Murder in Covent Garden

Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #4

by Anita Davison, Oona Beeson (Narrator)

The BRAND NEW instalment in Anita Davison's gripping cozy mystery series!

Nobody should be in the market… for murder!

Even though its famous opera house has shuttered its doors for the war, Covent Garden remains one of the most exciting, bustling areas of London. It’s where Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet have their bookshop and, in spite of the recent spate of burglaries in the area, it’s generally thought to be a good neighbourhood.

So Hannah is surprised when she sees a fellow shopkeeper – a jeweller named Jacob Cornelis – having a heated argument with a stranger. Especially when the next day Cornelis is found dead in his shop, apparently the victim of another burglary.

But what shocks Hannah more is when she meets the policeman supposedly there to investigate the crime. Because he is none other than the man who Hannah saw arguing with Cornelis the day before.

Hannah knows it’s up to her and Violet to investigate. But they don’t know they’re about to uncover a secret underworld of theft, murder and blackmail. And they must act fast, before the Covent Garden Killer strikes again…

A gripping and unputdownable Golden Age cozy crime mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon and Verity Bright.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Historical Mystery

Audible Audio

First published March 14, 2025

About the author

Author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries published by Aria Fiction

Reviews

[Cherise Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery read. These characters have effectively warmed their way into my heart and plan to stay there. I really love period piece novels, and it's even better when it's a murder mystery.

The book is well written, and the chemistry between the characters is palpable. I love the jests they make towards each other. It adds a certain comedic effect that makes this book even more enjoyable. I also really like how the author incorporates war and its toll it takes on countries without it overshadowing the plot. Due to the time period in which the book is set, it can not be ignored, so she masterfully interweaves it into the story.

Despite this being a cozy murder mystery, the reveal of the antagonist still surprised me. Overall, this is the perfect read for those who love cozy mysterious reads. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley, and Anita Davidson for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[TF · Rating 4 out of 5]

This twisty cozy mystery gets off to a flying start with the appearance of a mysterious, wealthy Spanish gentleman in the bookshop run by Hannah and her aunt Violet. Shortly afterwards, a local shopkeeper - a jeweller - is murdered in what appears to be a robbery gone wrong. Hannah's not convinced though - she saw the jeweller just hours earlier arguing in the street with - plot twist - the policeman now assigned to investigate the murder. Fearing police involvement in the crime, Hannah decides to investigate herself..

Set in London in the summer of July 1917, the backdrop of the first world war is almost a character in itself so rich are the details. This is the fourth book in this series but easily read as a standalone, and would by enjoyed by anyone partial to a cozy mystery or historical mystery. The unraveling of the crime was very intriguing and a real page turner, which I enjoyed. My only criticism would be that the main characters - Hannah and Violet - seemed to both suddenly be dissatisfied with their partners but it was very quickly resolved.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.

#MurderInCoventGarden
#NetGalley

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Merrill runs a bookshop with her Aunt Violet as well as helping out at a local military hospital as often as she can. Concerningly there have been a number of robberies in the Covent Garden area and when one of them is revealed to have resulted in the death of a jeweller, Hannah resolves to help the police solve the case as quickly as possible. With Violet distracted by the arrival in town of an old flame and Hannah's fiancé continuing his top secret war, she finds herself dealing with the worrying clues with only her work colleagues Archie and Penny's assistance. Can she sort everything before the villains catch up to her and the Covent Garden Killer claims another victim?

Book four in this series is the second one I've read, and I'm glad I gave this series another chance as this is a really good cosy read. I enjoyed Hannah and her aunt much more this time. They seemed more feisty, and the case itself had a great many twists and turns before the big reveal.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good read from a great storyteller.

[Beachcomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. This has favourite characters return, in the form of Hannah, Aunt Violet, Darius, Aidan, and Archie, while there is a spate of robberies and a body is found in a nearby jewellers. There’s intrigue in the form of a Spanish gentleman from Aunt Vi’s past, a policeman who might not be all he seems, and of course Darius’ continuing super sekrit war work…

I enjoyed this as I have the previous in the series, but ultimately rounded the star rating down on Goodreads as it just seemed to split the mystery focus a little. It starts out with the robbery/murder, then there’s a bit about fencing stolen goods and the gentlemen’s club, then something else, and it felt quite gently paced and at times as though the original murder had been forgotten until right at the end when it was suddenly resolved.

However, as I said, I love the characters and this is a very enjoyable series that I look forward to continuing soon hopefully.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Keri Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a string of burglaries ends in a murder, Hannah finds herself involved again. Aiden is investigating to see if they are related or separate, and Hannah can’t help but investigate too. Aunt Violet is preoccupied with a male friend in town and so Hannah has Archie and Penny assist.

This book dragged more than the others and I didn’t really like the Darius issues or Aunt Violet not committing to Aiden. It just bothered me and I don’t think it brought anything to the story.

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Covent Garden has everything we've come to expect from a Miss Merill and Aunt Violet Mystery - a crime to solve, Hannah determined to discover the truth, and of course, Aunt Violet being her usual enigmatic self in World War 1 era London.

This time Hannah manages to get her herself into all sorts of difficult situations, which she somehow manages to escape from, as well as more than her fair share of possible perpetrators. Again, the ending wasn't expected, and I always appreciate that.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fourth installment of the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series was interesting and satisfying. The relationship of Hannah and Darius was also a part of this fun murder mystery. The series also shows the lack of women’s rights in the early 1900’s.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I really have a thing for WWl era cozy mysteries & was so happy to see there were more in this series I hadn't read yet. The audio narration is very good IMO.
😍

[Katarina Agata Marković · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder in Covent Garden" by Anita Davison is a charming cozy historical mystery that transports readers to WW1. The story is quite engaging.

However, as the fourth book in a series, it does feel like something is missing if you haven't read the earlier books. While the mystery itself is enjoyable, some character relationships and backstory are a bit of a mistery to me, but not in a good way. It is my bad that I didn't read all the books.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publishers for the ARC.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When jeweller Jacob Cornelis is murdered in his shop not far from Aunt Violet's bookshop, Hannah remembers seeing him shortly before his demise, in an intensive argument with another young man – who turns out to be one of investigating team. The police quickly assume that it's a burglary gone wrong. After all, several premises in the vicinity of Violet’s bookshop have reported burglaries in recent months. Poor Mr Cornelis must have surprised the culprits with his presence. Or is that assumption wrong?

Detective Inspector Aidan Farrell – Aunt Violet's love interest – is investigating the case, with he help of a young sidekick, and suddenly Hannah finds herself in a dilemma. The young man was seen arguing with Mr Cornelis, but doesn't apprise his boss of this small fact.

Hannah decides to pay her respects to the jeweller's step-daughter and wife, as he was a regular customer in her bookshop. But what starts out as a simple visit to convey condolences, leads to a much wider intrigue, as the jeweller had arranged marriage between the young woman and an associate of his. The associate's abrupt demeanor towards her doesn't endear him to Hannah, nor does the way he treats the late jeweller's staff.

And all the while, her Aunt Violet is going out with a Spanish gentleman, about whom she keeps shtum! Does it mean the end of Violet's unconventional relationship with Aidan? Piqued by her aunt's stubborn silence, Hannah finds herself being helped by the very man she's so curious about – in a place she shouldn't have been in the first place!

Is the fiancé involved in the jeweller's death? Or is something entirely different afoot here? Find out in the novel!

Murder In Covent Garden is yet another cleverly-plotted whodunit, with our intrepid sleuth, Hannah, and her wonderfully forthright Aunt Violet.

I've come to enjoy reading about these women's adventures – both, in their different ways, leading very unconventional lives. Both value their independence, which leads to Hannah's dilemma about her own fiancé, Darius, whose father wants them to marry, settle, and have children. It's not quite what Hannah envisages...

The plot takes you down a few fabulous rabbit holes, and gets Hannah into deep trouble in places where respectable ladies should not be found. Her adventure in that place was hilarious, and it involved a really intriguing twist.

As for the murderer, the conclusion is clever, and not quite what you expected.

Murder in Covent Garden is another enjoyable whodunit in this fabulous series, where we find the two fascinating women live their lives the way they want to. It was a time of great upheaval, both across Europe and within the women's rights movements. Things were changing. Against this dark backdrop, we have intriguing murders to solve. Well worth checking out!

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems lately like there's a trend for cozy mysteries to have a long list of side-stories that may be or may not be related to the main mystery, usually a murder. This one is no exception. As always, the ol' history buff in me enjoyed going back in time to catch up with Hannah Merrill's life in England during WWI. As we read, the war is still raging. In fact, we learn one co-volunteer at the hospital, Dinah, has not just an injured brother, who lost a foot, but three more still on the lines. It's during their walk back to the bookshop Hannah runs with her suffragette Aunt Violet that she sees jeweler Jacob Cornelis in a heated argument with a young man she doesn't know. Imagine her shock to learn the next day that Jacob has not only been murdered but the unknown young man is the police officer assisting regular character Aiden Farrell as his new assistant.

I won't detail the plot further other than to say there is a lot happening. Such as? Oh, Aunt Violet skipping an evening out with Aiden to go out with the mysterious Emilio Alfaro, from Mallorca, who seems to draw odd reactions when Hannah mentions his name. Stolen goods. Police office Daniel Vane seems to have a ready answer for his intereaction with Jacob but, well, can he be trusted? There has been talk of a leak from the police lately, after all. Hannah's boyfriend Darius is his usual reticent self when it comes to revealing any details of his job with Britain's MI5 intelligence agency. Is it really as safe an boring as he says or, yikes, is he actively spying on Britain's behalf? There's more but that gives you some of the highlights.

Overall, the characters are intriguing and mostly likable and, hey, we can't forget bookshop cat Bartleby. While I enjoyed the story, I have to admit that the pace was slow at times and the many side stories seemed to pull my attention away from the main question, "Who killed Jacob Cornelis?" While the author did a good job of weaving them in and out of the plot, not to mention reminding us we were in the midst of wartime England, I didn't feel as drawn to it as I had expected. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, just didn't love it. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. I did enjoy Hannah's rather confused reaction to feisty, pushy female reporter Tilly, however. Even though Tilly annoyed her, Hannah admitted she admired her ambitions and drive to excel in the then very male dominated news world. Hannah having to go pull out some hoarded wine at one point also reminds us again of the adjustments of life during wartime. The history buff in me always enjoys these little, personal glimpses of real life, I have to admit. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for letting me take an early peek at how life and war is impacting Hannah's day to day life in England.

[Agatha Marplewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Covent Garden is set in London, 1917, during WWI, where Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet own and run a bookshop.

When a spate of burglaries ends in the murder of a local jeweler, Hannah decides to do a little digging to find the culprit. But not everything is as it seems, and soon Hannah is in quite a bit of danger...

--------------------------------------------

I jumped into this series at book four, and while I'm sure I missed a couple of key elements and how certain relationships developed in the first three books, this had no negative impact at all, which was great.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not least because the characters were so well-rounded. Aunt Violet and Hannah are ahead of their time for 1917, and some of their banter really made me laugh.

For a cozy mystery, I learned a lot, too. For instance, I had never heard of 'trench watches' which, as it turns out, are the origins of the men's wristwatch, which was adapted from the pocket watch because of the war. That might say more about me, though!

The plot is excellent and twisty enough that different characters could all be in the frame at some point, so I kept changing my mind as the book went on.

Murder in Covent Garden moves along at a great pace and is engaging from beginning to end, right up to the whodunit reveal.

I loved all the characters and will definitely be reading number 5 when it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Murder in Covent Garden in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in Covent Garden is the fourth book in the series centered on Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Viola. I haven’t read all of the previous novels in the series, but I did read the one prior to this, so I did have some familiarity with the characters. Still, I think the book stands well on its own, and any history needed is given.

Set in London during the First World War, a local jeweler is found dead in his shop, and the police and Inspector Aiden Farrell suspect he was the victim of burglars who have hit a series of local places. Hannah isn’t so sure. The day before he died, Hannah spotted Jacob Cornelius having an argument with a man who turns out to be another police officer. Intrigued, Hannah goes to call on the widow and stepdaughter of the deceased man. She learns the business was about to be sold in a deal that involved an arranged marriage for the stepdaughter.

Hannah’s fiancé, who is working for MI5 during the war, cautions her against getting involved, and causes Hannah to wonder if marrying him is the right thing to do. Of course, she doesn’t listen to him. D.I. Farrell has also been romantically involved with the free-spirited Aunt Violet for a while. However, there’s a man from Violet’s past now back in the picture who could come between them as well.

To read my complete review, please go to Murder in Covent Garden by Anita Davison – A Cozy Mystery Set in WWI London

[Mrs.J.Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for lovers of historical crime fiction

This story has far more to it than a 'cosy murder mystery '. Not only does the author tell a ripping yarn, she delves into issues of class, the roles of the sexes, and of course the mores and politics of the time. You could almost call it educational.

The plot is highly plausible, with lots of suspense and twists. Obviously the author has done a lot of research. The language used, the clothing and decorations all give the book authenticity. She is also able to write in such a way that you are in the room, in the alleyway, anxious to see the outcome.

The characters continue from her previous books with a few additions. Hannah and her aunt Violet are back, as is Darius, Hannah's fiancé and D.I Aiden, Violet's love interest. Our Violet is a very modern woman indeed. In this novel she has two lovers stringing along.
,
Hannah can't resist getting involved in a burglary gone wrong at a nearby jewellers. She has strong detective instincts which aren't always appreciated by Aiden or Darius. The situations she finds herself are challenging to say the least, as is her attitude to relationships in general.

Women are given strong roles in this book. I know from my own grandmothers there were women with strong views during the Edwardian period who set the stage for modern feminism.

This book is a real page turner. Enjoy dipping into London in WW1.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read "Murder in Covent Garden" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 4th book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mystery series. This story takes place in July 1917 in Covent Garden, London.

Hannah runs a bookshop with her Aunt Violet. This story will answer the question as to where Aunt Violet actually got the bookshop from. Hannah volunteers at the Endell Street Military Hospital where there are 500 wounded soldiers from the battlefields of Belgium and France. She takes them books to read as they recuperate.

Her fiancé Darius Clifford works with Military Intelligence Five Division and even Hannah has no idea what he actually does.

Aunt Violet is walking out with DI Aidan Farrell who is investigating a series of robberies. When Jacob Cornelis a fellow shopkeeper is murdered Hannah feels she has to get involved. There are many red herrings in the story that she misses. Hannah is very good at setting traps that she herself falls into. While she helps Aidan solve the case, not before putting herself in great danger several times.

Miss Davison has once again captured the feel of this time period through her descriptions of the war rationings and what it was like to live in London during this time period.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet run a bookshop in London and occasionally help policeman Aidan, Violet's beau, to solve crimes. This book is number 4 in the series and the ladies continue to involve themselves in Aidan's cases against the gentleman's wishes, which often leads to contention in Hannah's relationship with her fiancé Darius, who has a top secret job with the Government which often adds romantic complication and intrigue.

I very much enjoy the character of Hannah and her relationship with Aunt Violet which grows a little stronger in this story as she learns more about her secretive Aunt's past due to the arrival of a mysterious Spaniard from her past.

The downside was the jarring way the majority of characters personalities seemed to flip at some point in the book, which developed the plot but was a little abrupt. One minute they are portrayed as a typical Dickensian villain or corrupt cop and the next you learn a little more and it spins the story in a completely different direction.

Overall it was a great progression to the story, I look forward to seeing how the relationship between Hannah and Darius develops in the face of the top secret nature of his job. I adore the historical detail of the time, the strong description of women's rights and the activities of the suffragettes.

Book proof received free via NetGalley.

[Jeane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number four in this series and today it is my turn to tell you my thoughts. I had high expectations starting the story as all other books in this series have been so enjoyable to read.
I was a bit worried at the beginning when it seems a less exciting time was going on in Hannah's life and at the bookshop she runs with her aunt Violet. The book started at a slower pace, but let it to Violet to shake things up when an old flame is back in town and she is being vague to Hannah, when meeting in the bookshop. Soon there are also several burglaries happening in the area, so their police friend Aidan asks them to be extra careful and not to mingle in his investigation.
But when a jeweller nearby is murdered during a robbery, we know very well Hannah won't leave it there and is soon asking questions. When one of her employees mentions trafficking of stolen goods in a nearby pub, Hannah goes to a level of courage that makes you admire her and enjoy the story even more, but also brings her into a very dangerous situation. One in which suddenly more characters are involved and you keep wondering who to trust.
Anita Davison does again not disappoint and the characters in this cozy mystery story neither. The conversations between them, the friendships.... sometimes you wish you were in the story with them!

[Kristine Booksandstuff123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Murder in Covent Garden' by Anita Davidson.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved this book. It kept me guessing right till the end. It's full of suspence, romance, adventures and murder. I wish I had an Aunt Violet, she's a incredible character. If you're a fan of cozy crime then give this book a read.

Even though its famous opera house has shuttered its doors for the war, Covent Garden remains one of the most exciting, bustling areas of London. It’s where Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet have their bookshop and, in spite of the recent spate of burglaries in the area, it’s generally thought to be a good neighbourhood.
So Hannah is surprised when she sees a fellow shopkeeper – a jeweller named Jacob Cornelis – having a heated argument with a stranger. Especially when the next day Cornelis is found dead in his shop, apparently the victim of another burglary.
But what shocks Hannah more is when she meets the policeman supposedly there to investigate the crime. Because he is none other than the man who Hannah saw arguing with Cornelis the day before.
Hannah knows it’s up to her and Violet to investigate. But they don’t know they’re about to uncover a secret underworld of theft, murder and blackmail. And they must act fast, before the Covent Garden Killer strikes again…

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

[Spinster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in this series. It follows amateur sleuth Hannah Merrill, who works in a cozy bookshop alongside her aunt Violet. In this story, Hannah goes from volunteering at a hospital--the story is set in WWI--to witnessing a fight to learning that one of the people involved in the fight was murdered. What follows is a somewhat meandering but layered and rewarding historical mystery. I enjoy Hannah as a sleuth--she's bright, with flashes of sass, and while I'm not a historian she felt like a character who was true to her time. Likewise, Aunt Violet is a fun character to read about. Most of the "home front during the war" stories I've read in my life are set during WWII, so it was really interesting to go further back in time and think about day-to-day life during WWI. My one quibble with the book is that the cover reads very roaring 20s, presumably to cash in on the trend of cozies set there (thanks, Miss Fisher!), and that's a bit misleading. But marketing is marketing, and imo anyone who gives this series a try based on cover alone won't be disappointed. Highly recommend to those who enjoy female sleuths and historical fiction! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free copy for review.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Merill owns the Covent Garden Bookshop with her Aunt Violet Edwards. Recently, some break-ins have been happening at the surrounding shops. One of the victims was known to Hannah and her aunt, Mr. Cornelis who owns a jewelry shop on Floral Street. He was found dead.

Penny and Archie work for the bookshop and are encouraging Hannah to help find the killer. It is known that the Priest's Hole, a pub, is known to sell black market stolen goods and that is were they should start. Against her boyfriend Darius Clifford's request, Hannah decides to figure out who knows about the thefts and who may be the killer. She has many suspects; could it be Mr. Emilio Alfara, a recent Spanish individual with unknown origin or perhaps it's Detective Constable Daniel Vane, who she saw being part of some suspicious activities, or it may be Mr. Edwin Lloyd, Mr . Cornelis future son-in-law to be who didn't get his way? Hannah will help Detective Inspector Aidan Farrell, her Aunt Violet's beau, find the killer and stop these break-ins.

Murder In Covent Garden has several shady characters with intent and motive who could easily be the killer. But you will never guess who it is!

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this cozy and delicious murder mystery with a huge twist.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries Book 4

Even though the famous opera house has been shuttered, it's doors closed for the war, Covent Garden remains one of the most exciting, bustling areas of London. It's where Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet have their bookshop and, in spite of the recent spate of burglaries in the area, it's generally thought to be a good neighbourhood. So Hannah is surprised when she sees a fellow shopkeeper - a jeweller named Jacob Cordelis - having a heated argument with a stranger. Especially when the next day Cordelis is found dead in his shop, apparently the victim of another burglary.

London, July 1917. I'm really liking this cosy murder mystery series. Hannah's fiance is still doing top secret war work, an old flame of Violet's is in town, and there's a spate of burglaries around Covent Garden. The man who Cornelis was arguing with is the policeman who turns up to investigate his murder. But not everything is as it seems. There were lots of twists, the characters were well-developed, the pace was steady in this well-written book.

Published 14th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AnitaDavidson for my ARC of #MurderIN/coventGarden in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet cosy mystery. The protagonist, Hannah, runs a bookshop with her Aunt Violet. When one of the bookshop’s customers is found dead, Hannah remembers that she saw him earlier that day, apparently in an argument with someone. Meanwhile, Inspector Farrell needs to figure out who is responsible for some recent burglaries. Hannah has her suspicions, but doesn't know who to tell.

I've read most of the previous books in this series, and I always enjoy them. A bookshop is one of my favourite backdrops for a cosy mystery, and these characters are always fun to read about. I find the characters humorous, and appreciate the bonds of love and friendship between them, especially Hannah and her Aunt Violet. Once again, I felt very much at home with the characters, and I read this latest instalment in one sitting.

If you enjoy cosy historical mysteries, I'd recommend this series. If you haven't read the previous books, I think this could be enjoyed as a standalone, but I'd recommend the previous books as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1917 and WWI is still raging with no signs of an end. Bookstore owners Hannah and Aunt Violet are two women well ahead of their times. They are also jolly good at solving murders and helping Violet’s gentleman, Aiden who happens to be DI in the Met. Whilst their assistance has been helpful before it comes with the chagrin of both Aiden and Hannah’s fiancé. You know, however, when a jeweller who happened to be one of the customers is murdered in his shop, Hannah is not going to be able to hold herself back.

She becomes doubly involved when she meets the step-daughter of the victim and Aiden expresses frustration at a series of burglaries in the Covent Garden area that has him flummoxed. One of the big questions is whether the murderer was part of the gang or if it was just a one-off. The more questions she asks, the more complex the web surrounding all the people. Who is a good guy and who is a villain? Hannah does not get it right all the time and when she gets it wrong, she really does a bang up job.

I have enjoyed this series because the two protagonists are such interesting characters. Not satisfied to fulfill the roles society has decided for them, they are plucky, intelligent and strong. The reader will cheer them on as I do. Five purrs and two paws up.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A jeweller is killed during a burglary at his shop. Hannah saw the jeweller arguing with a man hours earlier and then identifes the man as the new detective...
Murder in Covent Garden is the 4th book to feature Hannah Merrill and her aunt Violet, set in London during WW1.
Hannah and her aunt are involved in another murder when a local jeweller is killed during a burglary. Visiting the family, Hannah thinks that the buisness partner and prospective fiance of the jeweller's daughter could have a motive. But she also saw the jeweller arguing with a mystery man who she then discovers is the new police detective constable!
Hannah is warned off but can’t help investigating even though this places her in danger. Meanwhile, Violet is acting oddly, involved with another man and not paying attention to Aiden. Hannah is also having issues with Darius and is fearful about sacrificing her freedom when they marry.
The setting of the book features prominently with the background of WW1 alongside the Suffragettes and women’s rights. These are central to Hannah and Violet's characters and behaviour, and impacts on their relationships.
Murder in Covent Garden is an enjoyable historical cosy murder mystery.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this excellent continuation of the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet cozy mystery series, readers return to war-torn Covent Garden where Hannah’s life as a bookstore owner is as calm as it can be for wartime and an accidental detective. When she spots jeweller Jacob Cornelis arguing with a stranger the day before he is found dead -- the supposed victim of a burglary like the ones plaguing the area -- Hannah finds herself invested in this new case, especially when the police officer investigating the murder is the many Cornelis had argued with the day before. Hannah and Violet have no idea what their investigation may uncover, but murder, theft, and blackmail are all on the table until the killer is caught. A fantastic continuation of this charming historical mystery series, this novel adds in a threat close to home and a series of new crimes that really expand the series and build off the prior books. The character development and world-building is particularly well done, and both Hannah and Aunt Violet really shine as the protagonists of this novel. Entertaining, fast-paced, and exciting, this is a great new mystery that fans of this series and similar historical mysteries will really enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Mary Polzella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the tumultuous time of WWI, Hannah Merrill runs a bookshop with her Aunt Violet in Covent Garden. Although a safe area, there's been a recent spate of burglaries and when a kind, elderly jeweller is found murdered in his shop, Hannah feels she must use her skills to help the police find the culprit, especially when she saw a stranger arguing with the victim the day before. When the stranger turns out to be one of the policemen assigned to investigate the crime, Hannah ropes in her friends to help her find out the truth, even going undercover into a 'gentleman's club' to track what happened to the stolen jewels.

A fun, light-hearted murder mystery read about a young, headstrong, independent woman and her suffragette aunt, who both love to push the conventions of the time.
Wonderful characters you can't help but love and a great plot with a few twists along the way to keep you turning the pages. An easy and entertaining read which is part of a series by this author - I look forward to reading more books in this series. ⭐⭐⭐.5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book and an opportunity to review it. Publication date is 14 March 2025.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

This is the 4th book in the series, this novel is set in 1917 in London during WW1. Like the others in this series, it is an enjoyable "cozy" mystery with an edge..

The main characters (Hannah and her Aunt Violet, Darius, Aidan) are joined by a cast of supporting characters - all well written and believable. I particularly liked the mysterious stranger from Aunt Violet's past. We get to know more about the main characters, and they are developing all the time - reflecting the changing times of the novel's setting.

This novel is once again set in and around Covent Garden (an area I know well). There are several strands to the story - which are all interconnected in the end, but it's not immediately obvious how (this is a good thing!).

I'm already looking forward to the next in this series.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[TheeBeezKnees Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC review ✨

I was having a major fantasy and romance hangover and I was really needing a cozy but entertaining pallet cleanser and I found it! This cozy murder mystery was everything I needed! This is book 4 in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series. I did not read the books that came before this but I didn’t feel confused or out of place at all. From the first page you are transported to wartime London with its vivid setting and the character dialogue. Hannah Merrill is the main character who volunteers at a local military hospital and runs a bookshop with her aunt and seems to have made a name for herself as an unofficial detective working alongside the local police to help crack cases. Hannah is a fantastic FMC—witty, determined, and fun to follow as she unravels the twists and turns of the case. The mystery itself kept me engaged, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the ending took me by surprise! If you love a cozy “golden age” mystery this is definitely one to pick up!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining cozy mystery and continuation of a series set in WW I London. Davison has broadened the mystery plot with additional actions going on with respect to the war, such as secret peace negotiations. Hannah's investigations leads her to other nefarious acts being committed, such as the theft of jewelry. The murder mystery is solved but it is a bit complex in the end.

What I like best about this series is the collection of characters. Hannah is a determined woman, much to the dismay of the men in her life. The female character aspect of the novel is enhanced by others, a female villain, a young woman who may take over a jewelry shop and an aggressive female reporter. I liked how Hannah's character related to them, showing her own strengths.

This is a good historical cozy mystery and an entertaining read. While it is the fourth in the series, it can be read on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a well-known playwright is found murdered in Covent Garden, a determined detective steps in to unravel the mystery. As secrets and lies are uncovered, the detective must navigate through a web of deception to catch the killer before they strike again.
If you want to read a delicious and compelling mystery set in the fascinating streets of London, Murder in Covent Garden by Anita Davidson is the right choice!
Anita Davidson weaves an intricate tale that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Her characters are vivid, their motives complex, and the plot twists will leave you breathless.
It was a pleasure to catch up with the main characters and travel back in time to London after WWI. This book is a clever mix of wit and suspense, making it impossible to put down.
I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine