What do you think?
Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries #6
A Murder Before Christmas: A 1920s Festive Historical Mystery
Snowstorms, pilfered recipes, and long-forgotten secrets. It’s the Christmas season, the way only Lady Caroline and Uncle Albert can do it.
Join the unlikely duo in a delightful holiday escapade filled with good cheer and murder.
Christmastide, 1925
With only days left until Christmas, uncle Albert is in a tizzy. The annual Twelve-Birds-Of-Christmas Dinner is looming, and his scheme to procure a copy of the latest book craze to sweep the Royal Society for Natural History Appreciation has been thwarted.
Now, in a desperate bid to secure a Christmas miracle, Lady Caroline and Uncle Albert travel to an isolated castle on the Yorkshire moors in pursuit of the only available copy of the coveted book.
But when the duo meets their eccentric hosts, the countdown to Christmas takes an unexpected turn. Soon, Lady Caroline is embroiled in a mystery involving a bird in a chimney, a chocolate biscuit recipe, and a missing assistant.
As a snowstorm moves over the moors, secrets swirl like snowflakes, and the puzzle turns deadly. Cut off from the civilized world, and with a killer on the loose in the castle, Lady Caroline puts a dangerous ploy into action. She hopes to solve the mystery, catch the killer, and make it home for Christmas.
The villain has other plans.
Will Lady Caroline's perilous ruse succeed? Will she make it out alive? And most importantly, will Uncle Albert be able to hold his head high while tucking into a Heron Pudding at the Royal Society this Christmas?
A Murder Before Christmas is Book 6 of the Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries series . In the glamorous world of 1920s Europe, money and privilege rub shoulders, and murder is never far behind. Follow Lady Caroline, intelligent and witty, with a fondness for breaking rules, on a fun romp through the golden age of crime, in an entertaining mystery with no gore or gloom.
Join the unlikely duo in a delightful holiday escapade filled with good cheer and murder.
Christmastide, 1925
With only days left until Christmas, uncle Albert is in a tizzy. The annual Twelve-Birds-Of-Christmas Dinner is looming, and his scheme to procure a copy of the latest book craze to sweep the Royal Society for Natural History Appreciation has been thwarted.
Now, in a desperate bid to secure a Christmas miracle, Lady Caroline and Uncle Albert travel to an isolated castle on the Yorkshire moors in pursuit of the only available copy of the coveted book.
But when the duo meets their eccentric hosts, the countdown to Christmas takes an unexpected turn. Soon, Lady Caroline is embroiled in a mystery involving a bird in a chimney, a chocolate biscuit recipe, and a missing assistant.
As a snowstorm moves over the moors, secrets swirl like snowflakes, and the puzzle turns deadly. Cut off from the civilized world, and with a killer on the loose in the castle, Lady Caroline puts a dangerous ploy into action. She hopes to solve the mystery, catch the killer, and make it home for Christmas.
The villain has other plans.
Will Lady Caroline's perilous ruse succeed? Will she make it out alive? And most importantly, will Uncle Albert be able to hold his head high while tucking into a Heron Pudding at the Royal Society this Christmas?
A Murder Before Christmas is Book 6 of the Lady Caroline Murder Mysteries series . In the glamorous world of 1920s Europe, money and privilege rub shoulders, and murder is never far behind. Follow Lady Caroline, intelligent and witty, with a fondness for breaking rules, on a fun romp through the golden age of crime, in an entertaining mystery with no gore or gloom.
Audible Audio
Published February 11, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 14, 2026
Number six in the Lady Caroline Mystery series.
England in 1925 and Christmas is fast approaching. Uncle Arthur is in search of some rare books and persuades Caroline to accompany him to Yorkshire. They end up at a house party where Caroline is roped into some amateur dramatics. Of course there is a murder and Caroline, with help from Poppy, investigates and solves the case.
A light, entertaining, easy to read cosy mystery. I enjoy all of the main characters and will certainly continue with the series.
England in 1925 and Christmas is fast approaching. Uncle Arthur is in search of some rare books and persuades Caroline to accompany him to Yorkshire. They end up at a house party where Caroline is roped into some amateur dramatics. Of course there is a murder and Caroline, with help from Poppy, investigates and solves the case.
A light, entertaining, easy to read cosy mystery. I enjoy all of the main characters and will certainly continue with the series.
June 6, 2024
This was a fun entry in the Lady Caroline mystery series. This time Lady Caroline and her Uncle are off to a Castle in Yorkshire shortly before Christmas. Their quest: Uncle Albert hopes to get some rare Audobon books from a geologist. None of the rest of the Royal society are with the two this time (Uncle Albert is keeping his quest secret).
Once at their destination, they Caroline gets roped into a series of pre-Christmas activities, and of course, eventually to solving a murder. The murder was complicated, with numerous potential suspects. I was happy to see Poppy appear once again. She's an interesting sidekick for Caroline.
Once at their destination, they Caroline gets roped into a series of pre-Christmas activities, and of course, eventually to solving a murder. The murder was complicated, with numerous potential suspects. I was happy to see Poppy appear once again. She's an interesting sidekick for Caroline.
December 12, 2024
As cozy mysteries go, this one was quite delightful. I listened to the audio and really enjoyed the reader.
A fun listen for the festive season.
A fun listen for the festive season.
December 7, 2023
Lady Caroline and Poppy are Always a Hoot
The lightest of light cosy mysteries but good fun. Not enough Uncle Albert and Wilfred for my taste. I like Lady Caroline best when her investigations tend to the slapstick but I did like her playing a pagan goddess in a Saturnalia that half her audience thought was A Christmas Carol.
The lightest of light cosy mysteries but good fun. Not enough Uncle Albert and Wilfred for my taste. I like Lady Caroline best when her investigations tend to the slapstick but I did like her playing a pagan goddess in a Saturnalia that half her audience thought was A Christmas Carol.
December 19, 2024
I really wanted to like this series, but unfortunately I don't think I will be going back for more.
The plot and setting of the book were both very appealing to me but what I loved most were the characters. The side characters were delightfully kooky and I could not get enough of them. The side characters almost make me want to pick up more from this series, almost.
One issue I had with the book was that since it was set in the 1920s the slang from the time period became too annoying to me. It felt really inauthentic to me, I am not entirely sure why it didn't work for me, perhaps there was just too much of it.
This book was a little too heavy handed for me when it comes to having an agenda. Though I appreciate the efforts of the author in pushing feminist ideals and agree with her messaging, it was a little much for a story.
Sadly, there just was not enough Christmas here for me.
The plot and setting of the book were both very appealing to me but what I loved most were the characters. The side characters were delightfully kooky and I could not get enough of them. The side characters almost make me want to pick up more from this series, almost.
One issue I had with the book was that since it was set in the 1920s the slang from the time period became too annoying to me. It felt really inauthentic to me, I am not entirely sure why it didn't work for me, perhaps there was just too much of it.
This book was a little too heavy handed for me when it comes to having an agenda. Though I appreciate the efforts of the author in pushing feminist ideals and agree with her messaging, it was a little much for a story.
Sadly, there just was not enough Christmas here for me.
August 14, 2025
Lady Caroline is at it again.
A few days before Christmas her Uncle Albert has her accompanying him to Yorkshire to buy a rare folio to complete her book collection from, horror!, a geologist. The price for the precious book? Lady Caroline's participation in his Saturnalia pantomime as the goddess Diana. Easy peasy, right? Not quite. Yes, Caroline is a success as Diana, but before going back home she b
needs to solve a couple of murders,.
This is the sixth book in this delightful series, and it"s as good as if not better than the previous ones.
I really do recommend this series to all historical mystery buffs
A few days before Christmas her Uncle Albert has her accompanying him to Yorkshire to buy a rare folio to complete her book collection from, horror!, a geologist. The price for the precious book? Lady Caroline's participation in his Saturnalia pantomime as the goddess Diana. Easy peasy, right? Not quite. Yes, Caroline is a success as Diana, but before going back home she b
needs to solve a couple of murders,.
This is the sixth book in this delightful series, and it"s as good as if not better than the previous ones.
I really do recommend this series to all historical mystery buffs
December 13, 2023
Plenty of plot twists
This story keeps you guessing who the murder is to almost the very end and then the culprit was unexpected. There are some side mysteries included. Being this is a Christmas story, they are also revealed at the end and are mostly happy. I enjoyed this continuation of this series. Most of the main characters are established and the supporting characters are a mix of odd personalities. I would recommend it.
This story keeps you guessing who the murder is to almost the very end and then the culprit was unexpected. There are some side mysteries included. Being this is a Christmas story, they are also revealed at the end and are mostly happy. I enjoyed this continuation of this series. Most of the main characters are established and the supporting characters are a mix of odd personalities. I would recommend it.
April 2, 2024
Wonderful book
Lady Caroline and Uncle Albert head to the wilds of York just before Christmas to retrieve a folio that will raise Uncle Albert's cachet in his Royal Society of Natural History. Unfortunately these two always seem to stumbled into mysteries and murder and it is up to Lady Caroline to solve it and get them out of their predicament. With the help from Poppy the murder is solved and all is well in time for Christmas
Lady Caroline and Uncle Albert head to the wilds of York just before Christmas to retrieve a folio that will raise Uncle Albert's cachet in his Royal Society of Natural History. Unfortunately these two always seem to stumbled into mysteries and murder and it is up to Lady Caroline to solve it and get them out of their predicament. With the help from Poppy the murder is solved and all is well in time for Christmas
October 12, 2024
I jabe warmed up to this series. Poppy is a hoot. Uncle Alfred is such a naive but loving man while Wilford is so smart that I wonder why he doesn't play more of a role in the books. One of the problems I have with the series is that we are told that Caroline and James love each other but they rarely interact. He is just a pretty fave working for a rival lord. Nice Christmas story that was perfect for my mood.
July 3, 2026
This is a series that has grown on me. In the beginning it was just amusing, but all the characters have grown on me. Also, Caroline really does think and comes to logical conclusions; her sleuthing isn't accidental. I adore Uncle Albert and I enjoy all the ridiculousness that comes out of cameos by Poppy.
December 22, 2023
Unexpected Culprit
With only days left until Christmas, uncle Albert is in a tizzy. The annual Twelve-Birds-Of-Christmas Dinner is looming, and his scheme to procure a copy of the latest book craze to sweep the Royal Society for Natural History Appreciation has been thwarted.
The culprit was an unexpected person. It couldn't have been more evident. I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
With only days left until Christmas, uncle Albert is in a tizzy. The annual Twelve-Birds-Of-Christmas Dinner is looming, and his scheme to procure a copy of the latest book craze to sweep the Royal Society for Natural History Appreciation has been thwarted.
The culprit was an unexpected person. It couldn't have been more evident. I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
February 18, 2024
Wonderful
This series of books are brilliant , the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
This series of books are brilliant , the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful,I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
July 13, 2024
A Little Drawn Out
I like this story. There was just a little too much extra in it for my taste. But, still interesting nonetheless. But I do so love it whenever Poppy shows up. She is such doer.
I like this story. There was just a little too much extra in it for my taste. But, still interesting nonetheless. But I do so love it whenever Poppy shows up. She is such doer.
December 17, 2023
okay
This installment seemed a bit short in the bumbling Uncle Albert and the domineering Poppy areas. Not my favorite of the series.
This installment seemed a bit short in the bumbling Uncle Albert and the domineering Poppy areas. Not my favorite of the series.
March 17, 2024
Excellent book
An interesting read. I love books about winter and snow, and this book definitely has both. The story line was terrific.
An interesting read. I love books about winter and snow, and this book definitely has both. The story line was terrific.
May 27, 2024
A lot of twists but very satisfying
Lady Caroline and Lady Penelope are amazing at untangling mysteries. Looking forward to more from MS Bassett. Now. Go have a chocolate bisquit.
Lady Caroline and Lady Penelope are amazing at untangling mysteries. Looking forward to more from MS Bassett. Now. Go have a chocolate bisquit.
July 10, 2026
A pleasant Christmas mystery that’s perfect for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a festive historical setting. Sandra Churchill’s narration was wonderful and added so much to the listening experience.
July 27, 2026
2 1/2 stars.
October 1, 2026
Delightful cozy series. Mysteries, Caroline's family, and locales are top notch.
Uncle Albert and the Society push these books from 4 to 5 for me.
Uncle Albert and the Society push these books from 4 to 5 for me.
September 1, 2025
The mystery solving was weak. It involved the MC thinking things through but in a way that felt like she was guessing and running after hunches that just so happened to be what happened instead of like a coincidence she thought that. It also didn't even pretend like you could guess who the culprit was, and I prefer mysteries where they at least pretend like that's a possibility if not give you all of the clues.
January 3, 2024
Frivolously amusing 20s mystery.
December 22, 2024
I confess that I had to check GoodReads because I didn't quite remember the details of this book.
Now that I refreshed my memory, I do recall that I had enjoyed it. This was the first time I had encountered Lady Caroline and if the price is right, I'd be picking up more books.
This was set during the Christmas season where Lady Caroline's uncle Albert wants a set of books to complete his collection and is invited to visit someone who just happens to have them. But there's a catch: Lady Caroline has to perform in the owner's holiday play as a pagan goddess wearing a rather skimpy costume.
The general tenor of the books lighthearted (except for the poor person who gets offed) and very enjoyable.
Now that I refreshed my memory, I do recall that I had enjoyed it. This was the first time I had encountered Lady Caroline and if the price is right, I'd be picking up more books.
This was set during the Christmas season where Lady Caroline's uncle Albert wants a set of books to complete his collection and is invited to visit someone who just happens to have them. But there's a catch: Lady Caroline has to perform in the owner's holiday play as a pagan goddess wearing a rather skimpy costume.
The general tenor of the books lighthearted (except for the poor person who gets offed) and very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews