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Violet Brewster #5
A Christmas Murder in Merrywell
A cosy, festive murder mystery to curl up with in front of the fire, for fans of Clare Chase and Katie Gayle.
In the charming village of Merrywell, an exciting new Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer and bustling crowds. But as the stallholders celebrate in the village bookshop at the end of a successful first day, someone rushes in to announce that a body has been found.
Once again in the wrong place at the wrong time, Violet Brewster is on hand to offer the police her astute – if perhaps unwelcome – opinion on the crime. While the police dismiss the death as an accident, Violet senses that there’s more to this tragedy than meets the eye.
Determined to uncover the truth, she must navigate a maze of secrets and lies before the killer strikes again. As the festive season unfolds, can Violet solve the mystery before it’s too late?
In the charming village of Merrywell, an exciting new Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer and bustling crowds. But as the stallholders celebrate in the village bookshop at the end of a successful first day, someone rushes in to announce that a body has been found.
Once again in the wrong place at the wrong time, Violet Brewster is on hand to offer the police her astute – if perhaps unwelcome – opinion on the crime. While the police dismiss the death as an accident, Violet senses that there’s more to this tragedy than meets the eye.
Determined to uncover the truth, she must navigate a maze of secrets and lies before the killer strikes again. As the festive season unfolds, can Violet solve the mystery before it’s too late?
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Published October 9, 2025
193 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Jane Bettany
18 books136 followersI am the author of the DI Isabel Blood crime novels, set in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge, and the cosy crime series featuring amateur sleuth Violet Brewster, which is also set in Derbyshire.
My debut novel In Cold Blood (the first in the DI Isabel Blood series) won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range.
Before turning to novel writing, I had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online.
I live in Derby, UK and have an MA in Creative Writing.
My debut novel In Cold Blood (the first in the DI Isabel Blood series) won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range.
Before turning to novel writing, I had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online.
I live in Derby, UK and have an MA in Creative Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 9, 2025
Christmas is always picturesque in Merrywell, but this year, for the first time, there is also a week long Christmas market to enjoy. Violet Brewster has a pop up stall for her company offering a personal Christmas video message for a donation to a local charity but, as the stallholders meet for a celebratory drink, after the first successful day a body is found near the now empty car park. Faced with a dilemma, Violet isn't sure if she should look at what happened, or not, especially as her mother is about to arrive for the holidays and can be a little critical of her daughter's investigative skills! As the festivities approach and Violet finds a link to the victim, she knows she has to look into the case before someone close to her finds themselves in grave danger.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HQ, HQ Digital, but the opinions expressed are my own. The author has written another enjoyable story in this series, which I'm always glad to read. I like Violet and Matthew, and her mum is a definite scene stealer, but my favourite part this time was the more detailed look at DS Charlie Winterton. In many ways, I enjoyed the back stories the most, especially as two of them promise some interesting storylines going forward. I did have an inkling of what was happening early on, but that didn’t make the book any less enjoyable, and it's always nice to be proved right! Book and series recommended.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HQ, HQ Digital, but the opinions expressed are my own. The author has written another enjoyable story in this series, which I'm always glad to read. I like Violet and Matthew, and her mum is a definite scene stealer, but my favourite part this time was the more detailed look at DS Charlie Winterton. In many ways, I enjoyed the back stories the most, especially as two of them promise some interesting storylines going forward. I did have an inkling of what was happening early on, but that didn’t make the book any less enjoyable, and it's always nice to be proved right! Book and series recommended.
August 22, 2025
A Christmas Murder in Merrywell by Jane Bettany is a festive mystery steeped in charm, secrets, and seasonal suspense.
In the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, the village of Merrywell is preparing for its first Christmas Market—a picture-perfect setting of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and community cheer. But when a body is discovered on the opening night, the festive spirit is quickly replaced by unease. Enter Violet Brewster, amateur sleuth and quietly formidable observer, who finds herself once again drawn into a mystery that the police are all too quick to dismiss.
Jane Bettany’s writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the warmth of village life while gently peeling back its layers. Violet is a delight—wry, intuitive, and refreshingly unflappable. Her investigations are driven not by bravado but by a quiet conviction that truth matters, even when it’s inconvenient.
The pacing is gentle but purposeful, allowing the reader to savour the setting while the tension simmers beneath. Secrets, lies, and long-held grudges weave through the narrative, and Bettany handles them with a deft touch. It’s a story that feels both comforting and compelling—perfect for curling up with on a frosty evening.
For fans of Clare Chase and Katie Gayle, this is a cozy mystery that delivers both heart and intrigue. A lovely addition to the Violet Brewster series, and a festive treat for anyone who enjoys their whodunnits with a side of mince pies and mischief.
With thanks to Jane Bettany, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
In the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, the village of Merrywell is preparing for its first Christmas Market—a picture-perfect setting of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and community cheer. But when a body is discovered on the opening night, the festive spirit is quickly replaced by unease. Enter Violet Brewster, amateur sleuth and quietly formidable observer, who finds herself once again drawn into a mystery that the police are all too quick to dismiss.
Jane Bettany’s writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the warmth of village life while gently peeling back its layers. Violet is a delight—wry, intuitive, and refreshingly unflappable. Her investigations are driven not by bravado but by a quiet conviction that truth matters, even when it’s inconvenient.
The pacing is gentle but purposeful, allowing the reader to savour the setting while the tension simmers beneath. Secrets, lies, and long-held grudges weave through the narrative, and Bettany handles them with a deft touch. It’s a story that feels both comforting and compelling—perfect for curling up with on a frosty evening.
For fans of Clare Chase and Katie Gayle, this is a cozy mystery that delivers both heart and intrigue. A lovely addition to the Violet Brewster series, and a festive treat for anyone who enjoys their whodunnits with a side of mince pies and mischief.
With thanks to Jane Bettany, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 19, 2025
From the first page of A Christmas Murder in Merrywell, Jane Bettany delivers exactly what lovers of a cosy murder mystery crave: a picturesque village setting, holiday cheer turned sinister, and an amateur sleuth you’re genuinely rooting for.
The quaint English village of Merrywell, with its bustling Christmas market, makes the perfect backdrop for a murder that shakes the community. When the death is brushed off as an accident, newcomer Violet Brewster’s curiosity and keen instincts lead her into a web of secrets hidden beneath all the holiday cheer.
Bettany strikes a great balance between warmth and suspense — the festive setting feels magical, yet the mystery keeps you guessing until the end. I loved the way Bettany planted red-herrings without ever making the story feel contrived.
Violet is an engaging, relatable sleuth whose determination and empathy make her easy to root for. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with by the fire, mug of cocoa in hand, and read in one sitting.
A charming, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery — perfect for anyone who loves Christmas, small-town intrigue, and a good old-fashioned whodunit.
The quaint English village of Merrywell, with its bustling Christmas market, makes the perfect backdrop for a murder that shakes the community. When the death is brushed off as an accident, newcomer Violet Brewster’s curiosity and keen instincts lead her into a web of secrets hidden beneath all the holiday cheer.
Bettany strikes a great balance between warmth and suspense — the festive setting feels magical, yet the mystery keeps you guessing until the end. I loved the way Bettany planted red-herrings without ever making the story feel contrived.
Violet is an engaging, relatable sleuth whose determination and empathy make her easy to root for. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to curl up with by the fire, mug of cocoa in hand, and read in one sitting.
A charming, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery — perfect for anyone who loves Christmas, small-town intrigue, and a good old-fashioned whodunit.
November 1, 2025
It was good to be back with amateur sleuth Violet and her partner Matthew in the Peak District village of Merrywell. The characters are starting to feel like old friends and Violet’s mother Rachel makes a welcome appearance in this novel! I hope we’re going to see more of her: she’s a great character.
It’s Christmas time and the convivial festive atmosphere in the Shopping Village’s Christmas market is marred by a death. But was it an accident or murder? Violet, who works in the Shopping Village, happens to be on the scene when the body is discovered and Violet being Violet, she’s soon involved in the investigation, assisting (and sometimes frustrating) her old pal, D S Charlie Winterton.
At the same time, Matthew and Violet’s relationship is moving on and they’re thinking of buying a house together, much to her mother Rachel’s delight.
This is a gentle but convincing story, cosy crime at its best, full of twists and turns and it keeps you guessing until the end. It’s packed with festive spirit and it’s the perfect pre-Christmas read!
Mince pie, anyone..?
It’s Christmas time and the convivial festive atmosphere in the Shopping Village’s Christmas market is marred by a death. But was it an accident or murder? Violet, who works in the Shopping Village, happens to be on the scene when the body is discovered and Violet being Violet, she’s soon involved in the investigation, assisting (and sometimes frustrating) her old pal, D S Charlie Winterton.
At the same time, Matthew and Violet’s relationship is moving on and they’re thinking of buying a house together, much to her mother Rachel’s delight.
This is a gentle but convincing story, cosy crime at its best, full of twists and turns and it keeps you guessing until the end. It’s packed with festive spirit and it’s the perfect pre-Christmas read!
Mince pie, anyone..?
November 2, 2025
I always enjoy reading books in the Violet Brewster Mystery series, and this one is particularly good with its festive Peak District setting and a murder that draws Violet and her friends into a web of betrayal that hits close to home. A Christmas Market Week is a new venture at the shopping village, and the community is very supportive. The discovery of a body shatters the ambience and threatens friendships in the close-knit community. Violet has an inquisitive nature, which makes her a good amateur sleuth, but often puts her in danger, as her impulsivity makes her less cautious than she perhaps should be. It's an absorbing and gently paced mystery that draws you in and invests you in the characters. The evocative festive setting contrasts with the underlying menace. I like Violet's compassionate and inquiring personality, the Peak District setting, which I know well and the engaging, festive mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 26, 2025
I deliberately chose cozy Christmas crime for December this year, specifically looking for stories set in England for that easy familiarity. It's a genre I really like but one I don't usually get the chance to read, so it felt like a proper seasonal treat. This book is my third festive crime novel of the season, and it landed right in the middle of the other two in terms.
I enjoyed the story. It felt less preposterous than some. I liked the village settings and getting to know the characters, although the first couple of chapters did feel a bit overwhelming as all the people were introduced with their relationships to each other.
It was an easy read. I enjoyed it enough that I happily spent about half an hour on my own on Christmas Day just finishing it up.
This is another book as part of a series, as indeed all of my Christmas reads have been. I thought this one did a decent job of working as a stand-alone story.
I enjoyed the story. It felt less preposterous than some. I liked the village settings and getting to know the characters, although the first couple of chapters did feel a bit overwhelming as all the people were introduced with their relationships to each other.
It was an easy read. I enjoyed it enough that I happily spent about half an hour on my own on Christmas Day just finishing it up.
This is another book as part of a series, as indeed all of my Christmas reads have been. I thought this one did a decent job of working as a stand-alone story.
December 30, 2025
The latest instalment in the Violet Brewster Mystery series sees Violet investigating a death the police classify as accidental at first.
A man’s body has been found in the alleyway behind the shopping village where Violet has her video memory business and although it’s clear he banged his head on a bollard, Violet doesn’t believe it was the result of a straightforward trip.
Soon she is in the middle of a case thar could see one of her friends badly hurt, and which threatens Violet’s and her partner Matthew’s house purchase.
As always, Violet gets to the bottom of things, although on this occasion she might prefer to have been mistaken and saved her friend’s pain.
I could have done with some more red herrings to throw us readers off the scent, but the development of the regular cast of characters and the quality of Jane Bethany’s writing kept me reading even when I had guessed whodunnit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A man’s body has been found in the alleyway behind the shopping village where Violet has her video memory business and although it’s clear he banged his head on a bollard, Violet doesn’t believe it was the result of a straightforward trip.
Soon she is in the middle of a case thar could see one of her friends badly hurt, and which threatens Violet’s and her partner Matthew’s house purchase.
As always, Violet gets to the bottom of things, although on this occasion she might prefer to have been mistaken and saved her friend’s pain.
I could have done with some more red herrings to throw us readers off the scent, but the development of the regular cast of characters and the quality of Jane Bethany’s writing kept me reading even when I had guessed whodunnit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 27, 2025
After a very successful, but exhausting first day of Merrywell's Christmas Market some of the shop owners gather in the bookstore to share a hot beverage before heading home. The man who works security shows up looking pale and distressed. He just stumbled over the body of a man lying dead in the alley. Would someone call the police? Violet volunteers to go outside and remain with the deceased until they arrive. She begins looking around for clues as to what exactly happened. It appears to be an unfortunate accident. That is what the local police chief thinks. Then there is a hit and run accident just outside of town. Questionable financial dealings are taking place and someone is not quite who he claims to be. Can this mystery be solved in time for everyone to celebrate a happy Christmas holiday?
November 17, 2025
The Traders at Merrywell are having a Christmas market for the two weeks before Christmas. On their first night, they have just wrapped up the sales day when the security guard runs in telling them he's found a body behind the market. Turns out it's a former police officer who appears to have fallen and hit his head on a bollard and died immediately. No-one knows the man, but when the detective arrives, he's heard of him.
Violet and Andrew are planning something exciting - a buy a large, beautiful house on the outskirts of town. They will have to do some renovations but are willing as the price is right. Jill who works at the bookstore is selling - it was her brother's house.
This book started slowly but picked up the pace. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to number 6 in this series.
Violet and Andrew are planning something exciting - a buy a large, beautiful house on the outskirts of town. They will have to do some renovations but are willing as the price is right. Jill who works at the bookstore is selling - it was her brother's house.
This book started slowly but picked up the pace. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to number 6 in this series.
November 30, 2025
Merrywell may look like the kind of village you'd happily stick on a Christmas card, but trust me… this year it is serving chaos, mulled wine fumes, and a festive body count.
I had such a fun time reading this!
Violet Brewster is exactly the kind of amateur sleuth I adore, She's witty, nosy in the best possible way, and always one suspicious mince pie away from uncovering a clue. I loved wandering through the Peak District markets with her, soaking up all the cosy holiday vibes while also side eyeing absolutely everyone because clearly someone had murder on their Christmas to do list.
The mystery is light, charming, and sprinkled with just enough danger to keep those pages turning.
Think: warm cocoa in one hand, murder suspects in the other. A perfect festive whodunnit to curl up with when you want something cosy but mischievous.
I had such a fun time reading this!
Violet Brewster is exactly the kind of amateur sleuth I adore, She's witty, nosy in the best possible way, and always one suspicious mince pie away from uncovering a clue. I loved wandering through the Peak District markets with her, soaking up all the cosy holiday vibes while also side eyeing absolutely everyone because clearly someone had murder on their Christmas to do list.
The mystery is light, charming, and sprinkled with just enough danger to keep those pages turning.
Think: warm cocoa in one hand, murder suspects in the other. A perfect festive whodunnit to curl up with when you want something cosy but mischievous.
December 5, 2025
A fun and twisty cozy mystery
This is a wonderful example of a small village, English countryside cozy mystery starring that mainstay of cozies, the amateur sleuth. This is the fifth book in the series but the first one I’m reading. I definitely have FOMO and annoyance at not knowing background information. I’m normally pretty obsessive about reading series in order but I’m in holiday reading mode and this was the book that came up in recommendations so I didn’t want to read four other non-holiday books first! I enjoyed it enough though that I will put the rest of the series, in order, in my rotation now though.
This is a wonderful example of a small village, English countryside cozy mystery starring that mainstay of cozies, the amateur sleuth. This is the fifth book in the series but the first one I’m reading. I definitely have FOMO and annoyance at not knowing background information. I’m normally pretty obsessive about reading series in order but I’m in holiday reading mode and this was the book that came up in recommendations so I didn’t want to read four other non-holiday books first! I enjoyed it enough though that I will put the rest of the series, in order, in my rotation now though.
November 15, 2025
Violet is back and she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation after a body is found .
Violet is an inquisitive character who doesn’t like to take no for an answer.
She has a stall on the Merrywell Christmas market and the event is in full swing when the body is found in a back alley .
Violet does what she does best and dons her investigation hat and puts herself at the heart of the case .
A perfect Christmas cosy mystery .
A beautiful setting and great characters make this an easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ.
Violet is an inquisitive character who doesn’t like to take no for an answer.
She has a stall on the Merrywell Christmas market and the event is in full swing when the body is found in a back alley .
Violet does what she does best and dons her investigation hat and puts herself at the heart of the case .
A perfect Christmas cosy mystery .
A beautiful setting and great characters make this an easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ.
December 7, 2025
I've been on the hunt for a decent Christmas cosy crime novel, and this one didn't disappoint. It's exactly what I've been looking for!
My only grumble is Violet, the fmc...she was so annoying! Doesn't listen to anyone, interferes in everyone's business and just a general busybody! But I guess the story wouldn't be what it is without her being that way.
Very enjoyable. Would definitely recommend.
My only grumble is Violet, the fmc...she was so annoying! Doesn't listen to anyone, interferes in everyone's business and just a general busybody! But I guess the story wouldn't be what it is without her being that way.
Very enjoyable. Would definitely recommend.
October 3, 2025
When a body is found just as the stallholders are celebrating the end of a successful Christmas Market, Violet Brewster takes it upon herself to interject her opinion whether wanted or not, on the crime. Can she solve the case when the police are certain that it was just an accident.
An enjoyable , fun, cozy read that was perfect for the winter season.
An enjoyable , fun, cozy read that was perfect for the winter season.
October 3, 2025
I LOVED this book! Loved, loved, loved. This was such an easy quick read. I practically inhaled it within a few hours. The setting was perfect, the plot perfect the twists and turns were fantastic. I love Violet, she is such a likeable FMC.
This was such a cosy read and it’s put me in a very festive mood. This will be perfect for the cosy festive season.
This was such a cosy read and it’s put me in a very festive mood. This will be perfect for the cosy festive season.
November 9, 2025
i do love visiting Merrywell and this one was just as good. I did have my suspicions early on!
November 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. A nice festive murder .
Read
November 20, 2025i love this lil series, jane bettany can do no wrong
December 2, 2025
3.75 stars
December 4, 2025
ok
ive read all the violet browser books this was a bit too fluffy for me this one isn't as good as the first 3 but its still a good read if not a tad too twee!
ive read all the violet browser books this was a bit too fluffy for me this one isn't as good as the first 3 but its still a good read if not a tad too twee!
December 10, 2025
Another solid mystery in the series. A bit bloated with unnecessary coming and goings.
December 13, 2025
An entertaining cozy Christmas read.
December 13, 2025
I enjoyed this. The last few chapters were gripping. Good mystery. Nice enough Christmas atmosphere.
December 13, 2025
Festive Fun
The definition of cosy crime fits this book perfectly. The author sets a very festive theme throughout the book. A nice gentle story.
The definition of cosy crime fits this book perfectly. The author sets a very festive theme throughout the book. A nice gentle story.
December 17, 2025
Cute cozy mystery
Interesting characters, a creative storyline, and a (sometimes) meddlesome and frustrating protagonist makes this novel a fun read. I enjoyed it.
Interesting characters, a creative storyline, and a (sometimes) meddlesome and frustrating protagonist makes this novel a fun read. I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2025
I have enjoyed this series but I’m finding the main character more and more unlikeable. I find the way she goes around asking questions unrealistic, no one in the village would be her friend.
December 30, 2025
Oh so good
I loved the storyline and the twists and turns. Finally Violet has committed to Matthew. Can't wait for the next one, Rachel moving to Merrywell, should be fun, lol 🤣
I loved the storyline and the twists and turns. Finally Violet has committed to Matthew. Can't wait for the next one, Rachel moving to Merrywell, should be fun, lol 🤣
October 4, 2025
Violet just can't help herself. When a man's body is discovered after the first day of the Christmas market she just has to get involved. I love this series and this was a great read. Exciting times ahead for the characters and I look forward to reading more from this delightful series.
December 1, 2025
Another Christmas mystery. This ending caught me by surprise Good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews