn’t invest in the chauffeurs auto business.
February 2, 2025
This is the 11th entry in the Kitty Worthington series and is an engaging look into the world of espionage during and following WWI. The plot moves quickly with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged until the end. I enjoy this series very much and anxiously await the next entry.
March 3, 2025
Tea, anyone
Well, Robert and Kitty are finally settled into their martial home on Eaton Street. Again, one of their closest friends is wrongly accused of murder. The Official Secrets Act may prevent him from being cleared of the crime!
Well, Robert and Kitty are finally settled into their martial home on Eaton Street. Again, one of their closest friends is wrongly accused of murder. The Official Secrets Act may prevent him from being cleared of the crime!
Read
February 24, 2025I loved the book
I have read all in the series. I like the characters and their development.
I have read all in the series. I like the characters and their development.
April 21, 2025
Great read
Very enjoyable and concerning at the same time: love in the air and murder to solve; friends to vindicate! Well done.
Very enjoyable and concerning at the same time: love in the air and murder to solve; friends to vindicate! Well done.
May 22, 2025
good
Not a particularly challenging historical mystery. It was well written and characters are being developed. Time to go to the British Museum.
Not a particularly challenging historical mystery. It was well written and characters are being developed. Time to go to the British Museum.
May 26, 2025
Always a good read…
As always, Kitty and company of friends and family detectives provided an interesting and intriguing plot. Looking forward to the next in the series
As always, Kitty and company of friends and family detectives provided an interesting and intriguing plot. Looking forward to the next in the series
July 31, 2025
Listened to audiobook
February 8, 2025
I read it in a day!
Once I started I simply had to keep reading. Though I can do without all the mushy lovey dovey stuff the investigation part is highly enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Once I started I simply had to keep reading. Though I can do without all the mushy lovey dovey stuff the investigation part is highly enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews