Murder in the Reading Room

Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #6

by Anita Davison

Don’t miss the gripping, twisty final novel in Anita Davison’s Golden Age cozy mystery series, featuring Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet!

Aunt Violet and her niece Hannah have a bookshop to run. But after a customer comes in asking for a rare book, Hannah takes a visit to the reading room of the British Library – a glorious domed building in the middle of the British Museum courtyard – to find out more.

Hannah has barely finished making her request when a man at one of the hundreds of desks slumps over his work. Within moments, it becomes clear he is dead, stabbed in broad daylight, in the middle of the reading room surrounded by oblivious academics.

The reading room is an exclusive space where no one can enter or leave without detection. Yet the initial investigation yields no weapon, no witnesses, and no apparent motive.

But then Aunt Violet discovers the victim had been researching the unearthing of a lost piece of Italian sculpture. And Hannah – despite her new husband’s firm insistence that she let the police do their job – finds herself unable to resist the temptation of investigating just one more murder.

A totally gripping cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon and Verity Bright.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2026

About the author

Author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries published by Aria Fiction

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another fun cozy mystery from Davison. The characters are great. Aunt Violet is a force and good at getting to places for obtaining information. I like Matilda's involvement too. Aidan, retired from the police force still has the knack and finally puts all the clues together. A possible valuable antique is at the center of the murder mystery. We are not sure whether it is real or a fake until the end. This is a fun series of historical cozy mysteries.

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

[TF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Reading Room is the fifth book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet cozy mystery series. I think the book works well as a stand alone as some recurring characters from previous books barely appear in this one. I enjoyed this book and was very interested to learn so much about the Reading Room at the British Museum, and about the everyday after effects of the war.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys an historical cozy mystery.

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

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books one reads with a sense of sadness knowing it's the grand finale of the series but can enjoy seeing how life for the characters you've grown to care about ends in a satisfactory way. As the story begins, Armistice Day is only a month in the past and England is still feeling the effects of the war with shortages and, of course, the empty tables at homes across the nation. Shop assistant Penny is aniously awaiting the return of her Archie while Hannah is lucky enough never to have had Darius far away. True, his job with MI5 with the British government was often shadowy and left Hannah wondering, but he's home now to stay. As for Aunt Violet, she and former Scotland Yard police chief Aidan Farrell seem to be content to remain unmarried although they might as well be. Read that as you will. Grin. They're also busy running an upscale hotel where Hannah and Darius find themself staying while their home is being remodeled, so the family is together. I don't know about you, but that's a biggie for me as a series draws together. You do want to see your virtual friends happy even while they confront a confusing murder. You'll encounter lots of new or at least not part of the inner circle characters as the story unfolds although Hannah's friend Matilda Gilmartin is front and center and a vital cog in solving the mystery.

Of course, this being a cozy mystery, you know Hannah may face some danger, much to Darius' discontent. This leads them to face some life-changing decisions but I'll leave that for you to discover as you read. So, who killed the seemingly innocuous scholar Theodore Pryme in the middle of a crowded research library? Maybe more to the point, why? What does a lovely statue rumored to be a part of the de Medici family collection have to do with anything? And how does an aristocratic but financially strapped family fit into all this? Heck, one of them was even severely wounded in the war? Yet, there's an art expert and another wannabe art collector showing up with connections to the statue. Where does Hannah fit in all this? Why is she attacked? Well, she is snoopy. Asking too many questions? Too many questions to the wrong people? And, did she ever find that Shakespeare related book that set her off on this adventure? In the meantime, there's suffragette talk -- I never realized there was an age limitation on women voting after the voting right was given -- and you'll learn quite a bit about the role of women in the early post-WWI days in England (and elsewhere). Trust me, Aunt Violet wouldn't let us not be fully informed on that if we drop in on her.

Bottom line, enough teasers. While I'm not sure this series was in my top ten, it's one I've enjoyed in the past as much for the history of the era as the characters. Don't get me wrong. They're quite likable and mostly believable, even the crusty Detective Inspector Wilson. It's been fun to follow Hannah's growth through the series, including a stint in a military hospital, and see her relationship with Darius bloom despite her chafing at giving up any of her independence. I liked the ending, so wish these virtual characters well and, oh, can't forget Bartleby the shop cat. May he thrive, too. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Hannah and her circle of friends and family and the early peeks at how life during and just after the war was going. In a way, I'm going to miss them and that touch of history.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunt Violet is an avid suffragette who now fights to get women elected to places in the government now that they finally have the vote. It is fun to see how much joy Violet gets from being able to vote for the first time. Of course, the fight isn't quite over because women below thirty still can't vote, but that is only a small side plot to the story. Aunt Violet is a fun, direct, and strong willed woman who doesn't care to live by the oppressive rules of society that say what a woman can and cannot do. She adds a lot to these stories even if Miss Merrill is the main characters as much of the story is told through her pov.

Miss Merrill, Hannah, takes after her aunt in a lot of ways. She has just be married and even though her husband wishes she would put being an amateur detective behind her and focus on running her store and maybe start a family, she can't resist trying to solve one more murder when a body is found in the Reading Room of the British Museum when she is visiting. But why would someone want to kill a Renaissance art specialist in front of hundreds of academics? Does it have something to do with the reputed discovery of a long-lost masterpiece that belonged to the Medici family? But most of the family that owns it claims it is a copy. Will Hannah, aunt Violet and her reporter friend be able to find out the truth?

It is always sad to see the end of a mystery series, particularly if you have enjoyed the characters, which I do. But there is satisfaction to see that they are in a good place in their fictional lives. It is refreshing that while things are looking good for them, not all of their problems are solved and there are a lot of questions for them to resolve. Not everything has been tied up in a nice little bow but you know enough to picture everyone happy in the end.

The mystery was ok. I was a little disappointed in the end because while you could guess the reasoning behind the crime there was no way to figure out who had done it other than some foreshadowing. Information was left out until the wrap up that the reader had no way of knowing.

A bit bitter-sweet but overall a satisfying read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the war is finally over, life is nowhere near back to normal for bookshop owner Hannah Clifford, nee Merrill. While the home she shares with husband, Darius, is being extensively renovated she is living in the luxurious surroundings of the Brunswick Hotel, owned by ex-Detective Chief Inspector Aiden Farrell and his partner, her Aunt Violet. Having accepted an invitation to visit the British Library with her journalist friend, Matilda Gilmartin, both are present when the body of a longtime friend of Aiden's is discovered and they are confused by how someone could be killed in an area with restricted entry and meticulously kept attendance records. The death of the victim, who was apparently on the cusp of a discovery of potentially historic proportions, could present Matilda with a career defining story, and before long they are hot on the trail of a desperate killer who has no intention of getting caught no matter who tries to stop them!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Boldwood, but the opinions expressed are my own. Unfortunately this is the last in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries although, somehow it didn't read as a final outing. The luxurious Brunswick Hotel, the suffrage movement, and the post war period were all included which added another level to a very entertaining storyline. I will miss these main protagonists but will definitely be on the lookout for the author's promised next series in the new year. Highly recommended.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #6

Aunt Violet and her niece Hannah have a bookshop to run. But after a customer comes in looking for a rare book, Hannah takes a visit to the reading room of the British Library - a glorious domed building in the middle of the British Museum Courtyard - to find out more. Hannah has barely finished making her request when a man at one of the hundreds of desks slumps over his work. Within moments, it becomes clear he is dead, stabbed in broad daylight, in the middle of the reading room surrounded by oblivious academics. The reading room is an exclusive space where no one can enter or leave without detection. Yet the initial investigation yields no weapon, no witnesses, and no apparent motive.

War is finally over. Hannah is settling into married life but she is staying in the Brunswick hotel with her husband, Darius, while their home is being renovated. The hotel is owned by her aunt Violet and ec-DCI Aiden Farrell. When a body was found dead in a busy library, Hannah and her friend, Matilda
Gilmartin were there to witness the event.

This is the last book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mysteries. It feels like losing old friends. It's been fun reading this series and I'm looking forward to reading what the author has in store for us next.

Published 29th June 2026

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

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Murder fans will enjoy the latest and final intrigue in the Golden Age Mystery Series Murder in the Reading room from Anita Davidson. A man is murdered in the Reading Rooms of the British Museum; a man who is an expert in Renaissance Art and a regular attendee at the reading Rooms.
Why a man who was a quiet, self-contained man should have been murdered sees Hannah Clifford, Aunt Violet and the indomitable Matilda Gilmartin, ably assisted by Aiden Farrell, recently retired from Scotland Yard, set out to discover why a bronze statue known fondly as Lucrezia, owned by the Fraser family for more than 100 years, should call for murder to be committed.
Set at the end of the First World war, when London was still recovering from a brutal War, the Spanish Influenza is killing many and women have finally been given the right to Vote, the formidable team of ladies find they are perplexed as every lead they follow comes to nothing.
They are aware people are not being altogether truthful, lies are being told and the Police are in awe of dealing with the upper end of Society, which is not helping. This is personal, as Theodore Prynne was well known to Aiden, which makes them all determined to dig deep to find a killer and what is now the missing bronze.
A little on the slow-moving side, Murder in the Reading room comes with a certain warmth, of familiarity, making it an ideal read for a lazy day, when crime solving should not be at all hurried, but carefully worked out over a good cocktail or two, Aunt Violet style.

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Murder in the Reading Room by Anita Davison is the sixth book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries series.

Hannah and her Aunt Violet run a charming bookshop. When a customer requests a rare book, Hannah and her friend visit the Reading Room at the British Library to track it down. Instead of finding just the book, they stumble upon the body of a murder victim. Once again, Hannah finds herself caught in the middle of a murder investigation. Teaming up with Aunt Violet and a few trusted friends, she slips into amateur sleuth mode to uncover the killer and the motive behind the crime. As the investigation unfolds, the case becomes increasingly dangerous, forcing them to stay one step ahead.

This series never disappoints. It's a captivating historical murder mystery with a well-paced plot that gradually reveals the clues needed to solve the case. I loved how the amateur sleuths and the more experienced investigators worked together, with each character bringing something unique to the story. The cast has wonderful chemistry, making every interaction enjoyable. My favorite part was the suspenseful final attempt to catch the murderer. And, as always, my absolute favorite character is Aunt Violet. I adore her fearless, no-nonsense attitude and the way she says exactly what's on her mind.

If you enjoy historical mysteries filled with engaging characters, clever investigations, and cozy bookish settings, I highly recommend this series.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of cozy mysteries, Murder in the Reading Room was such an enjoyable read. A murder inside the famous British Library Reading Room is an irresistible premise, and I loved the classic locked-room mystery feel from the very beginning.

One of my favorite parts of this series continues to be Hannah and Aunt Violet. Their relationship is so warm and entertaining, and I always enjoy following along as they inevitably find themselves investigating another murder. Their love of books and natural curiosity make them such fun amateur sleuths.

The historical setting was another highlight for me. Between the British Library, rare books, and the mystery surrounding a lost piece of Italian sculpture, there was plenty to keep me turning the pages. The historical details added so much atmosphere without ever slowing down the story.

While I guessed a couple of the twists before the end, I still found the mystery engaging and loved watching everything come together. The blend of history, books, and classic Golden Age mystery made this a cozy read that was easy to get lost in.

If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries with charming characters, literary settings, and plenty of intrigue, this series is definitely worth picking up. While it can be read on its own, I think readers will appreciate Hannah and Aunt Violet even more if they've followed them from the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden is happily retired and owns the Brunswick hotel with Violet. Hannah is newly married but her home with Darius is being renovated so all four are residing in the hotel. The War is over but the Spanish Flu continues to add to the death totals. Hannah is asked for an obscure book and her reporter friend, Matilda, has a card to get into the Reading Room at the British Museum. As they are chatting with one of Matilda’s friends who is a librarian there, a body is discovered. A murdered body. That might have been enough for Hannah to want to find the villain but when she learns the man is a friend of Aiden’s and living in the Brunswick she is more determined to find the killer than ever. , All hands are now on deck to solve the crime.

Another element is added when a sculpture of unknown provenance that had caught the deceased’s interest sufficiently to summon an expert from Italy to examine it disappears. By the time he is brought to evaluate it, it has been stolen and there is a mysterious collector from America in London who was planning on buying it from the family who owned it. There are a lot of shifty characters, some very high bred, and suspense and some drama before the crimes are solved and those responsible are brought to justice.

I enjoy the ambience of the books and get right into the characters. I did figure out the what and the why early on but there were still plenty of surprises that kept me on my toes. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In search of a rare book for one of her customers, Hannah Clifford and her friend Matilda Gilmartin have gone to the British Museum Reading Room. As it’s Hannah’s first visit Matilda’s friend Anne is giving them a tour when one of the porters, in trying to wake up one of visitors, discovers that he is dead. The man, an art historian, turns out to be an old friend of Aiden’s family as he regularly stayed at the Brunswick Hotel, now run by Aiden and Aunt Vi, when visiting London. Aiden, although no longer a policeman, is determined to find out why he was killed. A young woman, Isobel Fraser, had asked the Professor to examine a bronze figurine that’s been in their family for a long time and is reputed to have a connection to the Medici family. After seeing the figurine, the Prosser asked an old Italian friend of his to come to London to look at it but before he arrives the Professor is dead and the figurine has been stolen.

An easy, enjoyable read as Hannah, Matilda, Aiden and Aunt Vi continue their investigations to find out who killed the Professor and why. I really enjoy these books watching the characters grow and change throughout the series and I especially enjoy how what’s happening socially in Britain is woven into the storyline.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This is sadly the last book in the wonderful Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries. A very short series and there are more stories that could be told.

Hannah and her husband Darius have been living the the Hotel Brunswick while their home is being renovated. Aunt Violet and the former DCI Aidan Farrell are running the Farrell family hotel. Aidan has proposed to Aunt Violet 3 times but she is reluctant to give up her independance and we will never know what becomes of them as this is the last book.

The story takes place a month after Armistace Day. Hannah and Matilda Gilmartin are at the reading room of the museum when they happen upon a dead man. Hannah has a tendancy to find them, as if she actively searches for them. Theodore Prynne was an expert on Renaissance Art and we learn that he was also a good friend of Aidan's

Several different story threads weave together before the reader finds out what was really behind the murder. Including a visit from an Italian art expert, and a family legend about a statue that may or may not be a legend.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in the Reading Room delivers everything I love about this genre: a clever impossible‑crime setup, a richly drawn historical setting, and two sleuths whose curiosity always seems to land them in trouble.

Hannah’s simple trip to the British Library spirals into a gripping mystery when a man is found stabbed in the middle of the bustling reading room—no weapon, no witnesses, and no clear way anyone could have escaped. The locked‑room tension is fantastic, and the domed reading room setting adds a deliciously bookish charm to the unfolding investigation.

Aunt Violet is, as ever, a delight, and her discovery about the victim’s research into a lost Italian sculpture adds a satisfying historical thread. Hannah’s determination to help—despite her husband’s pleas to leave things to the police—feels true to her character and gives the story its warm, human heartbeat.

This final instalment is cozy, clever, and wonderfully readable. Fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, and T.E. Kinsey will adore the blend of wit, intrigue, and classic mystery flair. A perfect send‑off to a charming series.

With thanks to Anita Davison, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[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 6th book in the series, a novel set in London (and environs) during WW1. Like the others in this series, it is a "cosy" murder mystery.

Having read all the previous books in the series, it was good to catch up with Hannah and Darius, together with Aunt Violet, Aidan, and other recurring characters. Hannah and Darius are now living at the hotel owned by Aidan (helped by Aunt Violet) whilst their own house is being renovated. The bookshop in Covent Garden is still going strong. Whilst trying to track down a rare book for a customer, Hannah visits the reading room at the British Library (then located next to the British Museum). Once again, Hannah finds herself embroiled in trying to solve a mysterious murder that takes place in that very spot!

This was an enjoyable light read, in the "cosy murder" genre. I'm hoping that there will be others in the series, and am looking forward to reading the next!

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

[April Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah is visiting the Reading Room of the British Museum with her friend Matilda Gilmartin to look for a book for one of her customers. They arrive in time to be there when a man is found slumped over a desk and apparently dead with a fatal wound in his back. They find the gentleman is an expert on Italian renaissance art and sculpture and is an old friend of Aunt Violet's partner retired DI Aidan Farrell. Can Hannah and Aunt Violet, along with help from Matilda, Aidan and Darius, find justice for the man.

This is the 6th and final installment in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series. I am sorry to say goodbye to them. The mysteries take place during the time of WWI and the Spanish Influenza outbreak in London. The characters are well developed and feel like old friends. This mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I really wasn't sure how it was going to conclude. There were some good twists and turns. A well done British Cozy Mystery for sure.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the chance to read and give my opinion on this book.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for Netgalley for the ARC!
New instalment, seeing how (ex-detective) Aidan is running the hotel he took over from his aging mother, and less plot about the bookshop (how far the story has progressed!) But guess what, the war is mostly over, and Archie returns (just a cameo in this story as the main plot is at the British Museum this episode). I very much enjoyed the dynamics of Darius & Hannah in their married life, and how Darius was transitioning out of his code breaking work at MI5.

The plot this time is quite an interesting one, and also a little touchy, on how valuable antiques are moved out of the country during or pre-war to be protected and sometimes, it is so difficult to get them back and becomes private collector items and the world never sees them again.

As there was mention of the next phase of life in the end, is there someone new joining Hannah's family in the next book?

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy of Murder in the Reading Room. All opinions and comments are my own.

Would someone murder for art? Well, more for money, of course. And so it’s determined, as Hannah Merrill (now Mrs. Clifford) and her fabulous Aunt Violet hunt down the clues, the suspects and the whys and wherefores behind the hunt for a killer. Author Anita Davison has them moving right along in this fast-paced story.

The final “Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery” concludes on a satisfactory note of a job well done, as women (at least, those over 30) finally have the right to vote, Hannah and her Aunt Violet once again prove their worth as “detectives,” and with the war finally over, there’s reason to look forward to a hopeful future, for all and sundry.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah visits the British Reading Room to search for a rare book for a bookstore client. When a man is found murdered in the Reading Room while she is there, she is drawn into the investigation. The murdered man was a close friend of Aidan, retired police detective and her aunt’s partner. The story is set in the immediate aftermath of WWI in England and while everyone is glad the war is over, life is still full of difficulties and shortages. The story involves a sculpture of a girl, rumored to have been owned by the de Medici family. There is plenty of intrigue and suspicious characters to keep the story moving along. The descriptions of the time are fascinating as well. Women are just being allowed to vote (but must be over 30!), but they still face many limitations.
If you enjoy historical cozy mysteries, this one is made for you!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Linda "Lilybug's Library" · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a charming story that takes place in London just after the war. A man is murdered after looking into a work of art that could be worth a lot of money, or is it only a beautiful fake? It's up to Hannah and Aunt Violet to figure that out along with the rest of their family and friends. It's the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. It was interesting to see London so soon after the war and to hear how it was being restored, and how women were getting the vote. I enjoyed the back story as well as the characters and the mystery itself was very well. done. I will definitely be looking for this author again. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the advanced copy.

[Jeane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book via @netgalley but am sure that based on the cover and the title, I would have it in my hands when seeing it in a bookshop. This is the sixth book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet series from Anita Davison and what can we say about it, which we haven't said before? I love this series as the characters each have their own rebellious characteristics, and are a perfect fit in the stories. This one has a whole assortment of new items to enjoy. Aidan left the force, with Violet he is running a hotel, Hannah's new home needs to be renovated so they live in the hotel...and then, a dead person is found. The sixth story is as always cozy, funny and so well written. I can only say, read this series

[Amye (pagesandplannersabroad) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Hannah and Aunt Violet 6th and final book. I am so going to miss this series! I will have to start another Anita Davison series soon.

It is after the end of WWI, the soldiers are being sent home. The Spanish flu is running rampant. Society is trying to get back to normal. Hannah stumbles across a dead body in the Reading Room of the British Museum. It is practically a locked room mystery since you need a ticket to enter the area where the body is found. Unfortunately, the dead man was an acquaintance of Aiden, Aunt Violet’s paramour.

It was a very satisfying end to the series. I gave it 5 stars. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the free Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the series. The storyline was very interesting and different. It had me guessing till the end, and it was a lovely surprise. Many leads got them nowhere, which kept me turning the page. There was some action, lots of mystery, surprises and loving relationships. The characters, as usual, were well written and engaging. There was a lot of filler in this story, for one who does not like too much filler, but I still enjoyed the read and found myself sitting and not doing my housework. A lovely, clean and tidy murder mystery. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

[Gabyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting this book I didn’t know it was the last book in a series, and while it can totally be read as a standalone, I got the sense that the first (5) books give you a wider sense of who the characters are, their dynamic and relation… maybe that’s why I couldn’t connect deeply with the characters.

However, I did find the story appealing, and the mystery kept me interested. I didn’t except the culprit which was nice. I liked the writing, and the way the author takes you through the mystery and the different plots from the story.

It’s a good cozy mystery, with a historical setting that I will definitely recommend.

[Mrs.J.Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining historical thriller

I have enjoyed this series. I wonder if there are more in the pipeline, now that our protagonist is contemplating motherhood..

The writing is tight and gives a very clear insight into the times. The juxtaposition of traditional values with emerging political views is very well handled. Modernisation doesn't seem to get in the way of class structure.

A lot of research has gone into these books. It is an effortless way to learn history. There is enough romance and intrigue for the diehard romantics. And we are reminded that women really are just emerging from the chrysalis.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder in the Reading Room is my first foray into this mystery series and I really feel that I would have benefited from reading the previous books prior to diving into the final story. In terms of the plot, it felt grossly overshadowed by events involving the lives of the various characters in the story as opposed to solely focusing on the murder which occurs at the start of the novel.
The setting was well constructed for the era and added extra emphasis to the story although the plot deviation did affect my overall enjoyment of the book.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an arc.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I'm drawn to any book set in a bookshop or library, so Anita Davison hooked me quickly. The quality of writing kept me turning the pages. A cozy with a little more suspense than most, Murder in the Reading Room is a locked-room mystery. A library patron is murdered in a secure section of the library, but no clues are found to identify the killer. The characters make the story. Which one of them was brave/desperate enough to kill in plain sight? An interesting look at the differences between reading habits now and then.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Anita Davison for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in the Reading Room coming out June 29, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! Hannah Merrill and Aunt Violet are a fun duo. I loved the setting because it was surrounding books. I loved the mystery. I would definitely check out more books in the series!

[Sue Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER IN THE READING ROOM is a novel in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mystery series by ANITA DAVISON. The plot is well worked out and the characters are interesting. It is altogether an enjoyable read. The setting is in post war London and the atmosphere and well known landmarks are well described.
I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a cozy murder-mystery.
I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley from Boldwood Books. The opinions in thia review are completely my own.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet mysteries. A visit to the British Library finds a man slumped over a desk dead from a stab wound. However Hannah soon discovers that despite the initial investigation as to how it happened there is no sign of a weapon.
This as with previous books in the the series was written with good pacing in a historical setting. This one was a locked room type mystery with a cosy atmosphere making it a perfect summer escape.

[Jess Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not realized this was a series, and I think having character backgrounds would’ve added to the story, but it was possible to read as a stand alone book.

When an art scholar is found mysteriously murdered in the British Museum Reading Room, Hannah, her Aunt Violet, and reporter friend Matilda step up to investigate.

The tale tied together art history and theft. An enjoyable historical cozy.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC